The Different Levels of Skydiving

Like any extreme sport, skydiving requires enthusiasts to complete certain levels in order to become a solo jumper. There is no substitute for experience, so multiple jumps help you get better and even progress to competitions. Instructors and professionals have well over 500 jumps to qualify them as such, and they will teach you how to execute maneuvers, experience free fall and even jump from lower altitudes through a gradual progression of jumps.

  1. Beginning Levels

    • Initially you will jump from a higher altitude, at about 14,000 feet, with the assistance of two instructors. As you progress, they will release you briefly to see how you handle free fall. After your first initial jumps you will eventually go down to one instructor rather than two, and these instructors will generally review videotape of your jumps to make sure you are ready to graduate to more intermediate levels which involve more complicated maneuvers.

    Beginning Maneuvers

    • Once the instructors feel confident that you are prepared to learn aerial maneuvers, you will be trained how to turn while in the air. This begins with the simple 90-degree turn, and through consecutive jumps you will work your way up to a complete 360-degree. This will initially be done with your instructor, so they will be there in case you encounter any difficulties.

    Advanced Maneuvers

    • Once you have mastered basic aerial maneuvers, you are ready to take it to the next level. Things get a little more complicated as you tackle a front loop. This is like a somersault in mid-air, and you will be required to regain your stability to successfully complete the maneuver. You will also learn and practice "tracking," which is an increase in distance from other divers by moving forward. Your instructor will still jump with you as an added precaution.

    Final Levels

    • Once you have successfully completed the lower levels you are ready to put it all together. You will jump from about 14,000 feet, still with your instructor, and complete all aerial maneuvers you have learned. You will complete your training with your first solo jump, which will be from a much lower altitude at 5,000 feet. You will exit the plane, get yourself stable and deploy your chute -- no fancy tricks necessary.