How to Get Started with Skydiving: A Comprehensive Guide

Skydiving, often perceived as an extreme and daring activity, is actually an accessible and rewarding sport that combines adrenaline, skill, and breathtaking views. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to get started with skydiving, covering everything from initial considerations to advanced training.

I. Is Skydiving Right for You? Assessing Your Suitability

Before embarking on your skydiving journey, it's crucial to honestly assess whether this sport aligns with your personal characteristics and capabilities. While the allure of freefall is undeniable, it's not for everyone.

A. Physical and Mental Health Considerations

Skydiving demands a certain level of physical and mental fitness. Consider the following:

• Physical Health: While elite athleticism isn't required, you should be in reasonably good health. Pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, back issues, or neurological disorders might be contraindications. Consult with your doctor to determine if skydiving is safe for you. Many dropzones have weight limits due to parachute and equipment constraints, typically around 220-250 lbs. Call ahead to confirm weight limits.
• Mental Health: A stable mental state is paramount. Skydiving involves managing fear and anxiety, and a history of panic attacks, severe anxiety disorders, or other significant mental health challenges could make the experience overwhelming. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
• Age Restrictions: Most dropzones require participants to be at least 18 years old. This is due to legal liability and the maturity required to understand and follow instructions.

B. Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

It's perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about jumping out of an airplane. However, there's a difference between healthy respect and debilitating fear. Here's how to address anxieties:

• Education: Learn as much as possible about skydiving. Understanding the equipment, procedures, and safety protocols can alleviate anxiety. Research dropzones, read articles, and watch videos.
• Visualization: Mentally rehearse the jump. Imagine yourself going through each step -- from boarding the plane to landing safely. This can help build confidence and reduce uncertainty.
• Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing techniques to manage anxiety in the moment. Focus on slow, controlled breaths to calm your nervous system.
• Start Small: If the prospect of a solo jump feels too daunting, consider starting with tandem skydiving (more on that later). This allows you to experience the sensation with an experienced instructor.

C. Commitment to Training and Safety

Skydiving is not a casual activity. It requires dedication to training and a serious commitment to safety. Be prepared to invest time and effort in learning the necessary skills and following all safety procedures.
Safety First! Skydiving can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Always prioritize safety and follow the instructions of your instructors.

II. Your First Jump: Tandem Skydiving

For most beginners, the best way to experience skydiving for the first time is through a tandem jump. Tandem skydiving allows you to be securely attached to an experienced instructor, who handles all aspects of the jump, from exiting the plane to landing.

A. What to Expect During a Tandem Jump

1. Briefing: You'll receive a comprehensive briefing from your instructor covering safety procedures, body positioning, and what to expect during the freefall and landing. Pay close attention and ask questions.
2. Gearing Up: You'll be fitted with a harness that attaches to your instructor's harness. The equipment is rigorously inspected and maintained.
3. The Ascent: The ride to altitude in the airplane typically takes 15-20 minutes. Enjoy the views and try to relax.
4. The Exit: The most exhilarating and nerve-wracking part. Your instructor will guide you to the door and initiate the jump.
5. Freefall: Experience the sensation of freefall for approximately 45-60 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph.
6. Parachute Deployment: Your instructor will deploy the parachute at a pre-determined altitude.
7. Canopy Flight: Enjoy the scenic canopy flight for several minutes as your instructor navigates back to the landing area.
8. Landing: Your instructor will land the parachute, usually with a gentle touchdown.

B. Choosing a Reputable Dropzone

Selecting a reputable dropzone is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Look for the following:

• USPA Membership: The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is the governing body for skydiving in the US. A USPA-affiliated dropzone adheres to strict safety standards and employs qualified instructors.
• Instructor Qualifications: Ensure that the instructors are certified by the USPA and have extensive experience. Ask about their credentials.
• Equipment Maintenance: The dropzone should have a rigorous equipment maintenance program. Inspect the gear (if possible) and ask about their safety protocols.
• Customer Reviews: Read online reviews from other skydivers to get an idea of the dropzone's reputation and customer service.
• Insurance: Verify that the dropzone carries adequate liability insurance.

C. Preparing for Your Tandem Jump

Proper preparation can enhance your tandem skydiving experience:

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, athletic clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Avoid loose clothing that could flap in the wind. Closed-toe shoes are essential.
• Eating: Eat a light meal a few hours before your jump. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that could cause nausea.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Sleep: Get a good night's sleep before your jump.
• Arrive Early: Arrive at the dropzone early to allow ample time for registration, briefing, and gearing up.
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your instructor any questions you have. They are there to help you feel comfortable and safe.

Tip: Consider purchasing a video and/or photo package to capture your tandem skydiving experience. It's a fantastic way to relive the thrill and share it with friends and family.

III. Learning to Skydive Solo: The Progressive Freefall (PFF) Program

If your tandem experience ignites a passion for skydiving, the next step is to learn to skydive solo. The most common training method is the Progressive Freefall (PFF) program, also sometimes referred to as Accelerated Freefall (AFF).

A. Understanding the PFF/AFF Program

PFF is a structured training program that gradually introduces you to the skills necessary to skydive independently. It typically consists of several levels, each building upon the previous one.

