The Cost of Skydiving and Other Points to Ponder Before Strapping on a Parachute

Skydiving is considered an extreme sport and there are some basic things that you need to know before attempting it. Skydiving is one of the most exciting sports you can do. Just imagine falling towards the earth at amazing speeds, what a thrill! However, it can be very dangerous as well. when experiencing this thrill you want to make sure that you know exactly what to do before you hit the ground or it very well could be the last excitement you ever encounter.

Is it Safe?

Skydiving can be perfectly safe as long as you are prepared and follow instructions. A good skydiver goes through the training period and pays attention. You must be committed to learning all there is to know about this sport before you begin. Other requirements that are needed to be a skydiver include overall good physical health, plenty of confidence and courage.

If you have doubts and are not 100 percent sure this is something that you want to do then it may be better to wait a little while until you have more confidence.

Take an Introductory Tandem Jump First

Naturally you will take a tandem dive with a certified instructor before you take the ultimate plunge into training and solo diving. This is all part of counting the cost (and I You will quickly find out whether you truly love it or hate it.

The costs of tandem jumps will vary, but will typically cost between $150-$250.

Just as an Example: Skydive Jersey Shore's prices are as follows:

• Tandem (Monday - Friday) - $205.00 / $195.00
• Tandem (Saturday/Sunday) - $215.00 / $205.00
• AFF Level 1-7 Skydives - Class $85.00 / Jumps $190.00

Bigger schools often offer group discounts so try to get some of your friends or family to enjoy the freefall with you. You can also check sites such as Groupon to find an intro jump discount. Photos and video will also cost extra...to the tune of $50 to $150 depending on the school.

Skydiving is not something you can back out of once you jump out of the plane and you can’t afford to panic. Your life depends on you being sure you have everything under control and that you know what to do and when to do it. If your mind is clouded with doubt, then your judgment may be impaired.

The age restriction for someone to go skydiving is normally eighteen with no exception. Minors are not usually allowed even with parent’s permission.

When you are ready to make the jump you should wear comfortable loose fitting clothing and running shoes or boots. When you are prepared and follow the rules, skydiving can be one of the most exciting adventures you ever take part in.

Keep in mind that skydiving is not called the ultimate thrill for nothing. Even though skydiving is not a physical sport that takes special fitness training to prepare for it, it does take a lot out of a person physically, mentally and emotionally. This is why it’s recommended that you see your health care provider before you start your training. Discuss your plans with them and make sure they think you’re in good enough shape to continue with these plans before you dive out of a plane.

Some schools may require a form from your doctor to ensure you are cleared to skydive. Either way, they should have a health form for you to fill out and sign stating that you are in good health.

If you don't suffer from motion sickness normally, then the likelihood of your getting sick is very small. Be sure to eat a light meal before you jump as it reduces the chances of nausea. An empty stomach isn't the ideal way to go.

Part of learning how to skydive includes choosing the right skydiving school. This is a big decisions and something that you should consider carefully. The first step would be to do your research and find a school that has a great reputation. This is a serious sport that requires you are trained by professionals that are qualified to teach. If you have friends that have been skydiving already, then you can ask their advice and see who they would recommend for you to use.

When choosing a skydiving school you should look for the following:

• Experience

• Location

• Schedules

• Communication Skills

Normally, after your ground training is completed you will be given a test to make sure you completely understand everything that you have went over during the course. Don’t worry so much about passing the test. The important thing is that you understand everything that you have been taught because you will need that information when you make a dive.

It’s for this reason that you need to choose a school that has well-trained, easy to understand instructors that you can identify with. Skydiving takes skill and training in order to know the proper procedures on how to open the parachute and on how to land safely. If you have an instructor that can’t communicate very well, then you may have problems understanding what it is you are supposed to do.

You need to be able to ask lots of questions and your instructor should take the time to make sure you completely understand one lesson before you move on to another. You should feel comfortable and be confident they have the ability to teach you everything you need to know to make a safe jump.

At any time if you feel rushed or like the instructor is more worried about completing the class than about whether or not you are truly learning, then you may want to consider changing to another school. Your life depends on the knowledge and skills you learn during the classes you take so you deserve to have an instructor that is patient and thorough.

You can take lessons with a class or you can hire a private instructor, whichever you are more comfortable with. Either way, it’s important that you pay close attention to everything they have to say. Never make a dive unless you are confident you are fully trained and ready.

Hopefully I have given you some serious points to ponder as you look forward to jumping out of a perfectly good airplane for the first time. Be sure to seriously count the cost and then have a blast!