Your First Skydive
There are three ways to start skydiving. No matter which you choose, all are part of USPA’s Integrated Student Program and are the first step to earning your A License.
You’ll make your jumps at a drop zone, an independently run business offering skydiving training using USPA-certified instructors.
Where Can You Go Skydiving?
Use the Find a Drop Zone tool to find a USPA-affiliated skydiving center near you.
Tandem Skydiving
Most convenient way to experience freefall. You’ll be harnessed to an instructor and will share a parachute.
- Training: (⏱️) Generally less than 30 minutes.
- Freefall: Student and instructor are harnessed together. Freefall lasts 30-60 seconds.
- Parachute: Share the same large parachute with an instructor. Student may be allowed to deploy the parachute or steer it but is not required to.
- Availability: Widely available at most drop zones.
- Cost: (💲) Contact drop zone for pricing.
Learn more about Tandem Skydiving
Accelerated Freefall
Experience freefall under your own parachute accompanied by, but not harnessed to, two instructors. Quickest start to independent skydiving.
- Training: (⏱️⏱️⏱️) Several hours of ground school.
- Freefall: Jump with two instructors who hold onto student in freefall. Freefall lasts 30-60 seconds.
- Parachute: Student is expected to deploy their own parachute and will be alone under canopy.
- Availability: Available at many drop zones.
- Cost: (💲💲💲) Contact drop zone for pricing.
Learn more about AFF
Instructor-Assisted Deployment / Static Line
Fly your own parachute right after you jump out of the aircraft. Least expensive start to independent skydiving.
- Training: (⏱️⏱️⏱️) Several hours of ground school.
- Freefall: None on the first jump. Introduced around the 6th jump.
- Parachute: Instructor joins you in the aircraft and assists with deployment as you jump out. Student will be alone under canopy.
- Availability: Available at some drop zones.
- Cost: (💲) Contact drop zone for pricing.
Learn more about IAD and SL
Which drop zone is the safest?
USPA does not count accidents by state, region, or drop zone, since location is usually not a factor. The number of skydiving accidents at a drop zone is usually proportional to the number of jumps made there.
Feel free to ask your local drop zone directly about their safety record; they've been asked before.
How safe is skydiving?
See [How Safe is Skydiving?]
How old do you have to be to skydive?
To jump at a USPA-affiliated drop zone in the U.S., participants must be at least 18 years old.
Are there physical requirements to go skydiving?
Drop zones set their own requirements, including weight, height, age, and fitness requirements. Participants must usually disclose medical conditions that could impair the safety of their skydive. Please consult a qualified physician to make sure you’re fit to go skydiving.
Will I need to sign a waiver before skydiving?
Participating in any sport has risks, and skydiving is no exception. Your local drop zone will require you to sign a liability waiver before participating.
Can you breathe in freefall?
Yes.
How fast will we fall?
About 100-130mph while in freefall.
I have more questions. Who should I ask?
Contact your local drop zone with questions! Drop Zones are independent businesses that have their own practices and are the best source of information about your specific skydive.
I’m Hooked… What’s Next?
The training methods above are part of the Integrated Student Program, which student skydivers go through to earn their USPA A License.
Learn how to become a skydiver