Newbie

[sdub2221 0]

I did my first jump when I was 18, and I am 22 now. About a month ago is when I really started thinking about getting into skydiving pretty seriously and trying to obtain my license. I have a couple of questions. How much money should I be looking at spending for all the rigging? Any input would be appreciated.

[birdshit 0]

How much do you have? LOL

You can rent gear from most DZ. I have been looking at some rigs, and they vary. If you buy a used one, you can probably get out the door for ~2000 for the basic container, main, reserve. An AAD is 1200-1300 but I would never fly without one. As far as having somebody check it, inspect it, help me learn all of the rigging, etc I dont know.

I wouldn't bother with gear yet. If you need something symbolic, buy an Alti. I did because the ones at my old DZ were sometimes scratched and hazy. ;)

If you are serious, just go do AFF Level 1. If you are still serious after that, then worry more about what the AFF will cost you and not the gear.

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[wildfan75 1]

Quote

but $6000 would be a low estimate.

Or a high estimate depending on where you jump and what method you go with. I did static line at a club dz that doesn't charge for coaching. 5 s/l jumps and 20 freefalls were total $740 (included gear, coaching, etc).

My first rig was $1700 (old Vector, Silhouette 170, PD 160 and Cypres) With a new jump suit ($250), a new altimeter ($140), and helmet ($65), (and $51 for USPA membership) I was fully geared and licensed for $2946.

If AFF is a little too pricey, check to see if any dz in your area do S/L or IAD. You end up in the same place in the end after all. If you have the money for AFF, go for it!

But welcome to the forums and welcome to skydiving!!

[skymama 37]

True, I was thinking AFF, not static line.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[sdub2221 0]

Yeah I figured it would be pretty expensive, but I honestly think some part of me was born for this, however cliche or cheezy it may sound. But I am starting my level1 AFF this saturday and I don't think Ill be getting much sleep until then. Thanks for the input and Ill definetly be posting about my experience after level 1!

[sdub2221 0]

I have a quick question, in the AFF course, I jump a total of 7 times? I see people on here with level A, B and so on.. After I complete the 7 jumps in AFF and asusuming there are no complications, What level will I be on and how many levels are there?

[skymama 37]

After you pass AFF, there are a number of things you need to accomplish to get your A license at 25 jumps. Your instructor should give you a card listing the things you need to get signed-off on. You can find out more about the license levels by going to the USPA site here and reading section 3.1 of the Skydiver Information Manual. The SIM is something every skydiver should read. Go ahead and get acquainted with it if you have time.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[sdub2221 0]

Thanks for the advice. In 12 hours I will be at the DZ receiving instructions. My friends, family, and co-workers think that I have lost my mind. I will definetly be posting my experience and look forward to this new hobby.