First-time skydivers are typically a little nervous to jump out of an airplane. This is completely understandable, but those jitters are no reason to skip the experience altogether. If the first time skydiving jitters aren’t an issue and you’re ready to tackle your first skydiving experience, check out How to Prepare for Skydiving 101 for everything you need to know before you jump.
If you still need a little more information before taking the leap, these are the seven reasons to skydive here at Chicagoland Skydiving Center (CSC):
The biggest reason many try skydiving for the first time is to overcome a fear. Whether you get the sweats just thinking about tall heights or are wildly afraid of dying, there’s no better way to confront your nightmares than by living them in the waking world!
Look your fear in the eye and say “I’m not afraid of you!,” then face it— head on. Skydiving makes many feel invincible, like they can do anything in the world after dropping from the clouds. Experience the ultimate freedom of freefall and leave feeling like a champion of the sky.
First-time skydivers will never jump out of a plane solo; you’re always paired with a certified skydive instructor. This instructor had to go through some vigorous training and receive special certificates to freefall with someone strapped to their chest.
During your first jump, your tandem instructor will literally be pulling the steering toggles, ensuring that your canopy opens properly and that you land safely. There are a few things you can learn and do to make their job easier, but for the most part you can hang back and enjoy the rush without complicated training or instruction.
You might say, “Wait a minute, I’m freefalling with some person I just met?” Yes, yes you are— and that’s another huge fear that a lot of people have to overcome: trusting a stranger. But, you can’t skydive alone because you’d need a license. That means trusting someone else is not only beautiful, but necessary to have a great (and safe) experience.
Let us remind you that this tandem instructor is a professional who has made thousands of freefalls with hundreds or thousands of people. Breathe in that irrational fear and exhale with faith. Let go of your doubt and leave the stress behind you: your tandem partner has your back, completely.
You have to admit, it would be pretty cool to tell all your friends that you dropped from 18,000 feet above the ground! Not everyone you know has the courage to take the plunge— and you’ll be known as the fearless one amongst your friends and family.
Your skydive will surely make for a hell of an ice breaker at your next party or get together. Plus, if you purchase the video and picture package, you can show off to all your social media friends or pull up live shots during your next coffee date for instant proof of your fun skydiving adventure.
At Chicagoland Skydiving Center, you’ll spend 10-15 minutes in the airplane climbing to exit altitude. Depending on the height of your jump, you’ll spend between 30-90 seconds in freefall and another 5-7 minutes under the parachute before landing.
Your entire skydiving experience only lasts a few minutes, but when you’re in the air, it feels like an eternity! Suspended in freefall, time seems to freeze and a few seconds can feel like a few minutes or longer. As far as reasons to skydive go, reaching fast speeds during your fall is definitely up there. You’ll feel the rush of the wind in your face, see the clouds and the amazing view ahead— and leave with a new appreciation for time.
This one is a given: you’re going to see sights you wouldn’t see in your day-to-day life. You’ll feel the crisp fresh air high up in the clear skies. You’ll look down on the Earth, buildings, and cars— all like little dots.
There’s no question about it: for your first time skydiving, you’ll experience one incredible view in a way few can say that they have— from outside a plane.
Skydiving is fun in general, but our Chicagoland Skydiving Center is just an awesome place to be. Before or after your jump, head over to the Flight Deck Bar & Grill, where you’ll be able to watch freefallers from afar.
The Flight Deck Bar & Grill has a restaurant and bar that’s perfect for enjoying a beer with friends or even for parties or special events. With both outdoor and indoor seating, you can either be right in front of the action or in a private space, right by your drop zone
If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I go skydiving?”, take another breath. Of course it’s safe and it’s an amazing experience! Do you think we’d let you and our team jump out of a plane if it wasn’t?
Learn more about tandem skydiving or download our first-timer’s guide to see why people flock from all over to jump with us at CSC!