Afraid of heights but still want to learn skydiving?
Fear of heights doesn’t mean you can’t learn to skydive
Many people think that skydiving with a fear of heights is impossible. But that’s not true. Fear of heights mostly comes up in situations where you’re physically connected to the ground—like standing on a ladder, a balcony, or the edge of a mountain. You see the depth below you, and your body reacts with tension. Totally normal.
Your brain works differently in the air
When you’re in a plane at 4,000 meters, there’s no reference point. No edge. No depth your brain can measure. It may sound strange, but that’s exactly why it often feels less scary. Your body doesn’t quite know what to do with the situation—and that can bring a surprising sense of calm.
Our brain processes height based on visual anchors. On a ladder or balcony, your head says: “the ground is down there.” But at 4 kilometers altitude, that anchor is gone. Your eyes just see open space — no measurable depth — so the typical fear responses often don’t kick in.
During the first jumps in an AFF course (Accelerated Freefall), I often hear: “I’m afraid of heights, but in the air I actually felt calm.” It proves that learning to skydive with a fear of heights is absolutely possible.
Skydiving is nothing like standing on a ladder
You’re not balancing on a ledge or standing on a shaky platform. With skydiving, you step into a plane with a clear plan, solid training, and instructors who know exactly what they’re doing. You learn what to expect, step by step — and that creates confidence.
A lot of people expect the moment of the jump to be overwhelming, but the opposite is often true. No panic, no chaos. You know what to do, your breathing is calm, and then… you jump. And that moment turns out to be much more peaceful and focused than you’d imagine.
That doesn’t mean you won’t feel nervous. It’s completely normal to feel tension — you’re doing something you’ve never done before, something your brain can’t fully picture. But that tension also sharpens your senses. You become more alert, more aware, and everything lands a little deeper. That’s what makes a first jump so intense — and unforgettable.
It often does more than you expect
For many people, skydiving is not just physically intense, but mentally clarifying. You literally step outside your comfort zone — and that feeling tends to stick. Some participants say they feel more confident afterwards in other situations too — like public speaking, traveling, or letting go of old fears. It gives you a sense of: if I can do this, what else am I capable of?
Fear of heights isn’t the only thing that can hold people back. Stress, performance pressure, or fear of losing control can also play a role. In this blog about skydiving and stress, you’ll find more insight into how your body and mind react — and why skydiving can actually bring surprising peace.
Still doubting? Ask your questions
If you dream of learning to skydive but feel held back by your fear of heights — don’t let it stop you. You’re not alone, and you’re welcome to explore it at your own pace.
Want to know where and when you can start? Check out the overview of our skydive holidays, or get in touch. Your questions are welcome — no pressure. We’re happy to help you think it through.
“Most of the things we fear exist only in our minds.”