Skydiving Free Fall
Finnegan Flynn
| 26-05-2025

· Sport team
Hey Lykkers! Have you ever imagined what it feels like to jump out of an airplane at thousands of feet above the ground?
Sounds crazy, right? But for many of us, skydiving is the ultimate test of courage—and the ultimate thrill.
Whether we're adrenaline junkies or just curious about what it's like to float through the sky, today we're diving into what really happens during a skydive. From the prep to the heart-pounding free fall, let's explore the world of high-altitude adventure together!
Before the Jump: Mental Prep and Safety First
Before we ever get near the plane, there's a lot we need to understand and prepare for. Skydiving isn't just about guts—it's about being safe and smart. Most first-time jumpers go for a tandem skydive, where we're securely attached to a professional instructor. They handle the technical parts, like parachute deployment, while we get to focus on the experience.
Before the jump, we'll go through a short training session—usually around 30 minutes. It covers how to position our body during free fall, how to lift our legs during landing, and what to expect step-by-step. It's short but essential to help us feel ready and stay safe.
The Gear That Keeps Us Safe
Let's talk about the equipment, because it's what keeps us floating instead of falling hard. A typical setup includes a harness, a main parachute, a backup parachute, and an automatic activation device (AAD). The AAD is a small computer that opens the reserve parachute automatically if needed. So even if we're too shocked to react (it happens!), the gear's got our back.
We'll also be suited up in a jumpsuit, goggles, and a helmet. Everything is checked multiple times before we go up. It's normal to feel nervous, but knowing how well-regulated and carefully managed everything is can help us breathe a little easier.
Up in the Sky: The Plane Ride
Once we're geared up, we hop into a small plane and take off. This part might surprise us—it's actually calm. The views outside are stunning, and the ride gives us time to mentally prepare. We usually reach jump height around 10,000 to 14,000 feet (about 3,000 to 4,000 meters), which takes 10–20 minutes.
As the door opens and the wind rushes in, this is the moment when everything becomes real. Heart pounding, palms sweaty—but excitement building. When it's our turn, we move to the edge, and then… we jump.
The Free Fall: 60 Seconds of Pure Adrenaline
Here comes the most intense part—free fall. For about 45 to 60 seconds, we're falling at speeds of around 200 km/h (120 mph). But strangely, it doesn't feel like falling. It feels like floating. The wind pushes against our body so strongly that we feel supported by the air itself.
Our senses go into overdrive. Everything is loud and fast, and yet—there's a weird kind of peace. We're weightless, suspended between sky and earth. For many of us, it's not just about thrill—it's about letting go, mentally and physically, in a way we never have before.
The Parachute Opens: A Sudden Shift
Right around 5,000 feet (about 1,500 meters), the parachute opens with a noticeable pull. Suddenly, everything slows down. The roaring wind quiets. Now we're just floating gently down, enjoying a breathtaking view of the landscape below.
This part lasts a few minutes and gives us a chance to take it all in. Our instructor might even let us steer the parachute a bit if conditions are good. Compared to the free fall, it's calm, scenic, and almost peaceful.
The Landing: Smooth and Safe
As we approach the ground, our instructor will guide the landing. All we need to do is lift our legs and slide or gently step onto the ground, depending on the method. It's quick and often smoother than we expect.
After landing, the first thing most of us do is smile—or shout! The adrenaline still pumps through our body, and we suddenly realize—we did it. We actually jumped out of a plane!
Is It Worth It? Absolutely!
Skydiving isn't for everyone, but for those of us who take the leap, it's often life-changing. We conquer fear, gain confidence, and see the world from a whole new perspective—literally. It teaches us to trust ourselves, our training, and sometimes, to just let go.
Many Lykkers who try it once end up wanting to go again. Some even take courses to learn how to skydive solo. But whether we do it once or make it a new hobby, that first jump stays with us forever.
Ready to Take the Leap?
So, Lykkers—how about it? Would you dare to skydive? Or have you already done it and want to share how it felt? Let us know in the comments! Whether you're still on the fence or already packing your bags for the next jump, we hope this guide helped you feel more prepared—and inspired to challenge yourself in the most exciting way possible.
Jumping out of a plane might sound wild, but with the right prep, the right mindset, and the right team, it's one of the most unforgettable things we'll ever do. Let's fly free—together!