Hoping to get into the sport here!

[hicarbon 0]

Hello everyone. :)

Just thought I would make a quick post and catch some opinions. I'm hoping to make my first jump within the next few months (Money is a little tight right now) and I'm thinking about using a plan that the DZ has to get my Class A license. My main question is really, once licensed, are there many career type moves you can make jumping? Or is it mainly just a hobby type thing for most? I'd love to get enough experience under my belt to get a job as an instructor or possibly a photographer/video guy for people, but wondering what the chances are of it? Anyhow, thanks for the info. :)

(Btw, I'm in Richmond, Va.)

[AggieDave 6]

After you get your A there are definately "career type moves" you can make. You want to become the best flier you can be so to beable to become a really good coach and instructor when you meet the requirements.

Get your A license. Go to an Airspeed (or similar) tunnel camp, go through SDU and get some really good canopy coaching. Then spend your time getting very good at flying on your belly (rw), since those are the skills you need to become a good coach and an AFF-I.

Now that's the hard and heavy answer.

The other and more practical answer is to get your A and spend time doing jumps with other people getting good at RW and doing some FF and have fun! If you're not having fun, then what's the point?

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[hicarbon 0]

Thanks. :) I'm definately looking at it to have fun, that's the main thing. I have just always been curious about careers in it. I'm bored with my normal job and have always thought living somewhere (Such as Africa or Hawaii or somewhere else) and teaching people to jump, would be awesome. It was probably from watching that Wesley Snipes movie. haha.

[AggieDave 6]

I can understand. I pay my bills right now by being a TI.

You can start as a packer, you can be a packer right now, you just need to learn. Ask the head packer/rigger at your DZ about it.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[hicarbon 0]

Quote

You can start as a packer, you can be a packer right now, you just need to learn. Ask the head packer/rigger at your DZ about it.

I'll definately have to do that when I go.

[flyangel2 2]

Welcome
IMO, I suggest getting your first jump done before you worry about becoming an instructor. That takes 500 skydives before you can even get into instructor courses.

As for doing video, again get that first jump out of the way, and get good and safe before strapping something on your head.

If you end up supporting yourself working at a DZ, make sure you have good insurance and some money in a savings account, because if you get hurt and can't work, who's going to pay your bills.

Skydiving has become a rich man's sport. If you want the best training (tunnel time), and the best gear, you need a good paying job to afford it. Add in the traveling, got to go to boogies.

BTW, the movies and Hollywood make working at a DZ look glamorous, that's Hollywood for you

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey