Student FAQ
How does one learn to skydive?What are the age requirements?
What are the physical requirements?
What does the training consist of?
How do I tell a good Drop Zone from poor one?
What if my parachute doesn't open?
How fast do you fall?
How hard is the landing?
Where can I try Skysurfing or BASE jumping?
How do you breathe in freefall?"
How does one learn to skydive?
After completeing a tandem skydive with an experienced instructor one will begin either our standard or accelerated program. With the guidance and training of a USPA certified instructor you will begin jumping with each skydive bulding on what you have already learned. By the time you finish your training you will be trained in all aspects of making safe, fun skydives.
What are the age requirements?
You must be at least 18 years of age.
What are the physical requirements?
In general, the prospective student should be in reasonably good physical
shape, this *is* a sport after all. You will be required wear around 35 lbs of equipment, endure opening shock, maneuver the canopy, land, and possibly trudge
great distances on foot. You will experience 30 degree swings in temperature,
atmospheric pressure changes, 4 hours of lecture, and lots of beer. It's
grueling
What does the training consist of?
The first jump course teaches the student every thing they need to know to safely make their
first jump. There are several different programs available for first jumpers;
the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.
How do I tell a good Drop Zone from poor one?
Most dropzones that provide regular student training are "USPA Affiliated".
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is the representative body for
sport parachuting within the US, and a member of the FAI (the international
equivalent). The USPA defends the sport's interests before the FAA and other
regulating/lawmaking bodies at all levels of government. It also develops and
monitors safety and training doctrine for the sport. Other benefits include
liability insurance for students and DZs in the case of damage to property, the
monthly magazine "Parachutist", etc.
What if my parachute doesn't open?
You will be able to ride in the airplane and see your friends after your landing, but during your skydive it will be you and your instructor.
How fast do you fall?
When you leave the aircraft, you are moving horizontally at the same speed
as the aircraft, typically 90-110MPH. During the first 10 seconds, a skydiver
accelerates up to about 115-130MPH straight down. (A tandem pair uses a drouge
chute to keep them from falling much faster than this). It is possible to
change your body position to vary your rate of fall. In a standard
face-to-earth position, you can change your fall rate up or down a few (10-20)
miles per hour. However, by diving or "standing up" in freefall, any
experienced skydiver can learn to reach speeds of over 160-180MPH. Speeds of
over 200MPH require significant practice to achieve. The record
freefall speed, done without any special equipment, is 321MPH. Obviously, it
is desirable to slow back down to 110MPH before parachute opening.
How hard is the landing?
The canopies used today bear little resemblance to the classic round canopies
of years gone by. Today, nearly all jumpers and jump schools use "square"
canopies for parachuting. These canopies are actually rectangular in shape,
and when open, act like an airplane wing (or an airfoil). They are more like
gliders than umbrellas. The days of landing like a sack of flour are history. Most students land
standing up on their first jump.
Where can I try Skysurfing or BASE jumping?
"Skysurfing" or "Skyboarding" refers to skydiving with a small board, similar
to snowboard, attached to your feet. This allows for some radical maneuvers in
freefall. However, such jumps should only be attempted by expert skydivers,
and preferably after long discussion with one of many skysurfers who have
experience. Some board manufacturers and experienced skydsurfers offer
instructional classes or videotapes.
How do you breathe in freefall?"
This falls into the realm of urban folklore. One CAN breathe in freefall - if
it were necessary. However, due to the high speed of terminal freefall (and
much higher speeds in vertical freefall dives), the jumper's body is exposed to
O2 molecules at a much higher rate than someone walking around on the ground.
The body is able to absorb the necessary O2 through the skin. This is why
jumpers flap their cheeks in freefall, it presents a larger surface area to the
airstream for oxygen osmosis. Once under canopy, the jumper resumes breathing
normally.
What's the hardest part of skydiving?
The Ground.
Does it hurt?
Yes, that's why we jump all the time! Masochism!