Everyone has a different way of celebrating their birthdays and as for me, I always like to do something crazy. So, for my 30th birthday I decided to take the ultimate plunge and feel the exhilarating rush of flying. Year after year, I made plans but they could not materialize sometimes for the lack of funds and at other times due to limited holidays.
But finally this year, all my dreams came true. I will be sharing everything that you need to know to plan for your first skydive.
My first choice had always been to jump over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai for one of the world's best views.
Booking your slot
Skydive Dubai manages all skydiving operations in Dubai. They offer you two incredible spots to choose from - Palm drop zone and Desert campus drop zone.
Skydive Dubai has an excellent reputation for its safety and expertise. They have experienced skydivers from across the world and some of them hold Guiness world record as well. My coach happened to be from Canada.
I will recommend to book a slot online @skydivedubai.ae at-least a week before. It is easy to get a spot in Desert campus zone as Palm drop zone is relatively more famous.
Cost
Of-course skydiving is an expensive sport but the experience is all worth it.
The cost of tandem skydiving at desert campus zone is 1699 AED and at palm drop zone is 2199 AED
The D-Day
You are required to reach the skydive centre at the allocated time slot. Upon arrival you will be asked to fill certain forms and basic health check up (weight and BMI) is done. There could be a waiting time of 45 min to 60 min post this. You can grab a tea or coffee in a small cafe within the campus.
Almost half an hour before your dive, you will have a small training session of around 5 minutes where you are shown certain charts of body postures and finally you are harnessed. Post this you are taken to the boarding area where you wait for the plane. All sorts of thoughts come to your mind at that time but only thing you can do is to trust your instructor. Mine was actually too cool and funny.
As you fly to the jumping spot, you can expect mesmerising views of Dubai over Palm island. When you reach at an altitude of 13000 ft, instructors harnessed tightly with their candidates start to jump along with the guy who shoots the video.
It's a free fall of around 60 sec where your mind just goes blank at that moment. The parachute is deployed at a height of 6000 ft and next you gently swing and descend, watching spectacular views below.
Collection of pictures & video
You can collect the video and pictures from the store within 30 minutes.
Some pro tips for first timers :
Dress appropriately for skydiving. Generally rights and a snug t-shirt is good to go. Wear shoes with laces. Unfortunately I forgot to wear my sneakers and turned up in sports loafers. However, the team helped me with big rubber bands to tie around the shoes to prevent them from loosing.
Eat properly before your session. If it's a morning session don't go empty stomach as you might feel weak due to low sugar content. A smoothie could be filling and nutritious.
Minimum age to skydive is 18 years.
Make sure you are in allowed weight bracket which is upto 90 kgs for women and 100 kgs for men.
Get a good night sleep a day prior.
Also, if you are a female and want a female instructor, you can request the same at the centre.