Most dropzones have an Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) program for aspiring skydivers – all of which include a First Jump Course (FJC). But how many dropzones have a comprehensive educational program so robust that it warrants a unique name? Not many … 

The Perris Skydiving Program (PSP) features a thoughtfully developed curriculum designed to train well-rounded skydivers who are ready to tackle the skies with confidence. Our program goes above and beyond to offer in-depth teaching from highly-experienced instructors and extra coaching for a truly immersive course. 

If you’ve explored programs that teach you how to skydive, you know that the typical first step in the skydive licensing journey takes place on the ground. This is the FJC (First Jump Course), aka Ground School, and it usually lasts six to eight hours. After successfully completing this introductory portion of the curriculum, you head up to the sky to put some of that theory into practice. 
As we’ve mentioned, though, the Perris Skydiving Program is not your standard-issued AFF program. We kick things up several notches in order to:

• Foster true understanding
• Promote retention of best practices
• Bolster competence
• Instill confidence

Case in point, at Skydive Perris you can do a portion of our FJC online! This isn’t just nifty, it’s empowering. Instead of arriving on your first day of AFF as an empty vessel, you arrive at the DZ with some shared language that will aid in your progression and a real sense of what’s ahead.

By having time to absorb and review the curricular material before you arrive on site, you come prepared to learn. Read on to learn more about the PSP First Jump Course.

What is a First Jump Course (Skydiving Ground School)?

First things first: What’s covered in an AFF First Jump Course? Before you get into the air, knowing certain information is crucial to your safety and that of your fellow high flyers. The FJC covers a lot of foundational information. In other words: everything you need to know from the ground up … and back down to the ground again … is covered in the course. 

Actually learning all of this in six to eight hours is daunting, especially when you know you’ll be putting all of it to practical use once class adjourns!

This is why Skydive Perris introduced the option to complete a portion of your ground training online. Let’s get into what’s involved in Part 1 (Level 1 of 18 Levels!) of the Perris Skydiving Program.

Part 1: PSP Level 1 – Online & On-Site Training

PSP Level 1 consists of your online and on-site FJC and your first solo jump. Instead of cramming a ton of new information all in one day, you have time with it:

Skydiving Online Training, FJC

The online portion of the PSP FJC includes interactive simulations, eye-opening videos, and reassuring quizzes, all there to help build confidence in the information that’s necessary to have a successful first PSP jump. You’re able to familiarize yourself with skydiving equipment, body positions, emergency procedures, and the fundamentals of human flight before coming to the dropzone and diving even deeper with your instructor.
You have 30 days from your date of purchase of PSP Level 1 to complete the online FJC.

Skydiving On-Site Training, FJC & First Jump

The online curriculum acts as a prerequisite to all subsequent instructor-led training, both on the ground and in the air. You’ll arrive for your first hands-on skydiving lesson with a solid understanding of the baseline material, ready to learn more. At the end of your on-site FJC, which will last about 2 to 3 hours,  you’ll jump with two USPA-certified AFF instructors.

You have 30 days from the date of the online course conclusion to complete on-site training.

Benefits of an Online Skydiving First Jump Course

Everybody learns differently, and covering as many learning styles as possible equips students to be as successful as possible. The videos in the online First Jump Course allow visual and auditory learners the opportunity to take in information in the way they do best. The interactive scenarios in the course help kinesthetic learners go through the motions before they have a chance to do it for real in the air.

The online element of the course is also great for people who like to go at their own pace. It can be hard to pay attention during one long classroom session, or you can get a bit lost and fall behind.

An online course empowers you to move forward as you’re ready, take breaks when you need to, and repeat material without having to worry about holding up a larger class. (So, not only can you do the online portion in your pajamas, but you can also sleep on the info you learn before arriving at the dropzone feeling prepared for the next steps.) And if you’re not sure yet whether skydiving is for you, you can learn a lot about it without committing to jumping out of an airplane — all from the comfort of your own space!

Natural Progression

Our philosophy of building skydivers, not building students is a major reason why the Perris Skydiving Program stands above standard AFF programs. We understand that the student portion of your progression is both the most important foundation for your future and also only one small part of your lifelong skydiving adventure.

This is why we give you the opportunity to learn online in advance of hands-on training, and why we factor in time in our on-site wind tunnel as part of our program. And not just a quick flight either – 20 minutes of tunnel time!! That’s equivalent to 20 skydives!

Let’s take a quick look at the 17 Levels that follow the PSP First Jump Course, as well as the required solo jumps and packing class that are required to complete Part 2: A License Training.

PSP Levels 2-10

All tunnel flights and jumps accompanied by an AFF instructor; gear included.

• Tunnel Training

20 minutes tunnel time (equivalent to 20 skydives); practice freefall maneuvers. 

• Practical Training

Body awareness, turns, exits, docking, tracking, rolls, loops, stalls, flaring.

PSP Levels 11-16

Coach jumps supervised by an AFF instructor; gear included.

PSP Levels 17-18

Supervised Hop’n Pops; gear included.

Solo Jumps x 7

Optional free Phase II Coaching from Skydive Perris Load Organizers.

Packing Class

Learn how to pack your own parachute.

Why Choose Skydive Perris PSP Over a Traditional AFF Course

Want the Cliff’s Notes? You get a lot more value for money by investing in the Perris Skydiving Program:

If you want to become a world-class skydiver, start your journey in a world-class student program! And if completing a portion of the FJC curriculum online isn’t for you – tell us! We’ll do the full course in person by request. We marry flexibility with expertise to provide the very best learning environment. Enroll in the Perris Skydiving Program today!

Related Article: Solo Skydiving Requirements Explained

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How to get your skydive certification is likely a lot easier than you may think, and California is 100% the best place to do it! Many people that inquire about how to become a skydiver have a premonition that skydivers are some super sick breed of thrill-seeking humans, when in reality, we’re just like you! That’s right – most people are more than qualified to leap from planes and shred the bright blue skies, and we’re here to tell you how.

The Perris Skydiving Program – learn to skydive! from Skydive Perris on Vimeo.

Why you should learn to skydive in California

Here’s the top three reasons to get your skydiving license here in The Golden State – and especially here at Skydive Perris!

1. Consistent weather

California has great weather for jumping year-round. This is virtually unheard of for any other dropzone. Other locations are either too cold in the winter, too windy in the summer, or too rainy in general. Skydive Perris has a more than ideal location that is far enough away to avoid crazy ocean breezes and marine layers and is southern enough to have wonderfully sunny skies all year long. We’d also like to note that we’re conveniently located near many major areas, including Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. 

2. Good vibes!

If you think surfers have the best vibes in California, you obviously haven’t met our crew at Skydive Perris. The skydiving community is worldwide, and we pride ourselves on being one of the most welcoming, humble (skydivers are always learning), and diverse groups out there. Plus, the Hollywood of skydiving lives and breathes here at Perris! 

3. Experienced instructors 

We’ve saved the best for last. Our instructors are world-class. Here at Skydive Perris, we boast one of the most sought-after facilities in the skydiving realm, and with it, we naturally demand the best of the best. From embarking on a tandem jump, learning the dynamics of human flight in our on-site wind tunnel, or taking the first step of how to get skydive certified and completing our top-notch Perris Skydiving Program (PSP), we’ve got you covered. 

How Do You Get a Skydiving License in California

Step 1: Double-check that you meet the requirements to skydive solo 

• Age. This is the big kicker that sends many youngsters to the wind tunnel (where you can be as young as 3 years old!) before turning the magic age of 18. That’s right, to legally skydive anywhere in California, you must be at least 18 years of age. The United States deems 18 as the age when one is mature and responsible enough to take accountability for their actions and, in the case of skydiving, sign a waiver. 

• Health. If you’re weary about your health, check with a doc before the big jump day. Skydiving requires someone to be in generally good health, have some flexibility to comfortably board and exit the aircraft, and have some core strength to pick those feet and knees up when they come in for landing. No six-packs required. 

• Weight. The maximum weight to skydive is 240lbs, no exceptions. Skydiving is an extremely inclusive sport, and restrictions like this are only in place for your safety and the safety of others. It is a Federal Aviation Administration regulation as well as a strong recommendation from the manufacturers of the gear that we use. We always have your safety at the forefront of our minds. 

• English. We welcome those that use English as a second or even third or fourth language, but we require that you must be able to effectively communicate and understand the English language for safety reasons. 

Step 2: SEND IT, solo or tandem

Another special perk of starting your jump journey at Skydive Perris is that we don’t require your first jump to be a tandem. That’s right; your very first skydive can be solo. This is unlike the majority of dropzones that require one or even two tandem jumps before you can enroll in the ground school for solo skydiving.

