So you have your eyes set on the skies? Congratulations!

Completing your Accelerated Freefall Course is one of the most satisfying, exciting and life-changing experiences you’ll ever have. We know it’s a challenge and we want to help you succeed, so we’ve put together our very best tips to smooth the way.

1. Jump Often.

Get to the drop zone as often as possible. To build skills and feel confident, you’ll need to jump much more than the minimum of once every 30 days. Ideally, you’ll do a couple of jumps a day, at least twice a week.

2. Get Comfortable In The Tunnel.

If you want to fast-track your way to success in an AFF program, be sure to spend as much time in the wind tunnel as humanly possible. At Skydive Perris we include wind tunnel time as part of our ground training for AFF-1 so you’ll already have the basics down by the time you’re crouching in the aircraft door.

3. Review Your AFF Jump Prior To Arriving At The DZ.

Each AFF jump is a little different. To help our students prepare, we made all of our AFF training videos and dive flows available on our website which explains the procedure for each level. We highly recommend that you spend a few minutes of your morning reviewing this information and using it to pre-visualise a successful jump.

4. Don’t Expect Perfection.

Getting your skydiving certification is hard. What you’re asked to do isn’t easy, and there’s a lot of pressure on. If it turns out that you have to repeat an AFF level, don’t beat yourself up. Some of today’s world champions have repeated AFF levels. Just work on it in the tunnel, if you need to, and try again with a smile.

5. Scared? That’s Normal–and Totally Okay.

Every new skydiver is scared, whether it shows or not. This isn’t skee ball, after all–this is a couple miles’ worth of high-speed descent from a flying airplane. The more you do it, the more you’ll learn to take control of the fears you experience. Not acknowledging your fear is a waste, anyway–the bravery lies in the fact that you’re terrified, but work diligently despite your fears.

6. Be Patient.

You’ll experience delays. Weather holds will keep you on the ground. You’ll hang tight for a slow-turning load or two. Remember to keep your sense of humor.

7. Remember To Have Fun!

Along those lines: a smile and a sense of humor will go far to helping you along your path to your A-license stamp. Don’t forget to reach out to the community for encouragement; we’re here for you. Talk to people, ask questions and enjoy the journey!
Learn more about our Accelerated Freefall Course or contact a member of our team with questions about how to become a certified skydiver.

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When people find out that it is possible to skydive with your own parachute without first having done a tandem, they’re often very surprised. A tandem skydive and an AFF skydive, of course, are mighty different. Here, we’ll take a look at the main differences between the two experiences–and help you work out for yourself the one that’s best for you.

AFF Students Get Their Own Parachute

The biggest difference between an AFF jump and a tandem jump is perhaps the most obvious one: a tandem student shares his/her parachute with a tandem instructor, whereas an AFF student jumps on his/her own.

An AFF Student Jumps With Two Instructors, Not Just One

An accredited AFF training program like ours puts three pro skydivers on each AFF jump with the student: two licensed, professional, experienced skydiving instructors, one on each side of the student, and a professional skydiving cameraperson. A tandem student enjoys the company of just two pros, not three: the tandem instructor with whom he/she shares a parachute, and the lucky pro jumper who gets to capture it all for posterity.

Tandem Is A Lesser Commitment

A tandem skydive places the responsibility for the entire process (directing freefall, then opening and steering the parachute) in the hands of the tandem instructor. The tandem student learns the rudimentary workings of the system, but the training is much simplified. Because of that, the time and training commitment for a tandem student is shorter and simpler than that of AFF. Therefore, it can be less stressful.

AFF Students Learn Much More

An AFF student can expect about six hours of ground school training to begin his/her journey. That time is spent learning about the gear and practicing emergency procedures on the ground until the student and his/her instructor are confident that a solo parachute jump is appropriate.

Tandem Is A Great Stepping Stone

This much is inarguable: Tandem skydiving is an excellent introduction to the sport. Since it incurs a lower cost and tends to be a less anxious method of introduction to the sky, it’s a lovely taster. If you love it, then, by all means step it up to AFF–which is the clear path for those who wish to begin the process of becoming a skydiver.

Tandem Isn’t For Everyone

If you’re a high-test, all-out adventurer who likes to go for the gold, you may fast-forward through this whole parachute-sharing business and proceed directly to the AFF part, dear reader. It’s not the commonest route, but it’s well within the realm of possibility–and we’ll high five the heck out of you for it!

Both Are Amazing Experiences

No matter which path you choose, you’ll love the sky. We’re thrilled at the prospect of taking you there. Choose the one that calls to you and go, go, go!

Learn more about our AFF Skydiving Program or contact a member of our team with questions about which path is right for you.

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When you show up at our dropzone to make your first tandem skydive, you might be surprised at how busy the place is. You’ll see dozens of people in custom gear running around, bustling about the business of skydiving–and they’re not working. They’re playing. If you’re intrigued about what it might be like to have skydiving as a hobby, or how to get a skydiving license, you’ve come to the right place. At Skydive Perris, we have a thriving community of experienced skydivers.

There are a few things you’ll be interested to know about the typical life of a skydiver. Curious? Here are a few choice facts.

1. It’s Not Just A Weekend Thing (Depending Where You Go).

If you’re like most tandem passengers, you’ll come out to make a skydive on a weekend day when you have time to do the class and celebrate a job well done after the jump is over. For most sport skydivers, however, weekends are not enough.

“Fun jumpers” in many places are limited to weekends just because of plane availability, or they’re stuck on the ground by bad weather. A big dropzone in a place with mild, consistent weather–like our “home DZ” of Perris–is open all week long, year-round.

Skydive Perris is pretty special, actually. We’re one of the busiest dropzones on the planet, capable of sending up over 100 planes full of skydivers every single day we’re open. Because of that, people come from all over the world to jump here.

2. We Go Again And Again And Again And Again.

The average sport skydiver, on a good day at the dropzone, will jump five or six times over the course of a day, packing his or her parachute in-between jumps. Highly motivated skydivers can double that number–and a member of a team training for a skydiving competition can jump twenty times a day. (Yeah. That’s, like, totally exhausting.)

3. We Have A Bunch Of Different Ways That We Can Go About This “Falling” Business.

When you do a tandem skydive, you exit the plane and freefall in a belly-to-earth configuration. It’s super-rad and works brilliantly. That said–when you get your skydiving license and take it up as a hobby, you’ll find that there are a lot of other ways to skydive.

For example: you can choose to stay belly-to-earth, but get out of the plane in a group and make different formations with each other as you fall. (That’s called “relative work”.) You can freefall in a sitting position, standing up, with your feet pointed up and your head pointed down, or in any number of positions where your belly button isn’t looking down at the dropzone. (That’s called “freeflying”.) You can put on a wingsuit–the proper name for the “flying squirrel” suit you’ve undoubtedly seen on viral videos–or a tracking suit, and zoom along a more horizontal path. You can focus entirely on the many special methodologies of flying a parachute. You can even try indoor skydiving at a vertical wind tunnel like the one we have right on the Perris dropzone. There are so many ways to do it, you can have thousands of jumps and still experience a new skydive every time.

4. We Look At The World A Little Differently.

We think about purchases in the context of how many jump tickets the cost represents. We analyze every flag we see in terms of how windy it is for landing our parachutes. We pray for bad weather on days we can’t make it to the dropzone so the climate can “get it out of its system”. We plan our vacations around skydiving get-togethers (of which there are hundreds, all over the world!) We spend free hours adding new and exciting entries to our logbooks–aircraft types, new dropzones; new jumping buddies; new ways of getting out of the plane; etc. And we can’t think of a better way to relax and let off some steam than falling for 13,500 feet.

Leonardo Da Vinci summarized it best, really. “Once you have tasted flight,” he said, “You will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

Ready to become part of our skydiving community? At Skydive Perris, you can work towards a skydiving license through our accelerated freefall (AFF) course and learn to skydive solo. We look forward to welcoming you into our thriving skydiver community!

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When, where, why and how did you make your first skydive?

Officially Aug. 1981 at Elsinore Para Center on a static line with a T-10 main and belly reserve. Some friends from work were going and invited me to go watch, not jump! Two weeks later myself and another co-worker decided to give it a try. I usually say my skydiving career started in Sept. 1990 though. My neighborhood buddies saw my first jump picture hanging in my house and the next thing I know I was volunteered to organize a skydiving trip. Out of the 9 who went myself and my friend Jeff stuck with the sport.

How many total jumps do you have and how many of these do you estimate are jumps with students?

I recently made jump number 10,000 and would guess that approximately 8,000 of those were with students. That wouldn’t count the static line/IAD dispatches I’ve done.

How did you get into instructing and what do you love about it?

