Here's what you need to do to learn the basics of skydiving:
1. Sure you want to skydive but you will be required to understand the basics of skydiving before they will let you so some careful study and training is necessary. If you know what to expect your jumps will be exciting and exhilarating as opposed to a recipe for fear and anxiety.
Begin with books and videotapes / DVD's on the subject and make sure you know everything you need to know in a theoretical sense. If at any time you decide you really can't do this decide now, not later.
2. If you still want to jump it's time to find a good jump school (I said GOOD jump school) and get started. Yes you do need formal instruction to learn the basics of skydiving. (Remember it does involve jumping out of a plane. Be sure to pick a reputable school with a long history of safe and successful jumps. These days the majority of specialty dive schools offer you training in the basics of skydiving as well as your first jump opportunity. Are you ready to rock and roll?
3. We would like to assume that you are in good physical condition but you probably aren't - so now is the time to get in shape. Once, or preferably BEFORE, you enroll in a formal class get your body under control. Skydiving does exact a toll on your mind and body so pay your personal physician a visit and tell him about your plans and that you intend starting a program of physical training.
If he or she agrees then go for it! Remember you don't require massive strength to learn the basics of skydiving but the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the experience is likely to be (this is true of most activities anyway)
4. What about your mind? You would do well to be mentally prepared for this mind-blowing adventure. Human beings are pretty comfortable on solid ground so when your feet leave the relative safety of the plane you will be entering a foreign world. Take a little time to center yourself emotionally and picture yourself actually doing it. You can't quit now! Being prepared may turn the experience from a potentially frightening one into a real adventure. Choose to make it a positive experience.
5. Start networking with other skydivers and you will never have to jump alone! Get to know experienced skydivers or people who interested in the sport like you. If you work with a school you will already have made contact with skydiving buddies. They will be: somebody to be scared with, aomebody to jump with and somebody to celebrate with after your first jump.
6. Record your skydiving jump by asking somebody to film it for you. Most jump schools offer videography services to capture your leap into the unknown. If you have the money arrange for somebody to capture it all so you can show your friends. Filming the jump is also a great way to examine your jumping technique!
