My First Time is next week

[Copeland 0]

Ok guys! I am jumping next week in Vegas. (www.skydivelasvegas.com)

I will be doing the Tandem from 3 miles and I am already scared to death. I am a Rescue Specialist for Bexar county (San Antonio, TX) and I do vert rope rescues etc, but this whole idea of jumping out of a plane is really nerve racking. Any tips on getting over the fear?

[Copeland 0]

Sorry if my question is a redundant one.

Any tips for a first time sky diver would be appreciated.

[airathanas 0]

As I've heard many times myself-

feel the fear and do it anyway.

http://3ringnecklace.com/

[Jewels 0]

LOL--I started a reply once and deleted it because I feel inadequate to the task. I have VERY few jumps and a hefty case of door fear, but I have to say it's worth it (or I'd only have 1 jump instead of 3).

If there was a magic chant to give you to help with the fear, I would. Heck, I'd repeat it to myself over and over and over and over! What DOES help is knowing what's going to happen on the dive and using my mental energy to think about that rather than the fear. I know you're doing a tandem but it might help to talk with your TI beforehand to get some real information about the jump. Find out a bit about the gear and what's going to happen on your dive, and concentrate on those things. I find that the more I actively participate in the jump, the less time and energy I have for fear to get in the way. I was lucky. The first jump I did was a tandem and the instructor knew I was interested in AFF so I got more information than the other tandem passengers that day. I know I learned a lot more, and I'll bet that I enjoyed my jump more than they enjoyed theirs, too!

I've also found that the fear subsides once I get out the door and get into a nice, comfy free fall. To do that, just do what you're told--which, in all likelihood, will include the word "ARCH!"
Oh--and the thing that people still remind me of is, the whole reason you're going skydiving in the first place is that it's FUN! Don't let the fear overshadow that. Enjoy your tandem!

TPM Sister #102

[docdialtone 0]

Ya didn't have to go alllllll the way to vegas to jump!!! (oh wait a minute...my first tandem was in vegas) Just drive up to san marcos, one of the best DZ's in the world. I just got my A license there so if you like it in vegas come on out, PM me and I'll meet ya there. BTW I am with a search group in SA also, The Heidi Search Center.

[Copeland 0]

Very cool! Thanks for all the replies so far, keep 'em coming!

If I do enjoy it as much as I am hoping to, I will definitely shoot you a PM.

[skymedic 0]

Don't go to skydive Las Vegas. Do a search on here as to why...Go to san marcos and jump local...you'll enjoy it much more and you won't be just a passenger.

Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....

[astor 0]

I found very helpful to concentrate on my breath during the flight to the altitude. Deep, slow breathing helps you to accommodate the air pressure changes and also sends positive signals to your brain. Also try to make a deep exhalation just before exit - the subsequent aspiration at beginning of the freefall will help you to form the correct body position (but consult it with your tandem pilot, of course).

You can also find some useful fear related resources here:

http://www.zct.co.uk/skydivemag/pages/articles/oct99/copingwithfear.htm
http://www.transcendingfear.com

And - do not forget to have fun!

[laughn_gas 0]

Accept your fear. Once you're out the door, you'll notice that the fear was left behind in the aircraft.
Enjoy your first jump.

See ya in a minute. Peace out!