How does one learn to skydive?
The First Jump Course teaches you everything you need to know to safely make your first jump. There are several different programs available for first jumpers; the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. A video or DVD of your jumps may also be included (at extra cost) and the use of freefall video on student jumps greatly increases the learning potential. The differences of each are summarised below: STATIC LINE (S/L) This method has evolved over the last ~40 years from its military origins into a successful method for training sport parachutists. You get several hours of ground training and are then taken to an altitude of above 3500 feet for the jump. The jump itself consists of a simple “poised” exit usually from the strut of a single engine Cessna aircraft. As you fall away from the plane, the main canopy is deployed by a “static line” attached to the aircraft. You will experience about two to three seconds of falling as the parachute opens.
Look in the telephone directory (Yellow Pages) under “Parachuting” to find a local parachuting operation – normally referred to as a “drop zone” (DZ). A phone call will generally provide you with enough information to make arrangements to complete a tandem jump or attend the First Jump Course and/or how to reach the DZ. A friend or acquaintance who has jumped previously may also be able to give you a recommendation. Most DZs will offer the First Jump Course at least once each weekend and tandem jumps are usually available by arrangement. Some will offer jumps or training during the week or some of the training during the week or starting at different times during the weekend. You will need to contact your local DZ to determine its scheduling. The First Jump Course consists of several hours of ground school followed by your jump – weather permitting. There are three different types of training you can take: Static Line, Freefall, or Tandem. They are described below in greater detail.
There are several different methods of training you can take in order to learn to skydive. They are: Static Line Accelerated Freefall, or Tandem . They are described below in greater detail. However, not all drop zones offer all these options, so you should ask the DZ which type(s) of training they provide. It is your safety at stake and your responsibility to look after it. If you have reservations about making your first jump, make the effort to visit the DZ, check it out, meet the people and staff. They will be glad to see you, and you will be much more confident and comfortable having done so, and consequently have a much better time!
There are several different methods of training you can take in order to learn to skydive. They are: Static Line Accelerated Freefall, or Tandem . They are described below in greater detail. However, not all drop zones offer all these options, so you should ask the DZ which type(s) of training they provide.
