Sounds lame, but hello.

[Freedom11B 0]

My name is Donald, and I am so very interested in sky diving and eventually, my goal ultimately is squirrel suit. I know you cant just go to straight to it.. or id do it now.

I just got out of the military, I have like 24 + jumps out of c17s helis etc.. but those are all static line.

I have some cash, 4k or so I can spend on parachute equipment later this year around january. How much do I need to start skydiving in the civilian life? How much for reserve/main parachute etc, i want to get my own stuff before i do it so i save $ down the road.

Any advice, im in alaska. Should i do a course structured lesson first to become certified then buy gear? or other way around so i can use own gear.

And last but not least can anyone steer me in the right direction for quality gear at a good price well best cost/performance ratio since you guys are specalized in this.
im 21 as well if that matters

[obelixtim 150]

Have a search for dropzones in Alaska. Then have a look at their site. That should answer a few questions.

Best not to buy gear at this stage, spend the money on jumps, most DZ's will require you to jump their gear until A licence as its set up for student use.

Once you have a licence you'll be able to start looking for suitable gear, the guys at the DZ will give you good advice.

My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing....

[Freedom11B 0]

Lame. They said theres not enough time this year to do certifications. they said May 1st they will be opening back up and come then, it will cost about 1800 for first 10 jumps, is that fair?

http://www.alaskaskysports.com/Prices_and_Directions.html


is it cheaper in other states? because i could do it in ohio if it was a serious difference. i have family there and might go there next year for a summer.

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums!
Will you be adding an AAD to your gear? That will add a big chunk of change to the cost.

I haven't priced the cost of training lately, but most dropzones have websites where you can research it. Check out the dropzone listings on this site and find some dz's convenient to you and check them out.

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

[Freedom11B 0]

I am all about head starts, im going to be looking around this winter for good deals. I will have around 4k budget for gear alone and 2-3k for getting my license. then after that will be 25 a jump xD thats my goal. Income tax=pure jumpwnage

i weight 150-155lbs and im 5'8. what do you guys ride/cost of your own gear if i may ask? anyone similiar structure to me have there cost estimated

[obelixtim 150]

Forget about gear until you have 25 - 30 jumps at least. The operation you choose will have gear set up specifically for student jumps and you won't want to jump similar gear after you get your A license.

Focus on learning to skydive first, and then you'll have a much better idea of what you want. If you buy it too early you'll find you'll want to change it to something better by the time you've clocked up a 100 or so jumps, and you'll lose money on the deal. It also gives you time to look at a variety of systems and options, of which there are many.

Learn to walk before you try to run.

My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing....