Nervous about what to wear, eat, or expect before your skydive? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. At Ground Rush Adventures, we know that feeling prepared can make a huge difference, especially if it’s your first time leaping into the sky.
Here’s everything you need to know to feel confident, comfy, and camera-ready before you board The Angel.
WHAT TO WEAR
Comfort is key when you’re soaring through the sky at 220 km/h.
- Dress for the weather – Swakop mornings can be cool and breezy, while afternoons warm up. Wear light layers you can comfortably move in.
- Skip the extras – No scarves, jewellery, or hats. You want nothing flapping in the wind (or flying off mid-jump). We will ask you to remove all items of jewellery before jumping for safety reasons.
- Closed-toe shoes only – Lace-up sneakers work great. Sandals, slip-ons, or boots with metal hooks are a no-go for safety.
- Tie back your hair – Especially if it’s long. Trust us—wind hair + GoPro footage = chaos (and not the good kind).
- Glasses? No problem. We’ll fit your goggles right over them. On that note, contact lenses will also not be a problem as the goggles protect your eyes from the wind.
- Thinking of getting the video/photo package (which we highly recommend)? Here’s a pro tip: wear solid colors and avoid busy patterns or big logos to look your best in the final footage.
WHAT TO EAT (AND NOT EAT)
Yes, you should eat before skydiving! Just don’t overdo it.
- Go light and balanced – A banana, toast, smoothie, or granola bar 1–2 hours before you jump is perfect.
- Avoid the hangry jump – Skipping meals can leave you feeling dizzy or off-balance in the air.
- Say no to heavy or greasy meals – Think twice before having a greasy breakfast or ordering the burger. We have fantastic pizza that you can enjoy post-jump.
- Stay hydrated – Water is your friend, but take it easy on the caffeine and sugary drinks.
- No alcohol allowed before your jump – Save that celebratory drink for after your landing high-fives.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY
Let’s talk logistics, safety, and how to feel ready without overthinking it.
- Arrival – Show up at your scheduled time. Your given time includes check-in, paperwork, and gearing up before the big moment.
- Plan for 2–3 hours – Depending on group size and how busy the day is, your visit might run longer—but that means more time soaking up the vibe and watching others take the leap!
- Health & safety – You need to be:
- Over 18
- Under 105kg
- In good health (Have a medical condition? Check with your GP first.)
- You’ll never jump alone – One of our certified tandem instructors is with you the whole way.
- Freefall time varies by altitude:
- 10,000ft = ~30 seconds
- 12,000ft = ~45 seconds
- 15,000ft = ~60 seconds of pure adrenaline
- Safety is our top priority – Our team follows strict protocols with multiple gear checks and fully licensed instructors.
- Feeling nervous? Totally normal. (We even wrote a post on how to manage pre-jump jitters—check it out here!)
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TANDEM SKYDIVING?
WHAT TO BRING (OPTIONAL)
A few extras to make the day even better:
- Camera or phone for photos on the ground (you’ll want a selfie with The Angel)
- Sunscreen – Namibia’s sun is no joke, and you might be outdoors watching other skydivers land
- Card or cash for snacks, drinks, and upgrading your jump with video or photos
WHAT NOT TO DO
Let’s keep it safe, smooth, and stress-free.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take anything that affects your focus
- Don’t stress the technical stuff – That’s what your instructor is for
- No GoPros or personal cameras – For safety reasons, only our trained staff can operate recording equipment mid-air (but our video packages totally make up for it)
End of the day, preparation makes for smooth sailing—but don’t worry too much about the specifics. The essence of the magic of skydiving isn’t what you eat or what you wear—the magic happens in that adrenaline-pumping moment you lean out over the open air, the wind buffeting you, the otherworldly sight of Swakopmund down below, and the sense of complete freedom. Yes, please be prepared—but first and foremost, be prepared to enjoy every moment of your first skydive.
Still curious what a day is like from beginning to end? Read through our What to Expect for Your First Time Skydiving guide to walk through the entire experience from your arrival through landing.
SO, READY TO FLY?
Skydiving isn’t just about experience—it’s about facing fears and embracing a new, brave version of yourself.
At Ground Rush Adventures, we’ve taken thousands of first-timers on their maiden jump, and we never forget how big it is. You’ll feel safe, guided, and—most importantly—alive every step of the way.
So, are you ready?
