Did you love your first tandem skydive so much that you wanted to learn to skydive? It's common for people to want to experience the rush of free fall over and over because "once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward". - Leonardo Da Vinci
In fact, many people decide to take the accelerated free fall (AFF) course so they can go on to become a licensed skydiver. What this means is that you can jump solo at different USPA verified drop zones around the world. It sounds awesome but there are a few things you should think about when considering skydiving solo.
Before entering our AFF program, you must obtain a membership with the United States Parachute Association, or better known as the USPA. There is a $66 yearly membership fee and you must be an active USPA member in order to skydive.
Skydiving is an expensive sport. The AFF program here at Skydive Danielson costs around $3,200 but the good news is that it's a pay as you go learning process.
1-on-1 Parachute Training Tandems
Wind Tunnel (optional)
First Jump Course
AFF Jumps
Coach Jumps
Solo Skydives
Parachute Packing Class
Total cost to learn to skydive without the wind tunnel is $3,000 and with the wind tunnel included is $3,280.
Once you have become a licensed skydiver, you're going to want to purchase your own gear. You should expect to spend between $3,500-$10,000 depending on whether you buy used or new equipment. Once you have your gear you will pay $27 per skydive. Until you have your own gear, rentals are available for $30 extra per jump.
Getting an A License can be very time consuming due to the fact that skydiving is a weather dependent sport and you never know what type of weather conditions you will get in New England until that day is actually here. Skydiving not only requires the right weather conditions, but it also requires patience, dedication and commitment. Skydive Danielson is open 7 days a week, weather permitting, from the beginning on April until the end of October. There is plenty of time to get your 25 jumps in as long as you make yourself as available as possible. The USPA requires students to stay current, which means you will have to jump at least once every 30 days, if you miss that 30 day mark, you will then need to take a refresher ground school for $50 and repeat your last skydive. These are the requirements of the USPA and we abide by those rules and regulations.
Skydiving can be hard and it can be one of the biggest challenges someone will ever undertake mentally, emotionally and physically. If you want to succeed in skydiving, having a good mental space is absolutely necessary. The best time to take up skydiving is when you can fully dedicate your head-space to the many challenges that you'll face. Learning parts of the rig and canopy, all the different kinds of malfunctions, parts of your dive flows, body positioning, flight patterns and landing. It can all be very stimulating. After learning all that on the ground and then having to apply it towards actually doing it in the sky, it can be overwhelming for some.
When you're on the ground and learning everything you need to know, you're more prepared to keep your awareness of your surroundings, but nothing can quite prepare you for when it comes to actually getting out of the door of the plane and remaining focused. At 14,000 feet it is loud and windy. You hear the engine, the gust of the winds and you hear that voice in your head saying "what are you doing?!". It is important to remain calm, keep your head clear and prepare for your skydive like you would if you were practicing on the ground. Your goal is to have a safe free fall, to fly your canopy like a boss and to land gracefully back on planet Earth.
A skydive can provoke a meditative focus. It brings you into a state of clarity, unlike anything you've experienced before. It leaves your brain with natural feel-good chemicals. It strengthens your confidence to tackle any challenge life throws at you and helps provide a context for addressing stress in a healthier manner. Skydiving also can bring fulfilling friendships into your life. We encourage you to embrace the skydiver you become, remain thankful for all that you have learned and be constantly open to growth in this sport!