Helpful insights, honest reflections, and real reviews from first-timers at Skydive Suffolk
Skydiving is one of those experiences that you think you know – until you do it.
At Skydive Suffolk, we’ve hosted thousands of first-time jumpers in the heart of Virginia skydiving territory, and there’s one thing we hear all the time:
“I wish someone had told me this before I jumped.”
So here it is – a collection of helpful things people wish they’d known before their first skydive, along with real stories from those who did the thing – and came down forever changed.
1. The Fear is in Your Mind – Not the Jump
Most people are scared of skydiving… until they do it.
“Never experienced anything like floating down to my doom and realizing that the scariest part of it all was my own thoughts, not the actual jump itself.”
– Rina
Once you’re in the air, it’s often the calmest, most freeing feeling in the world. Fear may show up before the plane, but once that door opens – it’s all presence, adrenaline, and pure focus.
2. The Instructors Make or Break the Experience
When you’re putting your life in someone’s hands, trust matters. That’s why Skydive Suffolk is known for pairing each guest with certified, compassionate instructors who walk you through every step.
“David is an awesome instructor! It was my first jump, and I can’t explain the feeling. I’m so glad I chose Skydive Suffolk.”
– Kelly
“Me and my instructor JOSH! I swear this guy changed my life! I have a fear of heights, and he was so reassuring and comforting!”
– Keyunda
3. You’ll Want to Document Everything
Think you’ll remember the whole thing? You won’t. Between the rush of freefall and the emotional high after landing, it becomes a beautiful blur. That’s why the photo and video packages are so worth it.
“Got my video back the same day. So many good pictures and videos.”
– Jennifer
“The video and photo package is in amazing quality, the photographers really know what they’re doing.”
– Rachel
4. It Changes You More Than You Expect
A tandem skydive is more than a thrill – it can spark real transformation.
“This may sound cliché, but it was life-changing. It gives you a whole different view, not to mention, WHAT A RUSH!”
– Joyce
“Most people you know or meet will not be brave enough to skydive. I’ve changed permanently, in a positive way. If you can do this, you can pretty much handle whatever life throws at you.”
– Abel
There’s something about falling from the sky that rewires what you believe about yourself. It’s a breakthrough moment you’ll carry into every part of life.
5. You’ll Probably Want to Go Again
Almost every first-time jumper says the same thing after they land: “Let’s do it again.”
“It was my first jump ever, and I am hooked.”
– Steven
“Everyone who joined me all said we’d do it again. The footage was awesome.”
– Rina
“Already paid for another jump and can’t wait to go back!”
– Mike
Once you get a taste of that adrenaline + clarity combo, it’s hard not to crave more.
❤️ Final Reflection: You Were Always Capable
The most empowering thing about skydiving isn’t just the view.
It’s who you become when you step into fear and do it anyway.
“Had a fantastic experience start to finish with the entire staff here! I’d be back if I wasn’t moving!”
– Jessica
“I can’t say thank you enough for making this experience memorable and safe!”
– Candy
Skydiving in Virginia isn’t just an adventure – it’s a lesson in courage. A reminder that fear is often just a whisper. And on the other side of that whisper… is the loudest, most beautiful YES your soul has ever screamed.
So if your heart’s been nudging you toward that open sky…
📍 Book your first tandem jump today. »You were made for this.
And you’ll never forget the day you proved it.