I want to go skydiving, but I am afraid of heights

[sportygirl89]

Is it worth it and how to proceed being afraid of heights. I really do not have many hobbies so trying to expand them.

[Lokin4AReason]

just don't look down =0)

[DC77]

It is definitely worth doing at least once in your life. I say do it! Face your fear.

 

I also had a fear of heights and a fear of flying. The first time I was ever in an airplane, I jumped out of it. This was years ago, but I can still remember standing on the edge of the back hatch, tandem strapped to a burly Australian guy, looking at the earth below. It's not the same as looking off a cliff or tall building. For me there wasn't a mental reference of height, it was just patches of color and really peaceful. And the thrill of free falling is incredible! Your lips and cheeks will ripple from the speed. I had such a big smile that I may have even drooled a little on my tandem...Yes, do it!

[Satu]

I'm a pilot and have done a few jumps, and I'm afraid of heights.

 

I hate standing near the edge of a tall building or a bridge etc, but as soon as I strap on my parachute, I have no fear of heights at all.

 

Its about trusting the equipment and your training.

[Clarence_Boddicker]

In Devil Pups we did a 30' drop into water. Cross your ankles, cross your arms with one hand covering your nose, look at the horizon & close your eyes when you feel your feet hit the water. I didn't belly or back flop. They only let us go once.

 

 

CAP ranger school in PA was better. They had a tower & sand pit to practice PLFs. Ones that did well got to jump from the tower. A few got to do an unauthorized blast from a Goony Bird with a static line. Noisy & fun. Pre PC & 9/11.

[GoldieLox]

I'm afraid of heights and am not really a fan of flying, which is exactly why I want to do it... I vote for yes!

[DJOkawari]

I agree with DC77, I was anticipating a feeling of vertigo or sheer fear, but it's all conceptual. At least, my mind couldn't comprehend it well enough. My first skydive was over farmland and from 13,000 ft it looked like a quilt. Seriously, I looked down and saw a quilt. That's not scary at all.

 

It's definitely worth it to face your fears. Looking into skydiving as a hobby though... it's a good hobby that requires a lot of training (and some $$$) and it's a classic rabbit hole. The initial step is getting enough experience to jump alone. Then there are so many skills involved with that. Then there is wind tunnels, base jumping, wing-suits, ski-base jumping, etc. If you like to hone a skill over a large period of time, this is definitely that kind of hobby and it allows for quite a bit of self expression.

 

But there is a certain culture associated with it. You'll meet a lot of eccentric, interesting, and above all free people if you go often enough. A lot of them live and work simply for their next thrill in life (aka their next jump). They also participate in a lot of other risky behaviors. Some people call that "fun people", some people are uncomfortable. I'm getting ahead of myself though, you should see if you enjoy your first jump. From my perspective, it's addictive and the people are great.

 

But ignoring skydiving completely, if you want to face your fear of heights head on, maybe you should try bungee jumping? There is really no escape from the intense feeling that you've made a huge mistake as you jump off for a bungee jump.

 

 

 

I'm a pilot

 

Suuuuuuuuuuper jealous.

Edited August 12, 2015 by DJOkawari

[Jamesearl]

I've done quite a few skydives tandem and solo and I'd say based on my first tandem the plane ride up makes you slightly anxious but once you're up there the feeling of height is removed and slightly surreal as the ground is a distant blur.

 

 

If you want to do it give it a go. Face your fears Good luck!

 

 

It's scary the first time and you'll have the biggest buzz ever when you land