What Does Skydiving Feel Like?

One of the most common questions asked by customers at Skydive New England is, “What does skydiving feel like?”. Well, it’s very difficult to capture in words exactly what it feels like to skydive for the first time. Many first-time tandem skydivers find themselves surprised when they land from their jump. The preconceived notions of skydiving often don’t live up to what it actually feels like to skydive.

Your skydiving experience not only brings new physical sensations but also an influx of intense emotions. Skydiving can be compared to a musical piece in which the melody slowly crescendos, peaks, then gradually softens. During the airplane ride, the intensity slowly builds as you climb to 14,000 ft. The 20-minute airplane ride is a reality check for many people, you sit with your thoughts and ask yourself, “Am I really going to leave this airplane and jump out into the sky?!” The peak occurs when you reach altitude, move to the airplane door, leap out into the open sky, and start freefalling. The parachute ride back down to the ground is quite soothing. This is when you really get to appreciate the beauty of the world from a birds-eye view.

Does Skydiving Feel Like Falling?

Not at all! Pretty surprising, right? Most people imagine a falling sensation when they think about skydiving. Have you ever had one of those dreams where you’re falling and suddenly jerk awake with fright, your heart racing? It’s definitely not fun to wake up in such a discombobulating way. Luckily, skydiving doesn’t feel anything like that. It feels more like flying than falling. It’s very windy, loud, and intense. Your adrenaline is pumping and your senses come alive. Skydiving is quite breathtaking and gives you a refreshing, incredible perspective on the world.

Does Skydiving Feel Like a Roller Coaster Ride?

Some might describe a skydiving experience as a roller coaster of emotions – in a good way. But as far as physical sensations go, skydiving is as far from a roller coaster ride as it can get. Many first-time tandem jumpers expect the stomach drop sensation you get when you reach the crest of a roller coaster ride and begin plummeting down the tracks.

There is actually no stomach drop when you jump out of the airplane and enter the freefall portion of your skydive. Why not? Well, on a roller coaster ride you reach the highest point of the tracks and pause before shooting back down. When skydiving, however, there is no pause. You are exiting a moving airplane, so your body is already in motion before you jump out.

So, What Does it Feel Like to Go Skydiving?

Ultimately, skydiving feels like flying. As a whole, it’s very freeing and incredible, though each portion of your skydive is accompanied by different sensations. The airplane ride up to 14,000 ft is what many consider to be the hardest part. This is when people begin second-guessing themselves. You’re staring adventure straight in the eye, and you become increasingly aware of the reality of your decision. Although it can be a bit scary, it’s tremendously satisfying.

Cold air rushes into the airplane when the door opens. Watching someone jump out is astonishing. They’re in the doorway one second and then, poof! They’re gone in the blink of an eye. You and your instructor move towards the door and you see the ground thousands of feet below. You may be surprised to discover that there is no ground rush sensation when you exit the airplane so people who are afraid of heights or climbing on ladders do not feel the same sensations at the door of the airplane.  All of a sudden, you’re just plummeting toward the ground at 120 mph, and you’re completely living in the moment. The sensations are indescribable. It’s very windy, very intense, and extremely liberating.

When your parachute opens, your brain was just getting used to the feeling of freefall and it’s over before you’re ready for it to be. Flying under canopy is quite soothing and the perfect way to relax after the intensity of the freefall. It is much quieter and you can speak freely with your tandem instructor. This is when you get to soak in the sights and appreciate the beauty of the world from a new perspective. One of the interesting things you’ll notice about the parachute ride is the temperature change, especially if you skydive in the summer. The air grows warmer as you glide softly toward the ground and eventually come to land.

The landing is pretty important too! Although it marks the end of your skydive, this is when you really get to process what just happened. When you finally touch the ground after your extraordinary journey, you feel like a million bucks. Pure bliss.

Why Do People Like The Feeling Of Skydiving?

Skydiving gives people such remarkable feelings of empowerment and accomplishment. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be Superman, soaring freely over Metropolis? Well, skydiving can easily be compared to flying in that way. The feelings you get when you skydive are very freeing. You feel like all of your potential has been unlocked, that you can now overcome anything. Many people walk away after their skydive feeling like a new person, more free and open to facing the challenges of the world. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. After you skydive you feel like you can do anything. Book your reservation at Skydive New England today to see for yourself!