Xitesmai

Usually for scuba it runs in stages. For the beginner class you're looking at a basic set: mask, fins, snorkel, boots. Usually with a price tag of about $200 to $350. From there there is a wet suit ($200-$400), Computer ($300 - $1500), BCD ($200-$800), Regulator set (~$500+), Compass, dive light, etc. Then if you decide to continue training an get into technical diving, there are canister lights ($1600), dry suit ($2000), Spools, Reels, lift bags, etc. Effectually they can be just as expensive, however the cost is spread over a large training and gear gap...so you dont HAVE to spend it if your comfortable diving a reef and looking at pretty fish. It seems like the cost of skydiving is somewhat the same, but more front loaded in terms of cost. Basic gear is altimeter ($100-$1600), goggles/glasses ($30-$200) and a helmet ($~200). But the A license training is roughly $3500. From there you can rent DZ gear, jumpsuit and rig, until you find what you want to buy, much like scuba...most divers dont have there own regulators, tanks, and BCD...they just rent from the dive shop. The long and short of it is that I want to support my local DZ, and if they have a store (which they do) I'm going to go through them when I can.

I searched for an answer to this but came up short. As a SCUBA diver it is usually considered very bad form to order from the internet for your scuba gear. Its a quick way to piss off your local dive shop because they make money off the gear and sometimes not much off training and trips. Does the same culture exist in the world of skydiving? I certainly dont want to piss off my local DZ. Thanks.

May the wind be always at your back Petty Officer Checque.

Congrats on your A license. Why not use a normal youtube link? youtu.be seems sketchy.

Pulled this from my service record. Hopefully this prevents you from making an ass of yourself in the future.. See attached image Now can we stop talking about my service, and get back to skydiving?

There were always camera crews for alot of the classes. I think even 228 had camera crews around them all the time. We did Dog and Pony shows atleast 3 or 4 times per phase. Whether it was reporters, authors, politicians or whatever. And I didnt say I jumped with the whole team. Just a few guys on that Team. Did you serve? In the Navy? Assigned to NSW? On Coranado? On the SEAL side of Rt. 75? If not, please refrain from accusations. Skepticism is fine...and zero fucks are given.

I was in BUD/S Class 224. Was assigned to SEAL Team 5 from my dream sheet, which happens to to be down the street from the training compound in Coronado, CA. So those of us selected for West Coast teams we were able to meet the sailors we would be training under for the next year. Hence the jump. I got hurt with two evolutions to go and could not complete my training, thus no jump school, and no STT. I have never claimed to be a SEAL though, and never will. I didn't earn it. But you are correct that those teams use NVG's to spot LZ's. It was only my team due to selection, not completion. Sorry for the confusion. As my rating in the Navy I was an IS3 at the time. After that I was designated 9545, and sent to Iceland, when that base was still in existence. I also have some friends in Team 4. Does that satisfy you curiosity? Sorry for your loss.

I was just reading up on the types of licenses and jumps i came across the "night jump". In the service my team did night jumps with NVGs on their helmets and once under canopy used them to spot the LZ. Is this not a common practice in the sport world? Just curious....sorry for my n00bness.

Thanks for the help. I'll pick up a copy to keep me warm during this ridiculous thing called Winter.

Thanks for the welcome. Probably spring. I'm also a Scuba diver and I was in BUDS so I know how extremities don't articulate as well in cold weather, and I've been in enough C-130s to know how cold a fuselage gets at altitude. Can anyone point me in a direction so I can get some base knowledge prior to doing AFF?

Greetings all! I'm actually new to the sport of skydiving. I've only had one jump in my life but what a cool jump it was. I was able to jump with a special forces unit during my time in the Navy. Now I'm looking to start jumping more regularly. I think the DZ I'll be going to is Skydive Orange in VA. Any advice for an old (32yr) codger looking to ride the wind?