• Ground School: Before your first jump, you'll undergo extensive ground school training, covering topics such as parachute operation, emergency procedures, body position, landing techniques, and aircraft procedures.
• Level 1: Your first jump involves two instructors holding onto you throughout the freefall, providing guidance and assistance. They will release you briefly to allow you to experience solo freefall.
• Level 2: Similar to Level 1, with the instructors providing less physical assistance and focusing more on verbal cues and corrections.
• Level 3-7: These levels gradually reduce the amount of instructor assistance, allowing you to develop greater independence and control in freefall. You'll learn skills such as turns, forward movement, and altitude awareness.
• Solo Jumps: Once you've completed all the PFF levels, you'll be able to make solo jumps, supervised by instructors.

B. Essential Skills You'll Learn

The PFF program will equip you with the following essential skydiving skills:

• Body Position: Maintaining a stable and controlled body position in freefall is crucial for safety and performance. You'll learn the arch position, which helps you stay stable and oriented.
• Altitude Awareness: Accurately monitoring your altitude is critical for deploying your parachute at the correct time. You'll learn to use an altimeter and other visual cues to track your altitude.
• Parachute Deployment: You'll learn the proper procedures for deploying your main parachute, including identifying and resolving malfunctions.
• Canopy Control: You'll learn how to steer your parachute, navigate to the landing area, and perform a safe landing.
• Emergency Procedures: You'll learn how to handle various emergency situations, such as parachute malfunctions, and how to use your reserve parachute.

C. Choosing a PFF/AFF School

Selecting a reputable PFF/AFF school is paramount for your safety and success. Consider the following factors:

• USPA Accreditation: Ensure that the school is accredited by the USPA.
• Instructor Experience: Inquire about the experience and qualifications of the instructors. Look for instructors with a high number of jumps and a strong safety record.
• Student-to-Instructor Ratio: A low student-to-instructor ratio allows for more personalized instruction and supervision.
• Equipment Quality: The school should use well-maintained and up-to-date equipment.
• Safety Record: Ask about the school's safety record and any incidents or accidents that have occurred.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Read online reviews and testimonials from former students to get an idea of the school's reputation.

D. Costs Associated with Learning to Skydive

Learning to skydive involves significant costs. Be prepared to invest a substantial amount of money in training, equipment, and jumps.

• PFF/AFF Course: The PFF/AFF course typically costs several thousand dollars.
• Gear Rental: You'll need to rent gear for your initial jumps, which can add to the cost.
• Jump Tickets: Each jump requires a jump ticket, which covers the cost of the airplane ride to altitude.
• Gear Purchase: Eventually, you'll want to purchase your own gear, which can cost several thousand dollars.
• USPA Membership: You'll need to become a member of the USPA to skydive legally.

IV. Post-Graduation: Building Experience and Skills

Completing the PFF/AFF program is just the beginning of your skydiving journey. You'll need to continue building your experience and refining your skills through regular jumps.

A. Maintaining Currency

To maintain your skydiving currency (the ability to legally skydive), you'll need to make regular jumps. The USPA has specific requirements for currency, which vary depending on your license level.

B. Joining a Skydiving Community

Joining a skydiving community is a great way to connect with other skydivers, learn from experienced jumpers, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Consider joining a local skydiving club or online forum.

C. Advanced Training and Disciplines

Once you've gained experience and confidence, you can explore various advanced skydiving disciplines, such as:

• Formation Skydiving (FS): Building formations in freefall with other skydivers.
• Freeflying: Performing acrobatic maneuvers in freefall.
• Wingsuit Flying: Flying through the air with a wingsuit, which adds surface area to the body and allows for greater speed and distance.
• Canopy Piloting: Performing high-speed maneuvers under canopy.
• Accuracy Landing: Landing as close as possible to a target.

V. Essential Skydiving Gear

As you progress in skydiving, you'll eventually want to invest in your own gear. Here's a breakdown of the essential equipment:

• Main Parachute: The primary parachute used for a normal descent.
• Reserve Parachute: A backup parachute in case of a main parachute malfunction.
• Container: The backpack-like system that holds both the main and reserve parachutes. It also houses the Automatic Activation Device (AAD).
• Automatic Activation Device (AAD): A safety device that automatically deploys the reserve parachute if the skydiver is unconscious or unable to deploy it manually at a pre-set altitude.
• Altimeter: Used to monitor altitude during freefall and canopy flight.
• Helmet: Provides head protection.
• Jumpsuit: A specialized suit designed for skydiving, providing warmth and aerodynamics.
• Audible Altimeter (Optional): An electronic device that emits audible tones at pre-set altitudes, providing an additional layer of altitude awareness.
• Gloves (Optional): Provide warmth and grip.
• Goggles (Optional): Protects the eyes from wind.

VI. The Importance of Continuous Learning and Respect for the Sport

Skydiving is a dynamic sport, and continuous learning is essential for staying safe and improving your skills. Attend safety seminars, read articles and books on skydiving, and seek advice from experienced jumpers.

Furthermore, approach skydiving with respect. Respect the equipment, the rules, and the inherent risks involved. Never become complacent or overconfident. Always prioritize safety and maintain a healthy respect for the power of the sport.

VII. Conclusion

Getting started with skydiving is an exciting and rewarding journey. By carefully assessing your suitability, choosing a reputable dropzone and school, committing to training, and continuously building your experience, you can safely and enjoyably experience the thrill of freefall. Remember to always prioritize safety, respect the sport, and never stop learning. The sky's the limit!

View Product