There is more to know than just their rates and when the next beginner’s class is. What is their safety record? Can they offer any student/customer testimonials? Do the belong to any professional organizations? The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is widely known and respected by skydivers and novices looking for a skydiving school. Think of them as the AAA to the parachute community.
Some online services promising extremely low rates have received numerous complaints from some very unsatisfied customers. It is preferable that you make your reservation directly with the skydiving school. A deposit of partial pre-payment is customary and should be anticipated. You should also ask about health and age requirements. Most schools will not allow individuals under eighteen to jump.
And you may also be prevented from participating if you have any serious health risks. Talk to your physician before making a reservation. For those who are a little nervous about going it solo, you can opt for a tandem jump with your instructor.
The Cream of The Crop In Skydiving Schools
Maybe you want to try something outrageous during your vacation. You can go to any little airport at home; you want your first time to be memorable. Depending on where you are going, you may want to make your reservation well in advance. Chicagoland Skydiving Center bills itself as the top dog in skydiving schools in the United States. Their Freefall University is considered one of the safest in the country, attracting novices and seasoned jumpers from all over the world. Package deals are offered, if you want to make this a family affair.
Whichever skydiving school you choose, make sure you are comfortable. Ask to meet the instructor beforehand. Especially if you are tandem jumping, you might feel more at ease knowing who you will be strapped to. All businesses thrive and grow from referrals; so ask friends and family if they can give you a name or two. And of course, don’t forget to have fun.
Before you ever make it into your jumpsuit, helmet, and goggles, you have some lessons to learn and tests to pass. Do you feel like you are back in junior high yet? At least no one is calling you to the chalkboard, or jamming your locker. Skydiving lessons are valuable and necessary, whether you are flying solo or strapped to the teacher in a tandem jump. You were not just handed a driver’s license and the car keys when you became of age.
There was preparation, instruction, and those fun driving simulators beforehand. There was probably even more, and continuous instruction anytime you were in the car with a parent. Everything was and is a lesson. Even shampoo has instructions on the back. There is also a help line you can call if you need assistance. And if you need to call that number, you probably should not be skydiving.
Everything you need to know will be covered in your skydiving lessons, so listen carefully. Do not be timid about asking questions. It is highly unlikely that you could ever ask too many questions. Especially when you are the newbie, you are going to be nervous and your instructor understands this. No matter who experienced some jumpers are now, everyone is born in the same fashion. Just as they were all once babies in life, they were once babies in skydiving. They also like to talk; so feel free to pick their brain for tips, suggestions, and “big fish” stories.
What To Expect In Your Skydiving Lesson
When it comes to skydiving lessons, there are really two methods an instructor may choose to teach his students: the static-line progression program and the accelerated free fall method. With the static-line option, the parachute is connected by a cord known as a “static line” inside the plane. When the student jumps, their parachute is opened automatically by the cord. The plane is flying at the recommended altitude of 4,500 feet that a chute can be opened. It is important to learn how to have a good arch position, and the static-line program makes this easier to get the hang of. It will be up to your instructor
The accelerated free fall method is attracting more popularity because of the increased speed of learning versus the static-line program. It is possible to finish training and become certified in as little as two days. Unlike the other method, your instructors are with you during the entire jump. This is to insure your safety during the time your brain is going haywire from sensory overload. Intense skydiving lessons are given on ground, and instruction via hand signals while in the air.
Above all, relax and have fun. The best way to insure success in your skydiving lessons are to just remember you are there to have a good time.
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