First Time Skydiving: What to Expect from Booking to Landing

What you will experience, step by step

Arrival and briefing

Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled time. Check-in involves ID verification, signing a waiver and a 10 to 15 minute briefing. Your instructor explains body position at the door (head back, hips forward, arms spread), the parachute deployment signal and the landing posture (legs raised).

The briefing is short but covers everything you need. You do not have to pilot anything: the instructor handles it all.

The climb

You board the aircraft in a group of 4 to 15 people depending on the plane. The ascent to 3,000 or 4,000 m (10,000 to 13,000 ft) takes about 15 minutes. This is the longest part and often the most nerve-racking. Your instructor clips you to their harness during the climb and checks every attachment point.

At 4,000 m, the outside temperature is roughly 10 to 15 °C cooler than on the ground. Goggles and gloves are provided.

Freefall

The door opens. The roar of the wind is immediate. You tip forward, attached to the instructor, and within 3 seconds you hit 200 km/h (125 mph). Freefall lasts between 40 and 60 seconds depending on exit altitude.

The sensation does not feel like falling. The wind creates an "air mattress" effect that makes you feel like you are floating at high speed. No stomach-drop feeling like on a roller coaster. This is the single biggest surprise for first-time skydivers.

Canopy ride

At roughly 1,500 m (5,000 ft), the instructor deploys the parachute. The contrast is striking: from noise and speed, you shift to silence and slow gliding. The canopy ride lasts 5 to 8 minutes. This is the moment to take in the scenery. The instructor may let you hold the steering toggles for a few turns if you want.

Landing

The instructor manages the approach and direction. Your only job: lift your legs horizontal in the final metres. Most landings are a sliding sit-down or a stand-up, depending on wind conditions. Nearly all drop zones have a clear, grassy landing area.

How to prepare for your first skydive

When to book

During peak season (May to September), the most popular drop zones fill up weeks in advance. In Interlaken (4 offers, the most iconic Alpine spot in our network) or near major cities, book 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Off-season, a few days is usually enough.

Jumps are weather-dependent. Choose an offer with a free reschedule option (most operators include one).

What to wear

Comfortable trousers (joggers, leggings), closed-toe lace-up shoes (no sandals, no boots), a t-shirt plus a light jumper. It gets cool at altitude even in summer. The jumpsuit is provided by the centre.

Do not wear jewellery, loose piercings or a hood. Leave your phone on the ground: centres ban personal devices in the air.

What to eat (and avoid)

Eat a normal meal 1 to 2 hours before the jump. An empty stomach amplifies nerves; a full stomach can cause nausea. No alcohol on jump day (or excessive amounts the night before). Drink water.

First-timer mistakes to avoid

Arriving right on time. Drop zones run on rotations. If you show up late, you move to the next slot or lose your place. Allow 30 minutes of buffer.

Skipping the video. The video costs 30 to 100 € depending on the package (mounted GoPro, external camera operator, or both). It is the only record you will have of a moment that lasts 60 seconds. Most jumpers who skip it regret the decision.

Tensing up at the door. The natural reflex is to stiffen and tuck your chin. That is the opposite of what you should do. Head back, back arched, arms open: the instructor does the rest. The more relaxed you are, the better the sensation.

Underestimating time on site. Expect 2 to 3 hours at the drop zone between check-in, briefing, weather delays, the jump itself and the debrief. This is not an activity you squeeze between appointments.

What budget to plan for a first skydive

In most of Europe, a standard tandem from 3,000 to 4,000 m costs 210 € to 350 €. The sweet spot is 250 € to 300 €. Price differences come down to exit altitude, location and included options.

Realistic all-in budget for a first jump:

The skydiving price guide breaks down rates by destination across Europe. For weight and age conditions, the typical range is 40 to 100 kg (88 to 220 lbs) and a minimum age of 15 (with parental consent).

Where to jump for your first skydive in Europe

Each drop zone has its own character. Here are the standout spots in our network:

Interlaken (Switzerland): the ultimate Alpine skydive, 4 offers from 461 € to 760 €. You freefall with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in your field of vision. Premium price, but a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop.

Prague (Czech Republic): one of the best-value tandems in Europe. 2 offers from 210 € to 220 €. Flat terrain, reliable weather from April to October.

Portimão (Algarve, Portugal): the cheapest tandem in our network at 149 €. 2 offers from 149 € to 179 €. Ocean views under the canopy and year-round flying weather.

If you are still hesitant, the guide on skydiving risks puts the safety statistics in perspective.