Effective Breathing Tips While Skydiving

The idea of jumping from thousands of feet in the air can spark a range of emotions – from excitement to anxiety and fear. One question some people agonize over seems reasonable: Can you breathe while skydiving? Being able to breathe is not only essential for our vitality but it helps us stay calm, focused, and open minded.

At Skydive STL, your comfort and safety are our top priority, and part of that means helping you feel confident and informed, and breathing easy! So, let’s go over how to breathe while skydiving, some tips for staying relaxed, and how you can prepare for your jump.

Can You Breathe While Skydiving?

Yes, you absolutely can breathe during a skydive! This is one of the frequently asked questions we receive from nervous first-timers. Unless you’re jumping from an altitude at or above 15,000 feet (which is rare, especially for tandem skydivers), the use of supplemental oxygen is unnecessary. At Skydive STL, we jump from 10,000 feet – rest assured there is plenty of oxygen up there for you to soak in!

During freefall, you’ll reach speeds upwards of 120 mph, which means the air is moving rapidly all around you. This can create the sensation of wind rushing against your face and in your nose, but it does not prevent you from inhaling or exhaling.

How to Breathe While Skydiving

By focusing on breathing naturally, you’ll find it much easier to enjoy the thrill of the experience. Here are some practical tips for breathing effectively during your skydive:

1. Take Deep Breaths

Taking nice, slow breaths while in the airplane can help calm those pre-jump nerves and get your breathing in line. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This mindful breathing ensures that your body has the proper amount of oxygen to remain alert while also helping you stay calm and focused.

2. Relax

When we’re feeling stressed, we tend to tense up our jaw and face muscles – which can make breathing more difficult, too. Keep your mouth slightly open to allow airflow and avoid clenching your teeth.

3. Be a Mouth-Breather

Breathing through your mouth might be more helpful to you, especially in freefall. It might feel more natural to breathe in and out of your mouth because of the wind rushing past your nose. Try breathing out forcefully with pursed lips.

4. Scream, Shout, Let it Out!

Sometimes letting out a big yell or scream can help jumpstart your breathing. As you exit the aircraft, take a deep breath then let it all out with a shout! If you start feeling like you cannot catch your breath during freefall, try yelling again.

5. Keep Your Head Up

Try to keep your head up and your eyes on the horizon while in freefall. This will help the air spill around you instead of having it rush directly into your face. As a bonus, it allows you to take in the gorgeous view of the world below and all around you.

How Not to Breathe While Skydiving

1. Do Not Hold Your Breath

Try not to intentionally hold your breath during your jump. Not only does this make for an uncomfortable freefall experience, it could also be harmful. While it is not common to pass out while skydiving, holding your breath could be what causes you to “go night-night.” We want to be sure that you are maintaining alertness, so you are able to take instructions from your skydiving instructor and maintain a good body position during freefall and landing.

2. Do Not Take Quick Breaths

Taking quick, shallow breaths could induce hyperventilation. It’s best to take conscious, controlled deep breaths. Focus on your breathing, even while everything is rushing around you in freefall.

How Do I Prepare My Body for Skydiving?

Arriving at the dropzone prepared is key to having a smooth and enjoyable skydive. Here are some extra tips on how to prepare your body for skydiving:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water the day before and the morning of your skydive. Avoid excessive caffeine, as it can heighten anxiety, therefore making it harder to breathe slowly.

2. Eat a Light Meal

Skipping meals or overeating can lead to discomfort during your jump. Opt for a light, healthy meal a few hours beforehand – something that usually helps you feel good and satiated rather than bloated and lethargic.

3. Stretch and Move

Loosening up your muscles can reduce stress and tension, making it easier to move on your skydive. A short walk or some gentle stretches to get the blood flowing before your jump can help immensely.

4. Dress Comfortably

Wear secure, weather-appropriate clothing that is easy to move in as well as lace-up sneakers. Loose or restrictive garments can become hazardous and distracting while on your jump – so, keep it simple.

What Not to Do the Night Before Skydiving

If you’re wondering what not to do the night before skydiving, avoid these activities:

1. Do Not Drink Alcohol

Avoid alcohol or excessive partying the night before your jump. A hangover can interfere with your ability to enjoy the experience and may even disqualify you from jumping altogether. We need you at your best so that you can adhere to our guidance and take everything in.

2. Don’t Overthink It

It’s natural to feel nervous, but overanalyzing every detail can drive ya nuts and increase anxiety. Focus on positive affirmations and visualize a successful, exciting jump!

3. Don’t Stay Up Late

A good night’s sleep can go a long way. Being well-rested helps you stay alert and ready to take on the adventure.

We Are Here For You!

The Skydive STL team is here to support you every step of the way! From check-in and the pre-jump briefing to the moment you land back on the ground, we will guide you through each part of the skydiving process. 

If you’re feeling nervous about your jump, let your instructor know! Skydiving instructors are trained professionals with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of jumps and years of experience. They have many techniques that can help make your skydive more comfortable and enjoyable. Be as open and honest as possible, and we will do our absolute best to accommodate your needs – we want what you want, and that is to have an incredible skydiving experience! Skydiving is an adventure like no other, and breathing shouldn’t be a worry – trust in us and trust in yourself!

Ready to take a leap of faith? Book your skydive with the top choice for skydiving in Missouri, Skydive STL! Blue skies and breathe easy, friends!