What Happens if You Vomit While Skydiving?

Can you throw up while skydiving? Well … yes. But fear not, throwing up while skydiving is rare and generally preventable. We’re here to talk through the stages of the jump with you, so you’re 100% prepared for the best jump of your life.

Having pre-jump jitters the night before is super common. In fact, if you don’t feel nervous at all that’s a little weird! We recommend to eat and drink (WATER) as you normally would the day before and the day of your jump. Obviously, no wild nights out or pie eating contests, but you get the gist … keep it light, but don’t starve yourself. Skydiving on an empty stomach … no thank you. Get some good rest, and get ready for the coolest day ever! Your first time jumping is something you’ll never forget, and we want you to have the best memories.

When you arrive at Skydive STL you’ll be greeted by our awesome staff and then you’ll watch a short video, sign some waivers, be briefed for your jump, and get ready to go. During the pre-jump briefing, feel free to ask us any questions or express any concerns. Remember, we’re here to make sure you have a stellar experience. If you’re concerned about motion sickness while skydiving, this is a great time to let us know!

Jump planes are much smaller than the commercial airliners you may be used to. Or maybe you’ve never been in an airplane – no worries, we take first-timers all the time! Skydiving airplanes have no seats, allowing the jumpers to face backwards. While this may seem unfortunate for the wellbeing of your stomach, it actually doesn’t make much of a difference.

There are two things about the ride to altitude that you have going for you: 1) it’s short, 2) it’s smooth. While commercial planes can fly through nasty winds and heavy rain, these are not conditions that we are permitted to jump in, and therefore you will never experience crazy turbulence or bumps.

If there’s any part of the skydive that’s known for causing a turbulent tummy, it’s canopy flight. But don’t worry, it’s rare, and the positive effects of skydiving greatly outweigh this unlikely negative. If it does happen, your instructor will help you get through it, and there are a couple of tips and tricks to help you avoid it.

• Be honest with your instructor – Don’t try to be tough. There’s a saying in skydiving: if you’re scared, say you’re scared! Similarly, if you get motion sick, say so! This way we’ll be able to fly the canopy in a more docile manner.

• Breathe deeply – Deep breaths do wonders for an upset tummy! Inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for eight. This easy exercise is a common way people slow their heart rate in stressful situations and can directly correlate to helping you feel less vertigo or nausea.

• Fly the canopy – You know how your passenger can feel carsick, but as the driver, you don’t? The same can be true of canopy flight. If you feel green around the gills, your instructor can let you take the reins (to an extent, of course!) and steer the canopy. Feeling in control can help the nausea pass.

Can you barf in freefall?

All of your holes actually close up in freefall. Just kidding! But we can’t remember a time when someone actually hurled, peed or anything like that while in freefall.

Does skydiving feel like a roller coaster?

If you’re referring to the stereotypical stomach-drop that tickles your tummy when riding a coaster, then no. A common misconception is that you feel your tummy drop when you exit the plane into freefall, but in truth the only time you may feel that sensation is when making a swift turn while flying under the parachute.

What if I pass out?

Passing out while skydiving is uncommon. If someone passes out it is usually the result of a multitude of factors – like dehydration or low blood sugar mixed with adrenaline. If you do pass out, our instructors are highly trained on how to handle it and get you to the ground safely!

So, can you feel nauseous or get skydiving altitude sickness? Unfortunately, yes. But even the most motion-sickness-prone people go on to become licensed skydivers. It is a totally doable sport despite the fear of getting sick. Not only is feeling ill, tossing your cookies, or fainting usually preventable, it’s no biggie if it happens.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any concerns or questions on how to best prepare yourself (and your stomach) for one of the most memorable days of your life! Otherwise, we’ll see you at the dropzone! Blue skies!