Soaring into 30: Tandem Skydiving for Black Women

“I’m really about to skydive” were the last words I thought to myself as Joe, my tandem diver, turned around to strap me to him. I sat squeezed into a tiny corner of the plane whispering a prayer for safety, but also a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to do something so daring as skydiving just for the fun of it as a birthday celebration.

Every birthday matters, but thirty is a particularly celebrated milestone where you typically feel more adult than ever and life perspective often shifts. A cancer diagnosis and losing my mom in the same year caused my perspective to shift significantly at age twenty five, so I felt ahead of the game in that regard. Such that from then on, I have lived a fearless life and a life in which I do what feels natural and organic to me. I wanted to step into thirty pushing the limits of courage and what better way to do that than to cross off a bucket list item with a thrilling skydiving adventure.

As I free fell through the sky for 45-55 seconds, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of liberation wash over me. The rush of adrenaline, the moment you leap, the wind in your face—it's an experience unlike any other.

Skydiving for my thirtieth birthday was more than just a thrill-seeking adventure; it was a reminder to live life to the fullest and to embrace every opportunity with fearlessness. If this adventure was any indication of how the next decade of my life will be, then I’m in for exciting surprises.

Before taking the leap, there are a few logistics to consider. Let’s walk through them.

What is tandem skydiving?

For beginners like myself, tandem skydiving is the way to go. This means you're attached to an experienced instructor who guides you through the entire process, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. There is an age limit and weight limit that you should double check before booking.

How long did it take?

Completing payment and filling out waivers took about fifteen minutes for me. The dive from suiting up to landing back on the ground was about twenty minutes. In total, I was there for only 45 minutes to an hour, but during busier times where several people are jumping, prepare to hang around longer.

How much did I pay?

I skydived at No Limits Skydiving in West Point, Virginia, where I paid $235 for the actual dive, $75 for the video footage, and $25 for photos for a total of $335.

What should you wear?

I jumped from 5000 feet in the air, and the plane was not insulated, so it’s chilly up there. Layers are a great idea. I wore my own jumpsuit underneath the jumpsuit they provided me plus leggings and a t-shirt as a base layer, and I was more than comfortable. As for shoes, you must wear closed-toe sneakers. I would recommend removing all jewelry, especially hoops or anything that could get caught in the harness or parachute.

How should you style your hair?

Styling your hair might be the last thing on your mind, but it's worth considering. I had faux locs, which can be a bit dense, so if you have any sort of protective style, I would suggest a low ponytail or bun that can be tucked into your harness between you and your tandem diver. I do not recommend a wig or anything detachable; the wind is pretty aggressive and you’ll risk your hair flying off if it isn’t extremely secure. That won’t make for great pictures!

Should you take anything with you?

Less is more. Leave behind any unnecessary items and only bring the essentials like your ID, a payment method for photos or souvenirs, and perhaps sunscreen. I even left my phone in the car because you cannot take it with you onto the plane or during your dive.

What exactly is the process before the big leap?

As for the process itself, it's surprisingly straightforward. After a brief training session, and I mean brief (about 5 minutes), where you learn the appropriate posture in which to fall, you'll suit up and board the plane. My plane ride was about fifteen minutes and then it was time to be attached to my tandem diver while onboard the plane. You are attached to your diver without about five or six secure straps. Once you reach the necessary altitude of 5000 feet, your diver will open the plane door, place his/her foot on the ledge outside the plane, you’ll place your foot inside their foot, and then you’ll simply fall out of the plane.

The initial moment of freefall is both exhilarating and surreal. As I was plummeting towards the earth, I was completely awestruck that (1) I had jumped successfully out of a plane and (2) that I actually felt joy taking in the beautiful views. The free fall is about 45-55 seconds and then the parachute deploys, gently slowing your descent to the ground. My diver even gave me the opportunity to control the parachute for a bit to do a few spins. I do not recommend the spins if you are easily nauseated; it left me a bit dizzy!

The landing is bumpy, as you’ll essentially lift your legs into a seated position and hit the ground fast, sliding forward on your bottom with no cushion. You’ll stand and be unhooked from your diver and that is the experience.