COLD WEATHER SKYDIVING – SKYDIVE SUFFOLK
What to Wear When Skydiving in the Winter
Think skydiving season ends when summer does? Think again. At Skydive Suffolk, we stay open through the colder months (with a short holiday break), which means you don’t have to wait until spring to cross skydiving off your bucket list. With the right preparation, winter skydiving can be just as thrilling as a summer jump, maybe even more so.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about jumping in the cold, from what to expect to exactly what to wear.
Can You Skydive in Winter?
Absolutely. Skydive Suffolk operates year-round, so winter is just as much “skydiving season” as any other time of year. The sky doesn’t close for business just because the temperature drops.
Is It Ever Too Cold to Jump?
Here’s something a lot of first-timers don’t realize: temperatures at altitude can be 30-40 degrees colder than on the ground due to the atmospheric lapse rate. Add in the wind chill from free-fall speeds, and the cold can feel more intense than you’d expect standing on the ground in Suffolk.
That said, we have safety protocols in place for extreme cold or dangerous wind chill, and conditions that aren’t safe will result in a reschedule. If you’re not comfortable, it’s always okay to reschedule. We want you to be as comfortable as possible when you take that leap.
The Perks of Winter Skydiving
Winter jumping actually comes with some underrated advantages:
Less crowded – more one-on-one time with your instructor
Clearer skies – no summer haze means better visibility and views
Scenic views – crisp winter landscapes of the Hampton Roads area
Some of our most seasoned jumpers actually prefer cold-weather jumps.
There’s something about the combination of free-fall adrenaline and that first blast of cold air that takes the experience to another level, almost like a cold plunge with a 120 mph twist.
Getting Your Head Right for a Cold Jump
Skydiving is as much mental as it is physical, and that’s especially true in winter. If you’re new to cold-weather jumping, it’s completely normal to feel a little uncertain about the temperature on top of the usual first-jump nerves.
Here’s what helps: set your expectations ahead of time. Just like jumping into cold water takes your breath away for a second, the blast of cold air at altitude might do the same. But remember, your freefall lasts less than a minute, and you’ll be back down to ground temperature before you know it.
What to Wear When Skydiving in the Cold
The right gear makes all the difference between a cold jump and an exhilarating one. Think of it as dressing to go skiing.
Here are a few tips on what to wear:
Layer Strategically
Skip the bulky jackets. Thin, thermal layers move with you instead of restricting you. Long johns, base layers, and thermal gear work best. Look for wool or moisture-wicking materials that keep you warm without weighing you down. You should be able to move comfortably. We also have jumpsuits for you to wear over your other layers!
Outerwear
Windproof material on your outer layer blocks the wind from cutting through everything underneath.
Gloves
Choose thin, insulated gloves that still let you move your fingers with dexterity; leave the bulky, thick ski gloves at home. We do have gloves for you if you forget yours!
Neck Gaiters
A neck gaiter protects your face and neck from the wind on the way down. We sell neck gaiters if you want to walk away with some cool logo’d neck protection, and we have lined hats that strap on that you can wear to keep your head warm for sale in the pro shop.
Goggles
Non-negotiable for any jump, especially a cold one. We provide goggles for every tandem and student jumper. Licensed jumpers should consider a full-face helmet for extra wind and cold protection.
Footwear
Thick wool socks and closed-toe shoes will keep your feet warmer.
Hand Warmers
A winter skydiver’s secret weapon. Toss a couple in your gloves and socks before you suit up for extra warmth where you need it most. We sell hand warmers in the pro shop!
Don’t Let the Chill Ruin the Thrill
There’s something genuinely special about gliding through crisp, clear winter skies over Suffolk, VA, the kind of experience that’s hard to put into words until you’ve felt it yourself. Don’t wait months to experience skydiving; put on your layers, get ready to have a great time, and come jump with us. We will still be jumping and having a great time ALL WINTER, so join us!!
Ready to experience it? [Book your winter skydive at Skydive Suffolk today →] www.skydivesuffolk.com
Skydive Suffolk
1200 Gene Bolton Dr, Suffolk, VA
757-539-3531
skydivesuffolk.com