*Skydive bought by Sian Victoria.

Sian Victoria © - Las Vegas Extreme tandem skydiving, Nevada

First Time Skydiving in Las Vegas: Pre Skydive Checklist

Las Vegas is a destination that holds so much more than just casinos and nightclubs. For me, it is my happy place, where I can explore and cross off a variety of items on my never-ending Vegas bucket list. My previous visit to Vegas allowed me to check off hiking the Grand Canyon in Arizona and strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a day trip in California. However, I accomplished one of my biggest dreams this year – skydiving in Las Vegas.

As a young child, I had always dreamt of jumping out of a plane. I had researched tandem skydiving in the UK but just never got around to pursuing it. However, where better to achieve this lifelong dream than in fabulous Las Vegas? I booked my skydive through an excursion app and website, which provided me with an array of Las Vegas excursions to choose from.

I selected Vegas Extreme Skydiving as my skydiving company, and I was not disappointed. They were professional, and friendly, and put me at ease. I opted for the £197 package, which included a jump, a USB stick with the video footage, and a shuttle service. It was worth every penny.

The shuttle service collected me from MGM Grand Resort, and during the short 20-minute journey, we were shown a demonstration video and asked to sign a waiver. Upon arrival at Jean Sport Aviation Airport, I met my instructor, suited up, and received instructions on how to execute the jump. Before I knew it, I was 15,000 feet above the Las Vegas desert in a plane.

Sian Victoria © - Las Vegas Extreme skydiving, Nevada

Although I longed to skydive for a while, I wasn't scared. I was more excited than anything and eager to soak in the stunning views of the Nevada mountains. When I first jumped out of the plane, my stomach dropped as if I was going over a big hill, but this feeling quickly dissipated as I began to free-fall. Soon, I was gliding through the air with a parachute.

Despite my excitement, I made the mistake of wearing too much mascara, and my eyelashes were squashed under the glasses which was a little uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I still managed to take in the beautiful views and appreciate the experience fully. Thanks to my instructor Brian, I was thrilled to have captured the entire experience on film and surprised I was able to keep my mouth closed on the first initial jump.

Vegas Extreme Skydiving provided excellent service, and I would undoubtedly recommend them to anyone. The staff and instructors were fantastic, and everything ran smoothly. After the jump, I was eager to share my experience with my family back in England, who was patiently waiting for the video.

After so many years of wanting to do this, I’m so glad to be able to take it off my list and finally push myself to get around to booking it. I’ll without a doubt do it again someday when I visit Las Vegas again or perhaps in another country, who knows.

Checklist Before Skydiving

If you're planning on leaping into the world of skydiving, it's crucial to make sure that you're well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience. Before jumping out of a plane, there are several important things to consider:

Do Your Research: When it comes to skydiving companies, not all are created equal. Take the time to do some research and read reviews about different skydiving companies in your chosen destination. Look for companies that have a proven track record of safety, experienced instructors, and positive customer feedback.

Check Safety Records and Certifications: Safety should always be your top priority when selecting a skydiving company. Make sure that the company adheres to safety standards and is equipped with experienced and certified instructors. Reviewing safety records and certifications will give you peace of mind and ensure that you're in capable hands during your jump.

Understand What's Included: Skydiving packages can vary, so it's crucial to understand what each package includes. From the type of jump (tandem, solo, etc.) to additional services like video footage and shuttle transportation, it's important to have clarity on what's included in your chosen package to help you plan and budget accordingly. For life-changing experiences like this, it is not ideal to simply pick the cheapest option, you want to pick the safest and most reputable option which means looking into the company and reading reviews far and wide.

Check Weight and Health Requirements: Skydiving companies often have weight restrictions for safety reasons. Ensure that you meet the weight requirements specified by the company you choose to avoid any disappointment. Additionally, consider your health conditions and consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns about your ability to skydive.

Book in Advance: Skydiving is a popular activity, particularly in tourist destinations. To secure your spot and avoid disappointment, it's advisable to book your skydiving experience in advance. This ensures availability on your preferred date and time.

