Preparing for Your First Skydiving Jump
What to wear, how to prepare mentally, what happens step by step at the airfield — everything you need to know before jump day.
For your first tandem skydive you don't need any prior preparation. You need: minimum age 16, maximum weight 110 kg, good health, comfortable sports clothing and booking at least 7 days in advance. The instructor handles everything — from the 15–20 minute briefing to landing. Total activity duration: 2–3 hours.
Jump day is approaching and you feel a strange mix of excitement and nerves. That's completely normal. Your first tandem skydive is one of those experiences that stays with you forever — but proper preparation makes the difference between a stressful day and one you'll remember with a huge smile.
This guide covers everything you need to know before arriving at the airfield: how to prepare physically and mentally, what to wear, what happens step by step on jump day, and what common mistakes to avoid.
If you first want to understand where you can jump in Romania and how much each package costs, check out our complete guide to skydiving in Romania — there you'll find all the details about locations, prices and available packages. Then come back here for the actual preparation.
What you need to know before skydiving day
Participation requirements — check them in advance
Before anything else, confirm that you meet the participation conditions. At Romanian airfields, the standard requirements are:
- Minimum age: 16 years. People between 16 and 18 need notarized consent from both parents.
- Maximum weight: 110 kg.
- Health condition: no serious heart conditions, no severe ankle or foot problems, no epilepsy.
- No prior preparation needed — the certified instructor handles everything.
Booking — don't leave it to the last minute
Regulations require booking at least 7 days before your desired date. During peak season (May–August, weekends), spots fill up quickly. We recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead if you want a specific date.
An important detail: jumps can be rescheduled due to weather conditions. If weather doesn't permit, the operator will contact you to set a new date — the voucher remains valid for the full 12-month period.
How to prepare on jump day
What to eat and what to avoid
Don't jump on an empty stomach — but not on a full one either. A light meal 2–3 hours beforehand is ideal. Avoid:
- Alcohol for at least 12 hours beforehand. Alcohol dehydrates and affects coordination.
- Heavy meals on jump morning. Nausea during freefall is rare, but it exists.
- Excessive coffee if you're already nervous — it amplifies anxiety.
Stay well hydrated the day before and in the morning. A hydrated body responds better to the adrenaline of freefall.
What to wear for a skydive
Basic rule: dress like you're going for a jog, not for a night out. Specifically:
- Long, comfortable pants — no tight jeans, no shorts.
- Long-sleeved shirt or light sweatshirt. At 4,000m the temperature is significantly lower than on the ground.
- Sneakers or sports shoes with laces tied tight. No sandals, slippers or platforms.
- Long hair should be tied back securely before gearing up.
- Prescription glasses — operators provide special protective goggles that fit over them.
Mental preparation before your first jump
Pre-jump nerves are universal — even people who have jumped dozens of times get them. A few things that actually help:
Get informed, don't avoid the topic. The more you understand what happens step by step, the less your brain has to "imagine" in negative scenarios.
Focus on the briefing. The instructor will explain everything in 15–20 minutes. Listen actively — it's more useful than worrying in parallel.
Breathe consciously in the plane. Long inhales, slow exhales. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces panic response.
What happens step by step on jump day
Here's what a typical day looks like at Romanian airfields, from arrival to landing:
- Arrival at airfield — 30–60 minutes before scheduled time. Present your voucher or booking confirmation.
- Check-in and weather verification — operator confirms that wind and visibility allow jumping that day.
- Briefing with instructor — 15–20 minutes. Learn freefall position, hand signals and what follows at each stage.
- Gearing up — jumpsuit, tandem harness, helmet, goggles. Instructor checks each element before boarding.
- Boarding the plane — flight takes 15–20 minutes to reach jump altitude (4,000m at Clinceni and Tuzla, 3,000m at Cluj).
- Freefall — approximately 60 seconds at 200 km/h. Instructor controls everything; you enjoy the sensation.
- Parachute deployment — at ~1,500m altitude. Followed by 6–10 minutes of gentle floating with panoramic views.
- Landing — completely controlled by instructor. At their signal, lift your legs for ground contact.
- Debrief — instructor explains what went well and answers any questions you have.
Video — why we strongly recommend it for your first jump
The jump moment passes extremely quickly. Many people don't remember visual details from freefall — the brain is too busy processing sensations. Video saves the memory you'd otherwise lose.
| Video option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Handcam | Camera on instructor's hand, POV angle, captures your expression at jump moment | First experience, moderate budget |
| Freefall cameraman | Third skydiver dedicated to filming, multiple angles, superior cinematic quality | Quality memories, special gift |
| Complete package | Video + photos, digital delivery after jump | Strongly recommended for first jump |
All video packages are available in the Skydiving collection at cadouriperfecte.ro — you can compare options and book directly online, with voucher delivery in a few hours by email.
Book now — voucher arrives in hours
Valid 12 months at all Romanian locations. Give as a gift or use personally. Free exchange with another experience if you change your mind.
View skydiving packages →Frequently asked questions about skydiving
What happens if I get scared in the plane and don't want to jump anymore?
You can back out anytime before exiting the plane — no one will force you. In practice, instructors say almost everyone who gets in the plane and reaches the door chooses to jump. Adrenaline and curiosity almost always win. But the decision is completely yours.
How cold is it at 4,000 meters altitude during the jump?
Temperature drops approximately 6.5°C for every 1,000m of altitude. At 4,000m, on a warm summer day, you might feel 10–15°C colder than on the ground. The provided jumpsuit compensates largely, but if you're sensitive to cold, wear a thin thermal layer under the jumpsuit.
Can I skydive if I have claustrophobia?
Yes. The skydiving plane is small, but the flight lasts 15–20 minutes, and the jump itself is the opposite of an enclosed space. Claustrophobia refers to spaces with no exit — freefall doesn't fit this category. If you have specific concerns, discuss with the operator before booking.
Is a first skydive suitable as a gift idea for skydiving in Romania?
It's one of the most appreciated experience gifts. The voucher is delivered online in a few hours, is valid for 12 months and can be personalized with a message. The recipient chooses the date and location themselves. If the person changes their mind, the voucher can be exchanged for another experience from the portfolio, without penalties.
How old do you have to be to skydive in Romania?
Minimum age is 16 years. People between 16 and 18 require notarized consent from both parents. There's no upper age limit, provided good health and staying within the maximum allowed weight of 110 kg.
How long does a skydive take from arrival to landing?
Total duration is 2–3 hours — includes check-in, briefing, gearing up, plane flight, freefall (~60 seconds), parachute flight (6–10 minutes) and landing. Freefall itself lasts about a minute, but preparation is an integral part of the experience.
Conclusion: you're ready to jump
Your first skydive doesn't require superhuman courage — it requires information and a well-organized day. If you know what to expect, you're dressed appropriately and you slept well the night before the jump, you've already done 80% of the work.
The rest happens at the airfield, alongside the certified instructor who handles everything.
Check out the detailed guide to skydiving in Romania 2026 for complete information about locations and prices. And when you're ready, book your skydiving package directly online — immediate email delivery, 12-month validity.
