Hi-Ho Hi-Ho, It’s Off The Plane You Go for a Skydiving Lesson
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.