Weather Considerations: Skydiving is weather-dependent, and safety regulations dictate that certain weather conditions are not suitable for jumps. Check the weather forecast for your intended jump day and be prepared for the possibility of rescheduling due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Listen to Your Instructor: Once you've chosen a reputable company and arrived at the drop zone, pay close attention during the pre-jump briefing. Your instructor will provide important information about the jump, safety procedures, and what to expect. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

Dress Appropriately: Comfort and safety are essential for a successful jump. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for your jump. Avoid accessories that could be lost during free fall and consider removing excess jewellery to prevent discomfort during the jump. Also, refrain from wearing too much mascara like me as it obstructed my view and make sure your hair is tied up securely to prevent it from coming loose and potentially getting caught in the equipment or obstructing the view of your instructor. Ideally, I should have put a plait in my hair as it came loose.

Stay Hydrated and Energised: Jumping out of a plane is a physically and mentally demanding activity, you need to act quickly and do exactly what your instructor says when they say it. So, ensure that you stay hydrated and have a light meal before your jump to maintain energy levels. Being well-rested and nourished contributes to an overall positive skydiving experience.

Embrace the Experience: Finally, approach your skydiving adventure with an open mind and a positive attitude. Trust in the expertise of your instructor and savour every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Skydiving in Las Vegas is not just a thrill; it's a journey that will stay with you long after you touch down on solid ground. If you see something you’re not too sure about or doesn’t look safe or secure speak up, it's best to mention it.

First-Time Tandem Skydiving Video

What Not to Do Before Skydiving

Before going on a gripping skydiving adventure, it is a priority to exercise caution by refraining from certain activities that may compromise your safety and enjoyment. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Don’t drink alcohol the day before: Consuming alcohol or any substances that alter your state of mind before skydiving is strictly prohibited. Such substances can impair your judgement, reflexes, and coordination, posing a significant risk to your safety as well as your instructor. To fully appreciate the experience, it is crucial to remain sober and clear-headed. If your instructor or any member of staff has a sense that you may be under the influence, they may not let you take the jump.

Pay attention to essential information: It is vital not to skip or ignore the pre-jump briefing, as it provides crucial information about safety procedures, equipment usage, and what to expect during the jump. Paying close attention during this session is paramount for a smooth and secure skydiving experience. For example, you’ll need to know how to land safely, and how to position your head and neck before jumping to prevent getting hurt.

Don’t have a heavy meal the night before: It is advisable to avoid indulging in heavy meals before the jump, as overeating can cause discomfort during the free fall and descent, potentially leading to nausea. Opt for a light, balanced meal a few hours before your scheduled jump to ensure you're energised without feeling overly full.

Don’t wear tight clothing: The day before my jump I had walked the full length of the Las Vegas strip and back again which meant on the day of my jump my legs were tired, swollen and I was aching all over. Furthermore, this made my jeans tighter than usual so when I came to do the jump, I wasn’t feeling my best and I struggled to lift my legs high enough as we were landing which could have been troublesome. So, from my experience don’t do excessive exercise the day before and make sure not to wear tight jeans that may restrict you.

Breathing Techniques During Free Fall:

To regulate breathing during a freefall, it is recommended to inhale through the nose and keep your chin up and head back. This prevents discomfort from the sensation of wind rushing into the mouth. Additionally, keeping the mouth closed during the initial freefall will help prevent any breathing difficulties caused by the force of the air. It is important to trust the body to naturally adjust to the airflow. Maintaining controlled and steady breaths during the skydiving experience will help manage anxiety and promote a more relaxed descent.

As you can see in my first-time tandem skydiving video, I kept my mouth closed and tried to keep my chin and head back however it did flop forward a little bit so use all your strength to hold it back as I did feel rather whiplashed afterwards. You can also see that my reactions are a little slow at the beginning when it came to putting my hands out as the woosh of air is a little deafening so you may not hear your instructors for the first few moments so keep an eye out for their hand gestures.

To conclude

My skydiving adventure in Las Vegas left a lasting mark on me, from the thrilling anticipation to the breathtaking descent. It symbolised conquering fears and celebrating life's adventures. My motto for this blog has always been ‘Dare to live the life you’ve always wanted’. So, taking a leap and doing something I’ve always aspired to do was the perfect way to step out of my comfort zone, giving me a newfound confidence to achieve and experience much more in life.