Skydiving is often described as the ultimate adventure – a chance to defy gravity, feel the wind rush past you, and experience a sense of freedom like no other. Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline rush, the breathtaking views from above, or the camaraderie of the skydiving community, becoming a skydiver is a journey that requires dedication, training, and a commitment to safety. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step – by – step process of becoming a skydiver, from the initial planning stages to making your first solo jumps and beyond. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to join this exciting sport and start creating your own skydiving memories.
Research and Preparation
Before taking your first leap into the sky, it’s essential to do your research and prepare yourself mentally and physically. Skydiving is a serious sport that involves inherent risks, so it’s important to go into it with your eyes wide open.
Understand the Basics of Skydiving
Take some time to learn about the different types of skydiving. The two most common methods for beginners are tandem skydiving and static – line skydiving. Tandem skydiving involves jumping with a professional instructor who controls the parachute, making it a great option for those who want to experience skydiving without the full responsibility of handling the equipment right away. Static – line skydiving, on the other hand, is part of some training programs where a cord connects your parachute to the aircraft, and it deploys automatically when you exit the plane. This is often used in the early stages of solo training.
You should also familiarize yourself with the basic equipment used in skydiving, such as the parachute system (which includes the main parachute and a reserve parachute), the harness, the altimeter, and the helmet. Understanding how this equipment works will not only make you more comfortable when you start training but also help you appreciate the importance of proper maintenance and safety checks.
Choose a Reputable Skydiving School
One of the most critical decisions you’ll make on your skydiving journey is choosing the right skydiving school. Look for a school that is affiliated with a recognized skydiving organization, such as the United States Parachute Association (USPA) in the United States or similar organizations in other countries. These organizations set standards for training, safety, and equipment, so attending an affiliated school ensures that you’ll receive high – quality instruction.
When evaluating schools, consider factors such as the experience and qualifications of the instructors, the safety record of the school, the type of training programs they offer, and the facilities they have. It can be helpful to read reviews from past students and even visit the drop zone to observe a training session. This will give you a sense of the atmosphere at the school and whether it’s a good fit for you.
Prepare Physically and Mentally
While skydiving doesn’t require superhuman physical fitness, there are some basic physical requirements. You should be in good enough health to handle the physical stresses of jumping, including the G – forces during freefall and the landing. Most skydiving schools will require you to be in reasonable physical condition, and some may ask for a medical certificate, especially if you have certain pre – existing medical conditions.
Mentally, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges and emotions that come with skydiving. It’s normal to feel nervous or even scared before your first jump – that’s a natural response to doing something new and adventurous. However, try to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Trust in your training and your instructors, and remember that millions of people have gone through the same process and fallen in love with the sport.
Enroll in a Training Program
Once you’ve done your research and chosen a skydiving school, it’s time to enroll in a training program. The most common training program for beginners is the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program, which is designed to teach you how to make solo jumps as quickly as possible while ensuring you have a solid foundation of skills.
First Solo Jumps in AFF
Once you’ve mastered the ground training, you’ll be ready for your first solo jumps. In the AFF program, your first few jumps are made with two instructors who will jump with you and provide guidance and support during the freefall. They’ll help you maintain your body position, check your altitude, and ensure that you deploy your parachute at the correct time.
As you progress through the levels of the AFF program, the number of instructors may decrease, and you’ll be given more responsibility for controlling your jump. Each level has specific skills that you need to demonstrate before moving on to the next one. For example, you might need to show that you can maintain stable freefall, perform turns, and deploy your parachute at the correct altitude.
Other Training Options
While AFF is the most popular training program for beginners, there are other options available. Some skydiving schools offer static – line training programs, which are often a more gradual approach to solo skydiving. In a static – line program, your first few jumps are made with a static line that automatically deploys your parachute when you exit the aircraft. This allows you to focus on the parachute ride and landing without having to worry about deploying the parachute yourself during freefall.
Another option is to start with tandem skydiving and use it as a way to gain experience and build your confidence before moving on to solo training. Tandem jumps can be a great way to get a taste of skydiving and decide if it’s something you want to pursue further. Many people who start with a tandem jump become hooked and then decide to enroll in a solo training program.
Make Your First Jumps
Now comes the exciting part – making your first jumps! Whether you’re starting with a tandem jump or a solo jump as part of a training program, your first few jumps will be an unforgettable experience.
Tandem Skydiving
If you’re starting with a tandem jump, you’ll be paired with an experienced instructor who will handle all aspects of the jump, from exiting the aircraft to deploying the parachute and landing. You’ll be harnessed to the instructor, and you’ll exit the plane together. The freefall in a tandem jump can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the altitude from which you jump.
During the freefall, you’ll experience the incredible sensation of speed as you fall through the sky. Your instructor may even let you take control of the parachute for a short time during the canopy ride, giving you a taste of what it’s like to pilot your own descent. Landing a tandem jump is relatively straightforward, as the instructor will guide you through the process and ensure a safe landing.
First Solo Jumps (AFF or Static – Line)
If you’re in a solo training program like AFF or static – line, your first solo jump will be a major milestone. For AFF students, the first solo jump is with two instructors, as mentioned earlier. As you exit the aircraft, you’ll need to focus on maintaining your body position and following the instructions from your instructors. They’ll communicate with you using hand signals and verbal commands to help you stay on track.
When it’s time to deploy your parachute, you’ll reach a predetermined altitude (usually around 5,000 to 3,000 feet above the ground, depending on the program), and you’ll pull the ripcord to deploy the main parachute. Once the parachute is open, you’ll need to check that it’s functioning properly and then start controlling your descent. You’ll learn how to steer the parachute using the steering toggles, how to adjust your speed, and how to prepare for landing.
First Solo Jumps (AFF or Static – Line)
If you’re in a solo training program like AFF or static – line, your first solo jump will be a major milestone. For AFF students, the first solo jump is with two instructors, as mentioned earlier. As you exit the aircraft, you’ll need to focus on maintaining your body position and following the instructions from your instructors. They’ll communicate with you using hand signals and verbal commands to help you stay on track.
When it’s time to deploy your parachute, you’ll reach a predetermined altitude (usually around 5,000 to 3,000 feet above the ground, depending on the program), and you’ll pull the ripcord to deploy the main parachute. Once the parachute is open, you’ll need to check that it’s functioning properly and then start controlling your descent. You’ll learn how to steer the parachute using the steering toggles, how to adjust your speed, and how to prepare for landing.
Landing a solo jump is one of the most critical parts of the process. You’ll need to approach the landing area with the correct speed and angle, flaring the parachute at the right time to slow down and land softly. It takes practice to master the landing, and it’s not uncommon for beginners to have a few rough landings as they get used to the feel of the parachute.
Gain Experience and Advance Your Skills
Becoming a proficient skydiver doesn’t stop after your first few jumps. Like any sport, skydiving requires ongoing practice and learning to improve your skills and expand your horizons.
Logging Jumps and Building Experience
As you make more jumps, you’ll start to log your experiences in a skydiving logbook. This logbook will record important information about each jump, such as the date, the altitude from which you jumped, the type of jump (e.g., solo, tandem, competition), and any skills or maneuvers you performed. Logging your jumps is not only a great way to track your progress but also a requirement for obtaining certain skydiving certifications.
Each jump gives you the opportunity to practice the skills you’ve learned and build your confidence in the air. You’ll start to become more comfortable with the freefall, the parachute deployment, and the landing. As you gain experience, you can start to experiment with different types of jumps, such as formation skydiving (jumping with a group of other skydivers and forming patterns in the air), canopy piloting (focusing on advanced parachute control and maneuvering), or even skydiving competitions.
Advanced Training and Certifications
Most skydiving organizations offer a series of certifications that allow you to progress from a beginner to an experienced skydiver. In the USPA, for example, the certifications start with the A License, which is awarded to skydivers who have completed a certain number of jumps, met specific skill requirements, and passed a written exam. As you gain more experience, you can work towards the B, C, and D Licenses, each of which has higher requirements in terms of jump numbers, skills, and responsibilities.
Advanced training can include courses on topics such as freefall stability, canopy control, emergency procedures, and skydiving safety. There are also specialized training programs available for those who want to pursue specific areas of skydiving, such as becoming a skydiving instructor, a parachute rigger (someone who maintains and repairs parachutes), or a competition skydiver.
Conclusion
Becoming a skydiver is a journey that takes time, effort, and a commitment to safety. From the initial research and preparation to making your first jumps and advancing your skills, each step is a learning experience that brings you closer to mastering this incredible sport. Along the way, you’ll meet amazing people, experience unforgettable moments, and gain a sense of accomplishment that few other activities can offer. Remember, skydiving is not a race – it’s a journey. Take the time to enjoy each step, celebrate your milestones, and learn from your mistakes. Always prioritize safety, listen to your instructors, and never stop learning. Whether you’re making your first tandem jump or your 100th solo jump, the thrill of skydiving never truly fades. So, if you’ve been dreaming of taking the leap, don’t wait any longer – start your skydiving journey today and discover a whole new world above the clouds.