Is A Skydiving License Worth It?

Skydiving isn’t just about jumping out of a plane—it’s about unlocking a whole new world of possibilities! Taking the first leap doesn’t have to be a check on the ol’ bucket list; it can be the beginning of new challenges, communities, and opportunities.

We think skydiving’s pretty dang life-changing. If you’re wondering why getting your skydiving license is one of the best decisions you can make, let’s dive in!

Is learning to skydive worth it? Absolutely! Here are just three reasons why earning your skydiving license is worth the commitment:

1. Growth

Doing something for the first time is downright scary. But, saying yes despite the intimidation (and showing the challenge of who’s boss) helps you to grow. Skydiving has lots of firsts. The first tandem skydive entails being in the plane with the door open, jumping out, and soaring under a parachute – all new things. It may even be your first time at a dropzone or in an airplane!

Likewise, learning to skydive solo presents its own unique set of firsts – from boarding a plane with a rig on your back, to piloting a canopy all alone and learning to land. When you conquer these new tasks, you gain confidence in yourself, others, and our gear! This newfound confidence emanates from you on and off the dropzone. Did you used to be intimidated to place an order over the phone? Not anymore – you jumped out of a plane!

2. Community

The skydiving community is like one big, happy family. Of course, we have our differences, but our love for the sport and encouragement for each other conquers all – it’s magical! We all have different reasons for wanting to jump from a plane, and it’s this rich variety that makes the skydiving community so vibrant and special. We span far and wide (across the globe!) and the sport is like a unifying puzzle piece for all of us.

3. Peace.

Skydiving is an extreme sport filled with adrenaline, intensity, and exhilaration. But, it surprisingly provides a feeling of deep peace and euphoria for those who jump. Many skydivers joke about how the sport is as beneficial as (and cheaper than) therapy, and that’s why they choose to jump! Skydiving presents an opportunity to face fear over and over again, and overcoming this gives us loads of dopamine and serotonin – meaning, the sheer act makes us feel on top of the world! Add this to the awesome community and you’ve got an experience worth writing home about.

Becoming a member of the skydiving community is well worth it. Let’s take a peek at the associated costs.

Is skydiving as a hobby expensive? The term expensive is relative. Like any extreme sport, such as snowboarding or scuba diving, skydiving has an upfront cost that decreases over time.

For example, investing in getting your skydiving license costs over $3,000 – this includes paying the instructors and coaches who will teach and guide you, renting all the equipment, and buying the actual jump ticket to be in the plane. But, once you obtain your license and invest in your gear, each jump ticket only costs around $30!

Simply put, pursuing your skydiving license is money well spent. It’s an endeavor that pays off money-wise in the long run, and instantaneously in every other way!

How long does a skydiving license last? Well … technically forever! A skydiving license doesn’t expire, per se, but you can fall out of currency. If that happens, you can usually reinstate your license with little trouble.

The United States Parachute Association (USPA) issues four different skydiving licenses – A through D – that each hold different currency requirements. Meaning, if you don’t jump for a certain amount of days (say, if you become pregnant and pause your jumping journey for a while), you will have to do a jump alongside a skydiving coach before you’re released back to the world of solo skydiving. A “recurrency jump” is used to prove that, despite your time off, you’re still a competent skydiver who is able to perform a successful skydive without endangering yourself or others.

The first USPA skydiving license you can earn is the A, which requires that you:

• Log at least 25 skydives
• Make at least 5 jumps with one or more people
• Complete all skills on the USPA A License Proficiency Card
• Complete the USPA A License oral and written examinations
• Earn your sign-off, get your A stamp, and become a USPA member

Whether you’ve been dreaming of flying, seeking a supportive community, or looking to uncover a sense of accomplishment and peace like no other, getting your skydiving license is the key! The first step is to book a tandem skydive! Then, start your solo journey by signing up for our Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course. We can’t wait to jump with you!

Related Article: Cost of Getting a Skydiving License