So, you've booked a tandem skydive over the Yarra Valley. Or someone booked one for you, and you're now quietly wondering how much they like you. Either way, congratulations! Now for the question that keeps first-time skydivers up at night: what on earth do I wear?
Relax. Unlike a Yarra Valley winery wedding, nobody is judging your outfit. Well, the camera is. A little bit.
The short answer
Wear something comfortable, and shoes you'd be happy to go for a decent walk in. That's it. That's the guide. We'll give you a pair of trousers to pull on over the top for the jump, plus some very flattering goggles.
But you came here for the long answer, so let's go.
What to wear skydiving: the yes list
Comfy clothes you can move in. You'll be bending your legs, arching your back and high-fiving strangers in freefall. Activewear, jeans with a bit of stretch, a t-shirt you like. Perfect.
Runners or sneakers with laces. Done up. Double knotted. Then check them again, because your shoes are about to do 15,000ft of freefall and they don't get a parachute of their own.
Layers. It's chilly at 15,000ft, even in the middle of a Victorian summer. A light long-sleeve layer is your friend. In winter, rug up like you're going to the footy in Ballarat.
Your glasses or contacts. Absolutely fine. Our goggles go over the top, so you'll actually be able to see the view you paid for.
Your best smile. If you've added photos and video, that face is going to be on the family group chat for years.
What not to wear skydiving: the absolutely-not list
Thongs. The footwear kind. They will be the first thing to leave the plane, and they will not be coming back. Some cow in Yering is still wearing the last pair.
Heels, sandals or slip-ons. See above, but with more regret.
Steel toe boots. We love a tradie, but leave the work boots in the ute. They're heavy, they don't bend, and your instructor's shins would like a word.
Scarves, loose hats and dangly earrings. Anything that can flap, will flap. Anything that can fly off, will become a gift for the Yarra Ranges.
Your GoPro or smart glasses. Australian Parachute Federation rules say you need 100 jumps before you can carry a camera. Leave the filming to our instructors and grab a photo and video package instead.
Your nicest white jeans. Not because skydiving is messy, but because you're in the Yarra Valley, and you're definitely celebrating with a glass of red afterwards.
What to bring on the day
Time. Skydiving runs on weather, so please set aside up to four hours from your booking time. Clouds don't check our booking system.
Snacks. Local cheese from a winery is welcome. Sharing it with your instructor is strongly encouraged.
A clear head. No alcohol or recreational drugs in the 12 hours before your jump. Not even one glass of wine with lunch. Save it for the celebration.
Dressing for the photos
If you want your skydiving photos to really pop, go for bright colours. Reds, oranges, yellows and blues look amazing against the green vineyards and rolling hills below. Head-to-toe black works too, if you're going for the "mysterious action hero" look. We support it.
Long hair? Tie it back with a decent hair tie, or you'll land looking like you've been through a wind tunnel. Which, to be fair, you will have.
Ready to suit up?
Ascend Skydiving is based in Yering, right in the heart of the Yarra Valley and about 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD. Jump from 15,000ft over vineyards, the Dandenong Ranges and, on a clear day, the Melbourne skyline. Your outfit is sorted, so all that's left is to book your tandem skydive or grab a gift voucher for someone who needs a new favourite story.
See you at 15,000ft. Double knot those laces.