Skydiving in Queenstown, New Zealand, is an experience you won’t soon forget. Not only is it a beautiful place to jump from a plane, it’s a crazy, adrenaline rush that you can’t quite comprehend until you’ve done it.
Knowing that most people are nervous and at least a little bit scared before they decide to jump from those doors, I’ve put together a list of my top 10 first time skydiving tips that might help you relax and enjoy the experience a little more.
First Time Skydiving Tips
Also see our full guide to skydiving in Queenstown to help you set up your adventure.
1. A 15,000ft jump requires oxygen for the last few minutes of the ascent which consists of a hospital looking mask popped over your face with a thin tube that goes into the wall. The pros just suck on the tube.
This is also the time I started questioning my decision to skydive!
2. You are literally dangling out of the plan for a few seconds while the Tandem Master sits on the edge to check his handles. By all means take your time and check those handles thoroughly…I’ll wait!
3. During the free fall your ears may pop. Mine certainly did and it hurt…A LOT.
4. It’s also hard to catch your breath so between trying to swallow to pop your ears and gasping for breath you may look like a fish in your video.
5. If you get a photographer to jump with you they may grab your hands and spin around which was a lot of fun.
6. If you jump in Queenstown and manage to catch your breath don’t worry, the scenery will take it away again.
7. Once the cord is pulled you descend in a sort of figure eight pattern so it’s like a bonus roller coaster ride.
8. The landing was super easy so don’t sweat it. I almost wish that part was a little more exciting.
9. You will be glowing for awhile after, and by glowing I mean a bright red face with big white patches around your eyes where the goggles were. Might not want to do this just before a special event like your wedding!
10. BONUS – you get to look like a superhero in those jumpsuits (kind of).
So would I recommend it? 100% heck yeah!
I hope these first time skydiving tips help you prepare for your first jump. It’s the ultimate bucket list experience!
If you’re ready to take the plunge check here’s all you need know about skydiving in Queenstown.
Ready for more Queentstown adventures? Jet boating down the Shotover River is a wild ride well worth considering.
Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.