Morocco Skydiving: A Thrilling Adventure in North Africa
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
For adventure seekers, Morocco offers an unforgettable experience of skydiving. Morocco is known for its diverse landscapes, from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains, which makes it a perfect destination for skydiving. The country has attracted skydivers from all over the world due to its stunning views and ideal weather conditions.
There are several skydiving schools and drop zones in Morocco that offer a range of experiences, from tandem jumps to advanced training programs.
The Beni Mellal Flying Club (PACMA) is one of the most popular skydiving schools in Morocco, located just a short distance from Marrakech. They offer a full-day experience for adventure seekers, including training, equipment rental, and a tandem jump with an experienced instructor.
For experienced skydivers, Morocco Skydive is a drop zone located in Nador, Morocco, that provides training for advanced skydiving techniques. They offer recognized certifications from organizations like USPA and FFP.
The drop zone is equipped with turbine aircraft, which makes it possible to jump from higher altitudes and enjoy longer freefall times.
Morocco is a great place for skydiving due to its unique landscape, diverse climate, and experienced skydiving professionals. Skydiving in Morocco offers a breathtaking view of the country’s stunning natural beauty, from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert.
The country’s diverse climate also makes it an ideal destination for skydiving. Morocco has a Mediterranean climate in the north and a desert climate in the south, providing a range of weather conditions for skydivers to experience.
The northern region has mild winters and hot summers, while the southern region has hot, dry weather year-round.
Morocco also has a thriving skydiving community with experienced professionals who provide top-notch training and guidance. The country has several drop zones, including Nador and Marrakech, where skydivers can enjoy the thrill of freefalling with the help of certified instructors.
In addition, Morocco’s rich culture and history make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers who want to experience skydiving while also immersing themselves in the local culture.
Before embarking on a skydiving adventure, it is important to ensure that you have the necessary gear. Most skydiving centers provide all the gear you need, including jumpsuits, helmets, and harnesses. However, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Safety Briefing
Once you have your gear, you will receive a safety briefing from your instructor. This briefing will cover the basics of skydiving, including how to exit the plane, how to control your body during freefall, and how to deploy your parachute.
You will also learn about emergency procedures in case something goes wrong during your jump. During the briefing, it is important to pay close attention to your instructor and ask any questions you may have. Skydiving is a thrilling activity, but it is also important to take safety seriously, especially if this is your first jump.
Physical Preparation
Skydiving is a physically demanding activity, and it is important to be in good physical shape before attempting a jump. While you don’t need to be an athlete to skydive, it is recommended that you engage in regular exercise to build strength and endurance.
It is important to be well-rested and hydrated before your jump. Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs hours before your jump, as these substances can impair your judgment and coordination.
Weather Conditions
Skydiving is highly dependent on weather conditions. Before your jump, make sure to check the forecast and confirm that the weather is suitable for skydiving. High winds, rain, and thunderstorms can all pose a danger to skydivers.
In the event that weather conditions are not suitable for skydiving, your jump may be rescheduled for a later date. While this can be disappointing, it is important to prioritize safety above all else.
Conclusion
Preparing for a skydiving adventure involves getting your gear, receiving a safety briefing, engaging in physical preparation, and checking weather conditions. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience.
What to Expect During Your Skydiving Experience
The Plane Ride
Before jumping out of an airplane, skydivers must first get to altitude. This means going up in a plane, typically a small aircraft that can hold a few people at most.
During the plane ride, skydivers will be seated with their instructor, who will go over the jump plan and answer any last-minute questions. The plane ride can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s important to stay calm and focused.
Jumping Out of the Plane
When the plane reaches the desired altitude, it’s time to jump. Skydivers will exit the plane one at a time, with the instructor going first. The instructor will be attached to the skydiver via a harness, so the skydiver doesn’t have to worry about deploying the parachute. Jumping out of a plane can be a bit intimidating, but it’s important to trust the instructor and follow their lead.
A tandem skydive is an exhilarating experience where two people, typically a first-time jumper and an experienced instructor, leap out of an airplane together while securely attached to one another. The connecting straps ensure that one person is positioned above the other during the freefall, with their back against the other’s front side.
This arrangement allows the novice jumper to enjoy the thrilling sensation of skydiving while relying on the expertise of the instructor to manage the parachute deployment and landing.
The Freefall
Once out of the plane, skydivers will experience the thrill of freefalling. This is the part of the jump where the skydiver is falling through the air without the parachute deployed. Freefall typically lasts around 30-60 seconds, depending on the altitude of the jump.
During freefall, skydivers can expect to reach speeds of around 120 mph. It’s important to keep your body position stable and your arms and legs in the correct position.
Landing
After freefall, it’s time to deploy the parachute and glide safely back to the ground. The instructor will be in control of the parachute, so the skydiver doesn’t have to worry about anything. The instructor will guide the parachute to the landing zone, and the skydiver will gently touch down on the ground. It’s important to lift your legs up and let the instructor handle the landing.
Tips for First-Time Skydivers
Skydiving is an exhilarating experience that can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for first-time jumpers. Here are a few tips to help make your first skydiving experience safe and enjoyable:
Choose a reputable dropzone: Make sure the dropzone you choose is certified by the appropriate skydiving organizations and has experienced instructors.
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that won’t fall off during the jump.
Eat and hydrate: Eat a light, nutritious meal before arriving at the dropzone and stay hydrated throughout the activity to help calm your nerves.
Listen to your instructor: Pay attention during the pre-jump briefing and follow your instructor’s directions during the jump.
Focus on your jump: When you make your first skydive, focus on getting into a good stable ‘arch’ position as you exit the plane.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions: If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor. They are there to help you.
Book your trip in advance and get there well before your allotted hour. Be ready to go.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable first-time skydiving experience. Remember to have fun and enjoy the breathtaking views of Morocco from above!
