{"id":2062,"date":"2023-11-16T09:28:45","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T14:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/startskydiving.previewthe.site\/?p=2062"},"modified":"2024-09-21T23:45:12","modified_gmt":"2024-09-22T03:45:12","slug":"prepare-first-solo-jump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/blog\/prepare-first-solo-jump\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Prepare For Your First Solo Skydive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning <a href=\"\/blog\/how-to-become-a-licensed-skydiver\/\">how to skydive solo<\/a> requires you to enroll in a comprehensive training program that equips aspiring with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence needed before they skydive solo. This quick guide will walk through some essential preparation steps and answer common questions, such as, \u201cHow many tandem jumps before solo jumping are required?\u201d Let\u2019s dive in!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-width-640\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-640x427.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1732\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-1120x746.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fun-jumpers-start-skydiving-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Many Skydives Before Solo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve frantically been Googling \u201chow to solo skydive,\u201d you\u2019ve discovered by now that more often than not, a single <a href=\"\/blog\/how-to-prepare\/\">tandem skydive<\/a> is a prerequisite. Yes, just one! How come? Safety! <em>Everything in skydiving is safety oriented.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you skydive for the first time, it\u2019s easy to become overstimulated. During the tandem skydiving process, you\u2019re introduced to a lot of NEW. Such as unfamiliar <a href=\"\/blog\/gear-up-for-your-jump-essential-skydiving-equipment-explained\/\">equipment<\/a> and procedures, being in an airplane with the door open, and the sensations of freefall \u2013 your first time flying through the sky with nothing else but your <a href=\"\/blog\/how-qualified-is-my-instructor\/\"><em>incredible <\/em>instructor<\/a>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tandem skydives are a great way to be introduced to the <a href=\"\/blog\/what-does-tandem-skydiving-feel-like\/\">freedom of body flight<\/a>, and for our frantic Googlers, are a fantastic first step in the gradual progression to skydiving solo. As a precursor, it offers insight to the sport before making the commitment to send it solo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-width-640\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-640x427.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1940\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-1120x746.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/skydiver-leaping-from-airplane.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mental Preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s start hyping yourself up! We\u2019re not mathematicians, but we would bet that skydiving is about 90% mental and 10% physical.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do research.<\/strong><em><br><\/em>Entering the skydiving realm can be STRESSFUL. How can that be reduced? Education. We encourage you to reach out to us or do your own research about any concerns you may have. Whether you\u2019re worried about the <a href=\"\/blog\/is-skydiving-safe\/\">safety stats<\/a> of the sport, how to dress, or <a href=\"\/blog\/is-it-ok-to-eat-before-skydiving\/\">what to eat <\/a>on the day of your first solo skydive, we\u2019ve got your answers! Solidifying these questions beforehand will give you the assurance you need to take the next steps in learning to jump solo.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Breathe deeply. <\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Practice some techniques that help to calm your nerves and re-engage your mind. There\u2019s lots of learning that goes on before an initial solo jump, and if you find yourself feeling nervous, it\u2019s good to have some tricks in your back pocket that you know will help keep you composed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Be present.<\/strong><em> <\/em><em><br><\/em>Skydiving is all about enjoying the present moment! The next time you find yourself in a situation where you find your mind wandering, consciously work to bring yourself back.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Increase stamina. <\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Skydiving is a mentally demanding sport, and understandably so! Doing things that push your mental limits will help your brain gain stamina and be more quickly adaptable for all the \u201cnew\u201d you\u2019ll experience on your first solo jump!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Embrace fear. <br><\/strong>This may be our most significant piece of advice: <a href=\"\/blog\/from-fear-to-thrill-facing-your-skydiving-anxieties-head-on\/\">whole heartedly embrace the fear<\/a>. Hug it! Love it! Accepting the (totally normal) fear about skydiving will make it easier to overcome. On the other hand, if you resist it, it will be a constant uphill battle. Taking the first step of acceptance allows you to conquer it!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physical Preparation&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t worry \u2026 it\u2019s not a prerequisite to look like a bodybuilder or marathon runner to <a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/skydiving\/aff\/\">skydive solo<\/a>. If it was, (almost) all skydivers would be banned! That being said, skydiving <em>is<\/em> a physically demanding activity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we skydive, our bodies have to resist the wind, which is flowing by at over 100 mph. Imagine sticking your arm out the window of a moving car, now multiply that by 10 and with your entire body! Let\u2019s go over a few key moments of a skydive and how you can prepare your body for them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prepare for the plane. <\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Climbing into the plane, crouching down, scooching along the seat, and waddling to the door all take a degree of flexibility. Practicing some toe touches can help prep for this.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prepare for the sky.<\/strong><em><br><\/em><em>Arch! <\/em>The \u201cbanana\u201d position is the most common position in skydiving, and is the position you will be in while in freefall, during both a tandem skydive and first solo skydive. The arch can be practiced by lying on your stomach and pushing your chest up with your arms into a cobra position. Stretch that tummy!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prepare for the ground.<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>The landing will go one of two ways \u2013 a stumble or a fabulous walk out, either way A+, you did the dang thing! Doing some squats, hamstring stretches, and quad stretches can help prepare your body to stick your first solo landing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What about attire? We suggest wearing clothing that allows for mobility and is weather appropriate. No open-toed shoes, please!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-width-640\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-640x427.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2032\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-1120x746.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/aff-training-start-skydiving.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Training &amp; Education&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is there an actual <em>class <\/em>that teaches you to skydive solo? You betcha! Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the most all-encompassing, intensive, and efficient way to teach beginners how to skydive alone, and <a href=\"\/blog\/why-first-timers-choose-start-skydiving-in-ohio\/\">we are so proud to use this method<\/a>! A First Jump Course (FJC) is taught by a certified tandem instructor and takes place prior to the first solo jump. This five to eight hour course takes place on the ground and extensively covers every part of the skydive, how to safely handle any possible situation, and how to deploy your parachute and have a successful first solo jump \u2013 woo!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Solo Skydiving Requirements&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How can you skydive alone? By meeting the following requirements!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>18 years old (no maximum age limit)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maximum of 235 lbs&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be height-to-weight proportionate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generally good physical and mental health<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Requirements or restrictions in the skydiving world are never put in place to exclude anyone, but to ensure the experience is safe and fun for both students and instructors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you ready to get a tandem under your belt, discover skydiving is the best thing since sliced bread, and learn to skydive solo!? <a href=\"\/book-now\/\">Book your First Jump Course<\/a> today! We cannot wait to have you and welcome you to our sky fam. Blue skies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learning how to skydive solo requires you to enroll in a comprehensive training program that equips aspiring with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence needed before they skydive solo. This [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1822,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aff","category-skydiving"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2062","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2062"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3944,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2062\/revisions\/3944"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2062"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}