Let’s be honest—your first instinct when jumping out of a plane might be to scream your lungs out. And you wouldn’t be the first! Skydiving is a wild rush of adrenaline, and screaming is a totally natural reaction. But that raises the question: can you even scream in freefall?
Or is it all just wind, noise, and wide-open mouths?
Let’s dive into what it feels like, what you sound like, and why it’s actually kind of awesome.
Short answer
Yes, you can absolutely scream while skydiving—many people do, and it’s a great way to release adrenaline and keep breathing naturally. The wind is so loud during freefall that you might not hear yourself, but screaming won’t affect your breathing or safety. Whether you scream, laugh, or stay silent, it’s all part of the experience.
Tip: How much money do skydivers make?
Freefall: 120 mph wind, one big scream
When you exit the plane and enter freefall, you’re moving through the air at around 120 miles per hour (193 km/h). That means the wind is loud—think standing next to a jet engine loud. So yes, you can scream—but you probably won’t hear yourself. Or if you do, it’ll sound like some wild, wobbly version of your voice.
Still, people do it all the time. Some scream from excitement. Some from pure shock. Some can’t help but laugh mid-scream.
Tip: How much does base jumping cost?
Will screaming mess up your breathing?
Not at all. If anything, screaming helps you breathe naturally. It forces you to exhale, which makes it easier to inhale afterward. Plus, yelling or laughing during freefall can actually help calm your nerves—it’s a great emotional release.
In fact, instructors often encourage you to yell—it helps break the tension and reminds you to keep breathing.
Do you have to scream?
Absolutely not. Some people scream the whole way down. Others are completely silent, wide-eyed and soaking it all in. Some people want to scream but are so stunned by the experience that nothing comes out.
All of it is normal. There’s no “right way” to skydive. Whether you scream, laugh, cry, or go full zen mode in the sky, it’s your moment.
Tip: What happens when you skydive through a cloud?
How loud is the wind?
Very loud. Like, you-won’t-hear-your-own-voice loud. During freefall, the wind rushing past your ears drowns out most sound. That’s why you might scream at full volume and barely hear it. It’s also why instructors use hand signals, not shouting, to communicate in the air.
But when you watch your jump video later, don’t worry—it’ll definitely catch your best sky-scream moment in all its glory.
Tip: Check out The world’s 6 Best Places to Go Skydiving
Under the parachute: scream, talk, or chill
Once the parachute opens, everything changes. The wind noise drops, and you can actually have a conversation with your instructor. At this point, some people keep yelling with joy. Others start asking questions like, “Did we really just do that?!” And some just sit back and soak in the view with a big, quiet smile.
Whatever you’re feeling—it’s valid. And it’s probably the most honest reaction you’ve had in a long time.
Tip: Do you know who invented skydiving?
Is it embarrassing to scream?
Not even a little. In fact, some of the best reactions come with a good scream. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Holy wow, I’ve never felt this before!” It’s pure, raw emotion—and skydiving is the perfect place to let it all out.
Your instructor won’t judge. Other skydivers won’t judge. And when you watch your video back? You’ll either laugh or be proud of how boldly you let go.
Tip: Read about the best places to go skydiving.
Final thoughts: yes, you can scream—and it might feel amazing
So, can you scream while skydiving?
Yes, and you totally should if you want to. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of rush, and your reaction—whatever it is—is 100% part of the experience. Whether you scream your heart out or stay cool and quiet, the sky’s big enough for all kinds of emotions.