In 1991 I put a video camera on my helmet to show friends what the view looked like on a jump. After about 25 jumps with the camera the DZO where I was jumping told me if I put a still camera on I could film tandems. I said no thanks. He said I would get $25 a jump. I had a still camera the next weekend and started filming students. I think I had about 125 jumps at the time. I saw how the students emotions went from fear prior to the jump to excitement during and to total jubilation after and decided I wanted to be a part of that experience. Shortly thereafter I started looking into getting my instructional ratings. In 1992 I got my initial rating as a Static Line JM. I followed that with a Tandem rating in 1994, an IAD rating in 1996 and finally an AFF rating in 1999. Without a doubt that was a tough one as I was unsuccessful in my first two attempts but finally achieving it in April 1999. I received a patch and a t-shirt. We commonly referred to this as our $1500 AFF-I t-shirt! In my case it was worth a bit more!

You’re an S&TA and the chief instructor at Skydive Perris, can you describe a typical day at work?

Don’t know if there is a typical day. As an S&TA most might think I’m out looking for someone breaking a DZ rule. But I’m not. Most of my duties as an S&TA is involved with administering license exams, verifying rating renewals, researching USPA BSR’s/recommendations or following up with the USPA when a jumper wants to know why he/she hasn’t received their license or rating yet. The only time we’re really visible is when we do have to have a talk with someone about a possible infraction. As a Chief Instructor it’s more of the same only centered more towards the student program. I try to keep the school program running smoothly. It could be dealing with a student who is questioning the way he is being evaluated by an instructor, running a new instructor through orientation to looking for replacement ear buds for the student radios. One of my responsibilities is watching student videos to ensure that we, the instructors, are following our safety practices. I don’t think anybody knows just how much time goes into that. That’s because the videos show they don’t need to be reminded.

You’ve taken many paraplegic and quadriplegic people on tandem skydives, how do these jumps differ to regular tandem skydives?

These are by far some of the most rewarding jumps I do. Because so many people with physical limitations are used to hearing ‘you can’t do that’ in everyday life that it can be such a emotional joyful experience if you can say ‘Yes, you can!’ to a tandem skydive. The biggest difference between a regular tandem and a special care tandem is the pre-jump preparation time. I like to meet the jumper and assess their limitations and brief them on the procedures including the use of a pulley system that lifts and locks their legs into suitable position for landing. I want to make sure they’re comfortable with the procedures, equipment and me. If they have an attendant or family member with them I usually rely on them for assistance during the gear up process. When boarding we need help lifting the passenger up into the plane from the loader and or other instructors. Generally we sit back by the door instead of up front as it makes it easier to move into position for exit and we’ll exit first. Probably the hardest part is setting up in the door as I have to support my weight, the passenger and gear.  Once out the door it’s pretty much business as usual until after opening. An able bodied passenger would be able to lift their legs for landing whereas a paraplegic or quadriplegic isn’t. I use a pulley system that’s attached to their legs at the knees that allows me to lift their legs and locks them in place. With their legs already in a suitable position it’s one less thing I have to worry about on landing. This was designed in part by a friend of mine, a paraplegic, when she was skydiving. Under canopy I try and let them do as much as possible just as I would with any other tandem passenger including steering the parachute if they can. If we’re sliding in the landing I’ll lean back a little and they shouldn’t even come close to touching the ground. There’s always that feeling of excitement and celebration when anyone lands after their first jump, but I feel the vibe is just a little stronger with a special care tandem. Smiles are bigger, hugs are longer, cheers are louder and yes sometimes there are tears flowing.

You’re also an instructor examiner for Tandem, Coach, AFF and Static Line, what is involved in getting these ratings?

First you must meet the requirements for each IE rating sought. For example, to attain an AFF IE rating you must have 500 AFF jumps, taught 50 FJC’s, conducted 50 AFF evaluation jumps in an AFF Instructor Rating Course and taught a AFF Instructor Rating Course under the supervision of a current AFF IE. There are similar requirements for all the Examiner ratings. In addition a candidate must attend the Instructor Examiner Rating Course for any Examiners rating sought. The process can be quite lengthy but the experience and knowledge you gain makes it all worthwhile. I believe it took me almost 3 years to attain my AFF IE. I am very lucky to know and have worked with some of the finest people in the sport who assisted me throughout my process by allowing me to work under their guidance and sharing their knowledge. Tom Noonan from UPT, Chuck McHugh from Strong Ent., Yong Chisholm (the sexy Korean Goddess) and especially Jay Stokes who I did the majority of my internship with. Without the help of these fine folks I don’t think I’d be where I am today. The fact is I’m still learning as I had the opportunity to sit through an IERC with Jay in March. I’m also paying back as I have been working with new evaluators and recently had one attain his AFF IE rating. It’s a good feeling!

