Brand New From MA

[katina 0]

Hi all. I'm Katina, from Massachusetts. I just did my first tandem jump today and, well, I'm hooked! I'm already thinking about doing my next jump next month and I will start saving for my first AFF next year. I ride sportbikes so this is another addiction to feed my need for speed and thrill.

So I had a great time earlier. My instructor was great, videographer was fun, and the whole experience was just amazing. The only thing that wasn't pleasurable about my experience earlier today was that I couldn't breathe in freefall. I wasn't having a panic attack, I wasn't afraid, I wasn't upset, but I couldn't breathe! Every time I'd try to take in a bit of air, my lungs would fill up. I wanted to open my eyes and have fun with my videographer in front of me but, errr, I couldn't breathe. I wound up closing my eyes and trying to focus really hard on getting useable air into my body. Any tips as to what I can do next time to have a better experience?

Thanks!

[wolfriverjoe 1,340]

Scream.

Really.
Nobody can hear you and it forces the air out of your lungs. Most people who "can't breate in freefall" simply aren't exhaling. They breate in, breathe in some more, breathe in some more and then their lungs are full and they "can't breathe." Screaming forces you to exhale.

If it's really the ram air effect from freefall, turning your head helps.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[Chewy123 0]

I had the same problem the first and maybe 2nd. I breathe fine now and don't even have to think about it. I think I breathe through my nose now. It will get better. Are sure you were relaxed? I know I wasn't. Have fun!!

[skymama 35]

Welcome to the forums!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon