Skydiving is an exciting sport that gives you a burst of energy and a feeling of being really free, unlike anything else. It is an electrifying adventure that demands skill, dedication, and a passion for adventure. If you’ve done it once, you might be hooked and want to do it for your whole life. However, to pursue your dream of skydiving, you need to have a license. The process of becoming a licensed skydiver is pretty straightforward. Here are five simple steps to help you on your journey:
1. Take a Tandem Jump
The first step towards earning your skydiving license is to experience a tandem jump. During a tandem jump, you get to feel the exciting freefall while safely attached to a trained instructor. They take care of all the tricky stuff so that you can enjoy the amazing sights and the thrill of excitement without worries. This introductory jump will give you a taste of what skydiving feels like and help you decide if you want to pursue further training.
2. Enroll in an AFF Course
Once you have experienced a tandem jump and want to chase your dream, then you need to learn to skydive. That’s where accelerated freefall (AFF) training comes in. This training program will teach you everything you need to know to become a certified skydiver. You’ll learn about equipment, safety procedures, body positioning, and how to deploy your parachute. Usually, the course starts with some lessons on the ground. You’ll learn about important things like freefall body positioning, how to control the parachute, and what to do in case of an emergency. After that, you’ll do solo jumps under the supervision of instructors.
3. Skydive Solo
As you go through the AFF course, you’ll become more independent and confident in the sky. You’ll begin with easy solo jumps while instructors join you to keep you safe. Your very first solo jump will be super exciting and something you’ll always remember. Keep in mind all your training will come into play at this point. With time, you’ll get the necessary skills to perform maneuvers such as turns, flips, and tracking. Each jump brings you closer to mastering the skills required to skydive solo.
4. Pass the License Exam
After completing the required number of solo jumps and showing off your skydiving skills, you’ll be ready to earn your license. This typically involves passing a written exam and a practical evaluation of your skydiving abilities. This exam is to assess your knowledge and skills as a skydiver. Once you have your license, you can skydive anywhere in the world without the need for an instructor.
5. Keep Learning and Improving
Getting your skydiving license is just the beginning of your journey as a skydiver. There’s always more to learn and new skills to master. You can consider taking advanced training courses to improve your skills and expand your knowledge. This sport offers endless opportunities, like learning to fly a wingsuit or formation skydiving. Just remember, the sky’s the limit!