Just off AFF

[lespaul980 0]

About 3 weeks ago I finished up AFF and got cleared to self supervise in freefall. The following week I made my first solo dive from a CASA (we normally jump from an Otter), and as I was going to make a second jump I got very nauseous and light headed on the plane. I decided to ride the plane back down. Yesterday I went back to jump (again from a CASA) and the same thing happened at about 12,000 feet. My instructors think I should try making a fun jump with one of them next time just to help build confidence, but I was wondering if there's any thing else I can do to help prevent this. I generally don't eat much on days I jump. I'm just very frustrated right now. I'd appreciate any advice.

[NWFlyer 2]

First of all, smart call riding the plane back down. It's the first of many not fun but ultimately safe decisions you will make in this sport.

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I generally don't eat much on days I jump.

That could be part of your problem. Keep snacks around so that you can keep your energy up and your blood sugar regulated. You don't have to eat heavy meals to stay balanced. It could also be that you're dehydrated - do you drink water or sports drinks at all while you're there?

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from a CASA (we normally jump from an Otter)

How's your breathing on the plane? Casa rides are much slower than Otter rides; I wonder if the effects of hypoxia are hitting you more since the climb to altitude is longer.

I did a jump at Lost Prairie this year (which is at a higher altitude to begin with, so the effects of being at altitude in the plane were more pronounced). Right before jump run I started fussing with my booties. The combination of bending over and all that movement made me borderline hypoxic.

That experience has made me more conscious of being very deliberate about my movements in the plane, particularly as the plane gets to higher and higher altitudes. I move as little as absolutely possible in preparing for jump run, and I ensure that my breathing is slow, deep, and deliberate.

Not sure if this advice will help you, but it might be what's contributing to your light-headedness.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[lespaul980 0]

someone on the plane mentioned that it looked like i was focusing too much on taking deep breaths and he thought that i was causing myself to hyperventilate. he recommended that i try coming up with a dive flow before jumping so i have something else to think about on the plane. thanks for the advice.

[MrFreefall383 0]

My suggestion, as I was always nervous as hell on the way up during my IAF jumps, is drink plenty of Gatorade, keep your electrolytes up even if you're afraid to eat much for fear of it coming back up. And when you're going up, try to close your eyes, take smooth even breaths, and try to flush everything out of your head other than the task at hand.

"If at first you don't succeed... well, so much for skydiving." - aviation cliche

[NWFlyer 2]

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someone on the plane mentioned that it looked like i was focusing too much on taking deep breaths and he thought that i was causing myself to hyperventilate. he recommended that i try coming up with a dive flow before jumping so i have something else to think about on the plane. thanks for the advice.

Interesting point - obviously, those who are observing you have better data than I do. I did a LOT of visualizations of dive flows on my rides to altitude as a student (most of which were in Cessnas, so they were SLOW). They helped me avoid "brain lock" in the air, and gave me something to do on the ride besides freak out.

I still visualize today. It's a great tool for skydivers of all experience levels.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[jojo69 0]

Congratulations on your safe choice to ride the plane down. I did the same thing a few weeks ago. The pilot was very friendly and helpful on the way down.

When I first started to jump "self supervised" I realized that I had no idea what I was supervising myself doing. This gave me plenty of time to think and over think on the way up. My instructors started working with me on what each dives purpose should be. It helped a great deal.

Dehydration is a problem that will cause light headedness and anxiety. You should always get plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty.

I hope to be jumping again in two weeks. I hope to see you there.

[towerrat 0]

There have been some really good posts as to your dilemma, and I'm sure in time you will find yourself and relax. My only suggestion would be to try and relax, this is supposed to be fun. Chill out , eat something good for you and stay hydrated, but most importantly remember to smile. SMILE DAMMIT!!!!

Never forget why you started jumping, because it's cool as hell.

Blue skies, you'll be fine!

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!

[legorowbot 0]

I did my first jump after AFF this weekend. One the way up I noticed that I was a little more apprehensive than I was on my AFF jumps. I agree with NWFlyer about the visualization... I didn't really have a dive flow in my head, and I didn't have anything to think about to get my head off my nerves. Once I started thinking about what I was going to do I didn't feel quite as nervous. Here's a piece of advice that I've been given, and it helps: "Smile, you're having fun, remember?"

Why does it say "Append signature to post" when I don't have a signature?

[kelpdiver 2]

are you very nervous about doing your first solo? Couple that with the different plane and the low blood sugar and you could be self inflicting this feeling.

If so, doing a fun jump with one of the instructors is a good plan. If they're offering to do it for free or a slot, definitely do it. Or even as the first coach jump.

It could be hypoxia, though at 12k, seems more likely the slower ride is giving you too much time to deal with the nervousness. Reminds me of my first pack job jump. That was a *long* time to altitude.