So, you're not troubled by the idea of skydiving because you have done your research. You have seen the skydiving statistics and know that legitimate skydiving facilities and members of the United States Parachute Association, like Jumptown, do everything they can to mitigate the risks associated with skydiving. But there is something else that troubles you. You want your pride intact when you land, and you've heard some pretty disturbing things can happen.
DO PEOPLE PASS OUT WHEN SKYDIVING?
Well, they have. Though, it is a very rare occurrence. Typically, people who end up limp as a rag doll with their head slumped and missing all the fun made one of these mistakes:
- They didn't eat. For some reason, there is a vicious misconception out there that you should not eat before you make a skydive. We tell people to treat the day you are coming to jump like any other. Enjoy a meal before you come or a snack on site. The meal you eat should be moderate and healthy. Avoid the extremes of famine and feast. You shouldn't treat it like Thanksgiving and stuff yourself silly before your jump because we don't want you ending up in a food coma, but we also do not want you to starve yourself and send your blood sugar plummeting.
- They ignored the messages their body was sending them. If you are feeling unwell, move your skydive to a different day. There is no need to waste what should be the experience of a lifetime.
- They tipped back the bottle a few too many times the night before and came in with a hangover. The rule of "8 hours from bottle to throttle" is a pretty spot on one to observe. Though, in addition, we suggest you take it easy the night before and don't drink to excess regardless of the amount of time before your jump.
- They forgot to breathe! When you are in the door, just take a second and take a breath. You can also breathe in freefall. No need to go blue in the face!
Remember your body wants to be firing on all cylinders for this experience! So, it is pretty unlikely your brain would let you miss it by passing out.
DO PEOPLE PUKE WHEN SKYDIVING?
Hurling, upchucking, spewing-all these just oh-so-lovely terms can occur while skydiving, BUT this is usually because of making the same mistakes as above.
Now, some individuals are just dealt a rough hand when it comes to a predisposition for motion sickness. If you know this, save yourself your pride and the lunch you made by pre-medicating just as you would before a long, winding car ride.
DO PEOPLE PEE SKYDIVING?
If you sprinkle a little when you sneeze or have had past issues with urinary incontinence, it makes sense for you to be concerned about an unsightly image for the cameras to capture when you land. But, we have been around a while and have yet to see anyone with a watermark spreading across the front of their bottoms. The "scientific" explanation for nervous bladder situations is that your bladder function is controlled by a part of the brainstem called the Pontine Micturition Center or PMC. The PMC recognizes when the bladder is full and, if it had its way, would empty your bladder as soon as it filled up. Lucky for us, though, our prefrontal cortex sends inhibitory signals to the PMC. This keeps us from having an accident every time our bladder is full and gives us some say in the matter. Though, the decree of our frontal lobe can be overturned by the limbic system. The limbic system is to blame if you leak a little when you are particularly stressed or anxious. Keep in mind, this is really only the case if you have a weakened pelvic floor or a history of stress urinary incontinence.
AND WHAT ABOUT SCREAMING WHILE SKYDIVING?
Oh most definitely!
This is one we encourage. Go ahead! Open your mouth, take a deep breath, and let it all out. Howl away! A scream can be the perfect pressure release valve for the tension and anticipation you have been letting build up. Accept the rush and release a scream.
We want you to experience the thrill of a lifetime and the chance to release the heartiest holler you've ever imagined. Maybe you and your friends can make a competition out of who is the loudest under canopy! Come see us at Jumptown and make a tandem skydive for the chance to do so.
