Skydiving is one of the most exhilarating extreme sports that offers an unmatched rush of adrenaline. The freedom of falling through the sky and experiencing the world from thousands of feet above is an unforgettable experience. While many people start their skydiving journey with tandem jumps, where they are attached to an experienced instructor, others are eager to take the next step and jump solo. If you’re ready to experience skydiving on your own, solo skydiving could be the adventure you’re looking for.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know to get started with solo skydiving. From training and equipment to what to expect during your first solo jump, we will break down the process in simple terms to make sure you’re fully prepared for this thrilling challenge.
What Is Solo Skydiving?
Solo skydiving refers to jumping from an aircraft by yourself, without being attached to an instructor. It is the ultimate way to experience the freedom of skydiving because you have full control over your jump, from exiting the plane to deploying your parachute. However, solo skydiving is not something you can jump into right away. It requires proper training, a certain level of physical and mental preparation, and the right mindset.
While tandem skydiving is designed for beginners to experience the thrill of the jump with an instructor guiding them, solo skydiving requires a higher level of skill, as you will be solely responsible for your safety and success during the jump. This includes controlling your body in freefall, operating your parachute, and ensuring a safe landing.
Steps to Start Solo Skydiving
1. Choose the Right Skydive School
The first step to starting your solo skydiving journey is finding a reputable skydive school. Look for a school that has an excellent safety record, certified instructors, and a professional approach to training. Most skydiving schools will offer a course specifically designed for first-time solo jumpers called the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program.
When choosing a school, make sure to consider:
Certification: Ensure that the school is certified by the appropriate aviation and skydiving authorities, such as the United States Parachute Association (USPA) in the U.S., or equivalent organizations in other countries.
Instructor Experience: Check the qualifications and experience of the instructors. A certified instructor with a lot of jumps and teaching experience will ensure you get the best training.
Safety Record: Research the school’s safety protocols and history. Your safety is the number one priority, and a well-regarded school will emphasize safety in every aspect of the training.
2. Complete the Necessary Training
Before you can make your first solo skydive, you need to undergo proper training. The most common method for solo skydiving training is the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course. Here’s what you can expect during the training process:
Classroom Training
The first part of the AFF course consists of classroom lessons where you’ll learn the basics of skydiving. Topics covered typically include:
- How a parachute works and how it’s deployed
- Body position in freefall to maintain stability
- How to open the parachute safely at the right altitude
- Emergency procedures in case of malfunction
- Landing techniques and how to perform a controlled landing
Ground Training
Once you’ve covered the basics in the classroom, you will move on to ground training. This includes practicing techniques like body position, parachute deployment, and landing in a safe, controlled environment. Ground training also includes learning how to handle emergency situations, such as a parachute malfunction.
Tandem Jumps (Optional)
While some schools may allow you to jump solo right after completing your training, many schools recommend making a few tandem jumps first. Tandem jumps allow you to get used to the sensation of freefall and understand the dynamics of skydiving while having an instructor with you. This will help build your confidence before transitioning to solo jumping.
3. Understanding the Equipment
Before you can jump solo, you need to become familiar with the equipment that you’ll be using. Skydiving equipment is complex, and understanding how it works is critical to your safety.
Main Parachute
Your main parachute is the primary device you will use to slow your descent. It is a rectangular or square-shaped canopy that is deployed at a certain altitude to allow you to glide safely to the ground.
Reserve Parachute
The reserve parachute is a backup system that is only deployed in the event of a malfunction with the main parachute. In most skydiving schools, the reserve parachute is packed by a certified rigger to ensure its functionality.
Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
The AAD is an electronic device that will automatically deploy the reserve parachute if you are unable to deploy your main parachute on time. This system adds an extra layer of safety to ensure that the jump remains safe even if you are unable to react in time.
Altimeter
The altimeter is a device worn on your wrist or mounted to your equipment that helps you track your altitude during the jump. Knowing your altitude is crucial for deploying your parachute at the correct time.
Helmet and Jumpsuit
Skydivers wear a helmet to protect their head in the event of a hard landing or collision with objects during freefall. A jumpsuit is worn for comfort and to help you maintain the correct body position in freefall.
4. The First Solo Jump
After completing your training, it’s time for your first solo skydive. This is the moment you’ve been preparing for, and it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous or excited. Here’s what you can expect:
Getting Ready
Before the jump, you will go through a final briefing with your instructor. They will review your training, double-check your equipment, and discuss the procedures for the jump. You will then board the aircraft and ascend to the jump altitude, usually between 10,000 and 14,000 feet.
Exiting the Aircraft
When you reach the appropriate altitude, you will exit the aircraft. Your instructor will be there to ensure you have the right position and provide support as you jump. During freefall, you’ll experience an incredible rush of adrenaline as you fall through the sky.
Deploying the Parachute
You will deploy your parachute at the correct altitude, typically around 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The parachute will slow your descent and allow you to steer it toward a safe landing area. Your instructor will monitor your jump from the ground to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Landing
Once you’ve deployed your parachute, you’ll be guided by your altimeter and visual cues to land safely. You’ll learn the proper landing techniques in your training, including how to flare your parachute to slow down just before touching the ground.
5. Progressing to More Advanced Jumps
After your first solo jump, you will continue to build your skills and experience. Most skydiving schools have a system of jump progression, where each jump builds upon the skills you learned in previous jumps. This includes practicing maneuvers, freefall techniques, and ultimately progressing to more advanced jump types, such as formation skydiving, solo freefall, and night jumps.
As you progress, you’ll also accumulate jump experience, which is necessary for obtaining skydiving licenses. For example, the USPA requires you to complete a certain number of jumps before you can earn a Skydiver Certification or higher levels of certification.
6. Safety Considerations
Skydiving is a safe sport when performed correctly, but it’s important to always follow safety protocols and trust the training you received. Some essential safety tips include:
Always double-check your gear and ensure it is properly packed before each jump.
Follow all instructions provided by your instructors, and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Never attempt to jump solo without proper training and certification.
Always jump with a certified school and make sure your equipment is in top condition.
Conclusion
Solo skydiving is a thrilling and rewarding experience that requires careful preparation, training, and attention to safety. By choosing the right school, completing the necessary training, and understanding your equipment, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for your first solo jump. The adrenaline rush of freefalling from an aircraft on your own is like no other, and with each jump, you will continue to grow as a skydiver.