Time to Kiss the Sky!

Kyougu

So for my birthday next month I think I'm going to finally go Skydiving. Always been something I wanted to do, and I think it's time I finally got it over with.

Anyone ever gone? What should I expect training wise? Can I just show up and fall that day, or do I have to take more classes before my first jump? Average cost? Anything I should look for when looking at places to jump, as there seems to be plenty around the DFW area.

Backstop

If you want to show up and be in the air right away, you would have a tandem jump. This is where they strap you to an instructor's chest and he takes care of pulling the cord and steering you to the drop point. If you want to jump on your own you have to go through some hours of classes.

claypoolfan

Expect to pay $150-200 for your first jump unless you have a deal or coupon or something.

Deebaser

My first jump was basically
10 minutes filling out paperwork/payment.
20 minute video
2 hours shitting my pants waiting for my 'flight'

strategery

There's 2 ways you can do this for your first time. Tandem which is quick to go through. Usually just a dvd explaining the dangers, a quick waiver sign, and a flight up strapped to some guy you don't really know.

Or you can do what's called Accelerated Freefall Training. This gets you jumping solo-ish right from the get go. It's more expensive, obviously, but so worth it. Basically you have to through a very extensive ground training class that usually lasts about 8 hours at least. After which they gear you up, and you jump with 2 instructors. The instructors will be holding on to your harness up until your parachute gets deployed to make sure nothing goes wrong. But they're only there in case you screw up, they're not supposed to deploy your chute or do anything for you unless it becomes a danger to you. But essentially it's a solo jumping experience. You get the free fall, and you get to control your own chute.

I recommend the latter if you have the cash for it. Otherwise tandem gets you the thrill of jumping out of a plane at a lessened cost.

Eat it You Nasty Pig.

It's the most fun if you have a buddy who's certified, so that he can be your tandem partner. I sort of lucked into that arrangement, though.