Skymonkey13 0 #1 March 19, 2003 If you take the AFF course is doing a tandem one of the requirments? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iowa 0 #2 March 19, 2003 It depends. Some dz's may only have one AFF instructor so they start you out with tandem. Some start with tandem just because they prefer that method for the first jump. Call the dz's in your area to see. Keith ''Always do sober what you said you would do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.'' - Ernest Hemingway Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamsville 0 #3 March 19, 2003 The requirement is usually from 1 to 3 tandems, depending upon your local dropzone. |I don't drink during the day, so I don't know what it is about this airline. I keep falling out the door of the plane. Harry, FB #4143 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12bhi 0 #4 March 19, 2003 The first jump you'll be glad it was tandem... Sensory overload!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 5 #5 March 19, 2003 Doing a tandem is certainly NOT a generic requirement for an AFF student. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #6 March 19, 2003 Depends on the dz. My son did an AFF level 1 at Perris without doing any tandems first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeorgeOrwell 0 #7 March 19, 2003 I have my A Lic now and I have not done a tandem as yet!!!!-------------------------------------------------- If your not jumping your not living LEARN TO LIVE (L2L) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clownburner 0 #8 March 20, 2003 Like everyone said, some DZ's require it, others don't. USPA doesn't require it, but I think it's a good idea if you've never skydived before to do at least one tandem. Like others have said, the first skydive can be massive sensory overload, and that's easier to cope with in a tandem than in an AFF-level-1 type dive. Not everyone _has_ to have the tandem first, but here's why I think it's helpful: I just graduated AFF and I was glad that I had done a tandem beforehand; I felt it help to get more out of my first few AFF jumps because I already knew some of what to expect. My instructors complemented me on my awareness, and I think it made a difference in not having to repeat any levels, as I was already (mostly) past the 'overload-brain-lock' stage. Disclaimer: I'm just a lowly 'gray zone' student slowly squirming between the end of AFF and the A-License, so I have no idea what I'm talking about. Your mileage will, of course, vary.Tandem or no, your life is about to change forever; enjoy! 7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez "I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydyvr 0 #9 March 20, 2003 QuoteIf you take the AFF course is doing a tandem one of the requirments? Thanks I started right in with AFF, and never failed a level. To me, a tandem is freaky like riding on the back of a motorcycle. It may be fun, but you aren't in control! . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoShitThereIWas 0 #10 March 20, 2003 Nope, not necessary. My first tandem was jump #12.Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lolie 0 #11 March 20, 2003 Quote Tandem or no, your life is about to change forever; enjoy! According to his profile, the person who asked this question has 700 jumps. -Miranda you shall above all things be glad and young / For if you're young,whatever life you wear it will become you;and if you are glad / whatever's living will yourself become. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #12 March 20, 2003 Good catch Lolie. What's the deal Skymonkey13? Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skymonkey13 0 #13 March 20, 2003 Sorry for the mis-understanding. The reason i asked the question was cuz a friend asked me if a tandem was a requirment for the AFF program and since i never went through AFF i did'nt know for sure what to tell her. Sorry again and thanks for the replies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #14 March 20, 2003 Starting with a tandem is not mandatory at all DZs, but stating with a tandem is a good idea, primarily to get you through that HUGE sensory overload the first time you step out of an airplane. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #15 March 20, 2003 QuoteIf you take the AFF course is doing a tandem one of the requirments? Thanks Absolutely not, but anyone nowadays who commits to five to six hours of ground school and the $260 cost for that and the Cat A jump before at least making a tandem to see if they "like" freefall is an idiot. Tandem will let you know right NOW if you need to pursue the sport any further. Still, if you just "know" that you are going to love it and you don't want to waste you money on a tandem, then no, you don't have to make a tandem as part of a true AFF program. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,107 #16 March 20, 2003 >Absolutely not, but anyone nowadays who commits to five to six > hours of ground school and the $260 cost for that and the Cat A > jump before at least making a tandem to see if they "like" freefall > is an idiot. Well, some of us knew before we started - and a great many of us made half a dozen jumps before we ever experienced freefall. For me, a tandem would have been a waste of money. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymiles 3 #17 March 20, 2003 I did my first tandem a month ago. It took me over 300 skydives to work up the nerve to do one. Phil Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #18 March 20, 2003 QuoteWell, some of us knew before we started - and a great many of us made half a dozen jumps before we ever experienced freefall. For me, a tandem would have been a waste of money. I guess "idiot" is a bit harsh, but nowadays it just makes sense. True, there was no such thing as tandem when I started skydiving, nor was there AFF. I saw plenty of students back then (and even now) who start SL progression then get to the longer delays only to find out freefall terrifies them; very unfortunate. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
