Deleted 0 #1 May 11, 2001 I am 17 and I want to start skydiving. What is some equipment that I need also I need any information. Thanks for all of your help. Email me at joshua_j_murdoch@hotmail.com Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grogs 0 #2 May 11, 2001 Well, you shouldn't need any equipment to start out. Most DZ's will provide all the equipment for your training jumps, and in fact most will REQUIRE you to use theirs while you're a student. Once you've got a few jumps under your belt and have an idea what you need you can start considering equipment. As for how to get started, call up the closest dropzone and sign up for a course and what type of training they offer. Take a look at http://www.uspa.org/GroupMembership/drop_zones.htm for a list of dropzones to find the closest.The only problem I see is that since you're 17, very few DZ's in the US will allow you to jump unless you're 18 for liability reasons (you didn't say where you lived). I can't say what the age requirements are in other (less lawsuit-happy) countries. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyboy62000 0 #3 May 11, 2001 You won't need any equipment to start, just the desire to jump. Most everywhere your first jump will be a tandem, where you jump with an instructor in a dual harness parachute system. Then from there there are a few different training programs to choose from. AFF, which stands for Accellerated Freefall is the fastest method to get off student status. Static Line Progression is still used at smaller dropzones and for the first couple of jumps you exit the airplane and your parachute opens automatically. The third option is a hybrid program such as the Tandem/IAF progression where you do your first few jumps tandem and learn basic freefall skills, then you do the last 5 jumps with one instructor and your own parachute. If you have the desire to jump, then go do it. Most places will require that you be 18 so you may have to wait until then. I would look for dropzones in your area and explore what training programs they have available. Good luck.Blue Skies,Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #4 May 11, 2001 If you are in the United States, it is legal for you to commence skydiving at the age of 16 so long as you have parental consent. You are not legally (by order of the gear manufacturers) able to make a tandem jump in the United States until you are 18 years old. That being said, there are plenty of dropzones that refuse to train anyone under the age of 18 for liability reasons. Conversely, there are places that don't really give a rats ass about the law and will train people under 16. Likewise, you will find places that will do tandems for anyone big enough to fit in the passenger harness, though of course they are not going to advertise that fact. Anyway, good luck finding a school. I started when I was 17 myself, but could have started sooner if I would have kept my grades up! Chuck Blue Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #5 May 11, 2001 Hey there Mr. Anonymous...The last two have said that you need to be 18 to start, however I have seen places that allow you to start at 16 with PARENTAL CONSENT (i.e. a notarized paper/contract).Get yourself a nickname and stuff on here and let us know where you live. Maybe we could help a bit more!Good luck man!MORE SKYDIVING PHOTOS ADDED!!!http://home.woh.rr.com/brandonandlaura/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildblue 7 #6 May 11, 2001 QuoteIf you are in the United States, it is legal for you to commence skydiving at the age of 16 so long as you have parental consent. You are not legally (by order of the gear manufacturers) able to make a tandem jump in the United States until you are 18 years old. Could this possibly change now that tandems are no longer "experimental"? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
