What if I throw up.. while skydiving!?
Ahh the questions I get asked almost as often as "what if I pass out?" Don't worry, that's the next blog. Throwing up while skydiving, only possible while under canopy (parachute). And it's really not that bad! Throwing up while in freefall is unheard of, literally. I don't actually think it's possible. So what do we do when a Tandem Student vomits while we're soaring around at 3,000' above the ground?
DON'T LOOK DOWN
Skydiving is intense, beautiful and overwhelmingly stimulating! Also, when have you seen the Earth look like that? Time to stare at the ground the whole time, right? Wrong!
One common misconception is that you'll be staring at the ground the whole time. However, focusing on the ground can actually detract from the experience and limit your field of vision. Instead, keep your eyes on the horizon. This not only enhances the visual spectacle but also helps prevent nausea. By maintaining a steady gaze on the horizon, you allow yourself to fully absorb the panoramic beauty of the world below.
As you descend, your field of vision gradually narrows. Initially, when you're thousands of feet above the ground, you can see for miles in every direction. The sprawling landscapes, distant mountains, and endless sky create a mesmerizing tableau. But as you approach the ground, particularly during your final canopy turn at around 250 feet, your focus shifts. The vast expanse gives way to a more immediate and confined view, and soon, you can barely see over the tree tops anymore. This transition from expansive vistas to a close-up view of the landing zone is a unique aspect of skydiving.
COMMUNICATE
Uh oh, things have started to build and now you feel funny in the tummy. Please, please let your Tandem Instructor know. Not only are they certified bad a**** of the sky, they are also very, very good at avoiding flying vomit.
Something we do regularly is ask you pick a side to throw up on. That probably sounds funny but trust me, it helps. I'll break it down: you throw up to the left, I turn the canopy to the right. Boom! Vomit avoidance in real time.
Additionally, if you inform us in advance, we can make adjustments to your descent to ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience. One key factor in preventing nausea during a skydive is managing the swinging motion that can occur during the canopy flight. By initiating less aggressive canopy turns, we can significantly reduce the swinging motion and the associated feelings of nausea.
SKYDIVING AND NAUSEA
So, next time you take the leap, embrace the intensity and beauty of skydiving by keeping your eyes on the horizon. It's a small adjustment that can make a world of difference, turning an incredible adventure into an unforgettable one.
And, if you're prone to motion sickness or just want a more leisurely descent, let us know ahead of time. Please communicate if you're nausea has reached the point of no return, our Tandem Instructors will do their best to conduct some avoidance manueavuers.
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we are always ready to tailor the experience to meet your needs.