What is your favorite part about making new instructors?

When I’m on a student jump, an AFF or filming a tandem, with a instructor who went through my course and I see that big wide-eyed smile on their face in freefall!

What is it about Skydive Perris that makes you want to work and play here?

#1 it’s a first class facility! It has everything for the skydiving community with a family friendly atmosphere. Huge landing area, plenty of aircraft, shaded packing area, restaurant and pool. A range of styles or disciplines to choose from, P3 events, Mark & Darryld jumps, freeflying and wingsuits, (yes, I like wingsuiters). A school that I think sets the standards with an excellent curriculum, experienced instructors, well maintained student gear and an excellent safety record. Most importantly a DZ leading the way when it comes to safety.

What has been your favorite jump to date?

Jumping onto a private beach in St. John’s, Virgin Islands with the Flying Elvi comes to mind. Doing a tandem certification course with the USAF out of a C-130 Hercules would be up there. A sunset load over the Sea of Cortez, in Puerto Penasco Mex., and landing on the beach with a margarita waiting for me was fun. But the most fulfilling had to be Jump For The Cause 2000 at Skydive Perris. I was the Tandem Instructor on a 35-way formation with a tandem in the base. My dear friend Coral Degagne was the passenger. We were celebrating Coral’s 35 birthday with a 35-way and in the process raised $50,000 for spinal cord research. Coral, who suffered a spinal cord injury as a teenager, had been jumping since her mid-twenties and had approximately 250 jumps, all tandems, at that time. It was my first time in the Parachutist magazine, a cover shot! What made it so special, besides the money raised, was the support from the skydiving community. From the Mfg’s. to the sponsors, skydivers on the formation or those just there to cheer us on and Skydive Perris who had faith that we could pull this off safely. It was fun, but exhausting day!

What canopies do you jump and why?

I presently jump Performance Design canopies. Katana 120, a Storm 135 & 150 and a Spectre 190.  I have jumped other makes of canopies but from my early days of skydiving I’ve always liked PD products. Aside from making fantastic canopies they have, in my opinion, great customer service. The Katana is basically my everyday canopy. Great openings, fun to fly. The Storms and Spectres I use for course evaluation jumps as sometimes candidates have their hands all over me at deployment time and these canopies aren’t as sensitive and twitchy. I still have a PD 230 that along with my 190 I use for demos.

What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about becoming an instructor?

PREPARE! Do the course pre-requisites listed on the proficiency card prior to attending any rating course. Not completing the pre-course requirements may prevent you from attending the course.

Work on your flying skills. With the exception of a SL or IAD rating course you will be tested and evaluated on your flying skills. With so many disciplines today in the sport many skydivers forget the basics when flying on your belly. Spend time before the course to hone your skills. For an AFF rating course one of the best ways is attending a pre-course. Arrive at the course relaxed with an open mind ready to learn. It takes more than just great flying skills to be a good instructor. And remember that even if you aren’t successful at a course you have still gained something…knowledge, and this will definitely help you down the road. Oh, and did I say PREPARE??

When you’re not skydiving, how do you like to spend your spare time?

Spare time?? What’s that? Actually I recently started riding again. I’ve been riding motorcycles since when I was in Jr. High School. Mini bikes, dirt bikes and eventually onto street bikes. I’ve owned a Yamaha and Hondas but now prefer Harleys. I’m not into riding fast, but prefer to cruise and enjoy the scenery. There are a few local Perris jumpers who like to ride so I hope to get a group together and do some riding this summer. I also scuba dive, go to concerts and  go to museums of history. Some of my favorites were the Smithsonian, the Louisville Slugger museum and the Frazier History museum both in Louisville, KY. And now that the Rams are back in town I plan on watching a lot of football this upcoming season.

Tell us something that is little known about yourself?

In high school and college I played bass guitar in a rock band, Rogue Star, (I didn’t come up with the name!). We played cover songs at local parties. Didn’t make a lot of money but it was a great way to get free beer and meet girls! And I spent three years as a hospital cook which is why to this day I don’t eat in hospital cafeterias!

Sum up James Perez in 5 words or less.

Imperfect, (but aren’t we all?), reliable, fair, huggable (is that one or two words?)

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