TIPS FOR WEARING CONTACT LENSES WHILE SKYDIVING

 

Yes! Many skydivers wear contacts, and they work very well during freefall. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure the goggles have a tight seal on top of the nose and above the cheeks! Tighter is better.
• Wear fresh contacts for the day!
• Avoid rubbing your eyes in the airplane.
• Bring eye contact solution in case your eyes get dry before or after the skydive.
• Bring a backup pair of contact lenses!

 

| “Tighter goggles are better goggles!”

 

WHAT YOU WILL SEE SKYDIVING OVER THE OTTAWA RIVER AND UPPER OTTAWA VALLEY

 

Wearing contacts or glasses lets you capture every detail of the Upper Ottawa Valley in freefall and under the parachute. The vistas from above are nothing short of magical:

The Ottawa River, reflecting sunlight like a flowing ribbon, stretches as far as the eye can see. From above, you can trace the distant waters near Montreal in Eastern Canada all the way to Toronto in the west. As your eyes span outward, hundreds of small lakes—hidden from view just minutes ago on the ground—come into sight, sparkling like scattered gems across the lush Ottawa Valley.

From above, you catch unforgettable glimpses of Algonquin Provincial Park, the western Quebec border across the river, and even the City of Ottawa in the distance. And for those familiar with aviation, seeing our own Pembroke &  Area Airport in Petawawa is truly remarkable. The airport is impressively maintained, spacious, and such a perfect parachuting landing area, it’s a thrill to see it from the sky. Being able to witness our very own landing strip from above makes the experience feel even more special and reminds us how lucky we are to call Petawawa home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This airport has a long and rich history, it’s been used for military skydiving since its inception. Today, Airborne Petawawa is the only skydiving drop zone open to the public at this airport, making it an honor to share this experience and these incredible Ontario sunset views with you. From above, you can truly appreciate not only the breathtaking scenery but also the legacy of the land and the role it has played in both aviation and logging for decades.

If you’re lucky enough to schedule a coveted sunset skydive, the experience becomes unforgettable. The golden hour illuminates every lake, river, and forest with a warm pink and orange glow, turning the entire valley into a living painting. It’s no wonder sunset jumps are the most desired time slot, they offer pristine photo opportunities and a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Eastern Canadian wilderness.

 

| "This airport has a long and rich history, it’s been used for military skydiving since its inception."

 

FIRST-TIME SKYDIVERS: BRING YOUR CONTACT LENSES

A skydive is more than a thrill, it’s a memory you’ll carry for life. Having a plan to wear your contact lenses or eyeglasses ensures you don’t miss a single breathtaking detail. Whether you’re floating above Petawawa Beach, tracing the Ottawa River, or marveling at the beauty of Coulonge Falls Park in Quebec, every moment is sharper, brighter, and more vivid when you can truly see it.

So, yes - you can absolutely go skydiving with contact lenses. And trust me, you’ll want to. To witness the beauty of skydiving above two provinces at once and capture the magic of this historic, natural landscape, clear vision is essential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONE LAST TIP BEFORE YOUR PETAWAWA SKYDIVING ADVENTURE

Tip for First-Time Skydivers: Plan ahead! Bring your contacts and a backup pair of glasses just in case. If you have a question or special request for an upcoming skydive blog, just head to the Airborne Petawawa Pinterest and leave a comment! We'd love to answer it for you. And if you have the chance, take a short trip to Petawawa Beach, it’s only 10 minutes from the drop zone. The beach offers a peaceful spot to soak in what just happened, letting you reflect on your jump while enjoying another stunning view of the Ottawa River. You’ll find it at 1 Island View Dr, Petawawa, ON K8H 3R2, Canada, a perfect complement to your skydiving adventure.

Blue skies,
- Dani Pio
United States Parachute Association (USPA) Skydive Coach, C-49052


Let's fly!

 

CAN I BRING MY OWN SKYDIVING GOGGLES TO AIRBORNE PETAWAWA?

 

Many skydivers bring their own skydiving goggles to the Drop Zone. Regulars often wear personal goggles, and some even use other types of sports goggles, iridescent lenses or unique styles that look amazing. The key is a secure fit and strap, which the owners will check when you arrive to make sure the goggles stay safe and comfortable during your jump.

We love that you’re here getting this info! This is something special that only Airborne Petawawa offers, most other drop zones don’t allow specialized goggles. If you’re jumping elsewhere, you’ll need to check with that drop zone first, but here, we make sure your goggles work so you can have an incredible experience and look cool and confident in your skydiving video.

Bring a Backup: If you rely heavily on contacts, it’s a good idea to bring a spare set of eyeglasses just in case. Airborne Petawawa provides specially designed over-the-glasses skydiving goggles for people who are nearsighted or farsighted and need corrective lenses. So whether you wear contacts or glasses, your vision will be fully protected during your jump. If you’re only wearing contacts, you’ll receive a standard set of skydiving goggles, ensuring a clear, safe, and comfortable experience from takeoff to landing.

Goggles Protect Your Eyes: During freefall, wind speeds reach up to 120 mph. Good-fitting goggles protect your eyes and keep your contacts in place, letting you fully take in the incredible views without distraction.

Hydration is Important: Dry eyes can be exacerbated by altitude and wind. For extra comfort, it has been recommended by skydivers who wear contacts to use eye drops post jump, if needed.