Your First Jump: What to Expect from Arrival to Landing

Introduction
Your first skydive is an unforgettable experience, combining excitement, nerves, and pure adrenaline. Whether you're jumping tandem or beginning a training course, it’s natural to want to know what to expect. This article walks you through a typical first jump experience at a British Skydiving-affiliated drop zone — from check-in to landing — so you can feel confident and prepared for your big day.

1. Booking and Preparation

Most first jumps are booked in advance online or by phone through a British Skydiving-affiliated Parachute Training Organisation (PTO). You’ll receive confirmation and details about:

• Arrival time and location

• What to wear (e.g., comfortable layers and closed shoes)

• Medical and consent forms to complete

You should:

• Eat normally but avoid alcohol or heavy meals

• Bring a government-issued ID

• Allow for a full day on site (weather can affect timings)

2. Arrival and Check-In

Upon arrival:

• You'll check in at the reception or manifest desk

• Complete any outstanding paperwork

• Get weighed (to ensure you're within safe limits for the equipment)

You may also meet other jumpers and instructors, and be briefed on the schedule for the day.

3. Training and Safety Briefing

Before your jump, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing. The type of training depends on your jump type:

Tandem:

• Lasts around 30–60 minutes

• Covers body position, communication signals, harness fitting, and landing technique

• The instructor will handle deployment, navigation, and landing

AFF or Static Line (Solo):

• Full-day ground school (4–6+ hours)

• Includes equipment orientation, aircraft drills, canopy control, emergency procedures, and landings

All briefings are conducted by British Skydiving-qualified instructors following standard protocols.

4. Gear Up and Pre-Jump Checks

Once weather permits, you’ll be called to gear up:

• Tandem students are fitted with a jumpsuit, harness, goggles, and helmet (optional)

• Solo students wear a full rig, helmet, altimeter, radio (for canopy guidance), and jumpsuit

Your instructor or safety officer will perform final checks to ensure everything is secure and functioning correctly.

5. Boarding the Aircraft

You’ll board a specially configured jump aircraft with your instructor or group. Inside:

• Tandem students sit in front of their instructor for connection and checks

• Solo students prepare for exit positions and review their drills

As the aircraft climbs, you’ll reach exit altitude — typically:

• 10,000 to 15,000 feet for tandem and AFF

• 3,500 feet for static line jumps

6. The Jump!

The door opens. It’s loud, windy, and exhilarating.

• Tandem: The instructor initiates the jump. You’ll experience 30–60 seconds of freefall followed by a parachute descent lasting 4–6 minutes.

• AFF: Students jump with instructors on either side, guiding them through freefall drills.

• Static Line: The parachute deploys automatically as you exit the aircraft, with no extended freefall.

Freefall speed can reach 120mph (193 km/h) and is often described as floating or flying.

7. Parachute Descent and Landing

Once the parachute is open:

• Tandem and solo jumpers follow flight patterns toward the landing zone

• Ground instructors may guide solo students via radio

Landings are generally gentle. Tandem students lift their legs while the instructor lands the pair. Solo students are trained to flare (slow the canopy) and land on their feet.

8. Post-Jump Debrief and Certificates

After landing:

• You’ll remove your gear and return to the manifest area

• Tandem students may receive a certificate and have the option to purchase photos or videos

• Solo students may review footage or performance with instructors

You’ll likely feel an incredible adrenaline rush — and may be inspired to continue your skydiving journey!

Conclusion

Skydiving for the first time is a powerful, rewarding experience. With British Skydiving’s safety standards, expert instructors, and structured process, you’re in safe hands from arrival to landing. Whether it’s a one-off bucket list jump or the start of a lifelong passion, your first jump is just the beginning.