After completing the skills required of the PSP, a minimum of 25 skydives as required by the United States Parachute Association, an exam, and properly packing a parachute, you’ll get your A-license! The A-license is the first of four skydiving licenses and represents a passion and commitment to advance in the sport. How much does it cost to get a skydiving license in California? We’ve got it all broken down right here. 

Step 3: Join our SoCal skydiving family 

The skydiving community is a special one where strangers quickly turn into lifelong friends. The benefits of learning to skydive solo are unmatched. Whichever skydiving discipline you choose to delve deep into, whether it be belly flying, free-flying, wingsuiting, or canopy work (CRW), the possibilities are endless, and the learning will never stop with our internationally-recognized coaches. 

If you’re debating where to get your skydiving license, California needs to be at the top of your list. We promise that the investment to experience the freedom of solo human flight here is more than worth it! Please reach out with any questions or concerns and come skydive with us at Skydive Perris! Blue skies!

Related Article: Complete Guide to Skydiving Solo

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Do you dream of shredding up the sky with your homies, jumping from hot air balloons, or even becoming a skydiving instructor? It all starts with tackling prescribed solo skydiving requirements, and we’re here to give you the 101 on how it’s done.

How Many Skydives Do You Need to Jump Solo?

None! At Skydive Perris, we do not require tandem jumps before solo skydiving. The curriculum we cover in our highly-respected student progression program – Perris Skydiving Program (PSP) – is robust and extensive, and provides the most coached freefall time possible for students. 

So, how many jumps do you need to skydive alone? Say it with us: zero! Can you skydive alone the first time? Heck to the YEAHHH! 
But … before you decide to jump into a skydive solo course, we do suggest that you first make a tandem. Completing a tandem skydive allows you to experience the sensations of freefall for the first time while attached to a professional skydiving instructor. This affords you the opportunity to get a feel for skydiving without all the added responsibility that comes with skydiving solo. Mandatory: no. Wise: yes. Up to you: totally.

Solo Skydiving Requirements

Age

Your age is a top solo skydiving requirement. To skydive solo (or to skydive in the US, period), you must be at least 18 years old. We require a valid, government-issued photo ID to verify age. No exceptions.

Weight

The maximum weight limit for skydiving solo is 240 lbs, and to ensure the equipment fits correctly, you must be height-weight proportionate. This restriction is in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration as well as the recommendations and restrictions issued by the manufacturers of the gear we use. Skydiving aims to be inclusive, and the only time that restrictions like this are in place is to keep you and our instructors safe. 

Health

You need to be in generally good shape to skydive solo. For certain medical conditions and health issues, a doctor’s note may be required prior to jumping. For example, at Skydive Perris, a history of shoulder dislocations requires written permission from your doctor.

Language

At Skydive Perris, our course materials and skydiving instruction are in English. You need to have a good understanding of the English language (both written and spoken) in order to enroll in PSP and to complete subsequent solo skydives.

I’m Eligible! What’s Next?

If you meet the solo skydiving requirements, the next step is to enroll in the Perris Skydiving Program! 

PSP encompasses 18 levels of indoor and outdoor skydiving training in order to produce the best, most competent and confident skydivers. Our program is much more comprehensive than the classic AFF (Accelerated Freefall) curriculum that you’ll find at most skydiving centers, and offers a minimum of three times more coached freefall time (36 minutes!). PSP graduates are equipped to serve as responsible members of the international skydiving community and to advance the sport of skydiving. 

PSP Level 1 is our first jump course. After completing a four to six-hour ground school, you will begin to gain practical freefall and canopy experience. By the conclusion of Level 1, you will have learned all that you need to know to successfully complete your first solo skydive, including the hand signals we use to communicate in freefall; proper body position for exiting the aircraft and for a stable freefall; flying and landing the parachute; and proper emergency procedures.

From here, you will progress through 17 additional curricular levels and complete your packing class. You’ll then make a series of hop ’n pops and solo skydives. Then you are ready to apply for your USPA (United States Parachute Association) A License! WOOOHOOO!

How Long Does It Take To Skydive Solo?

How many hours do you need to skydive alone? Only about six hours! These hours account for the ground school portion of the PSP; learning how you safely complete the skydive, from exiting the aircraft to landing your canopy; and effectively overcoming any potential emergencies. 

From here, it’s practice, practice, practice until you gain mastery of the required skills. It is our goal to make sure you are 100% comfortable and confident when skydiving alone for the first time! 

The time it takes to complete all 18 PSP levels varies from person to person. The rate at which you progress through PSP will depend on your availability of time and resources, the weather, instructor capacity, and personal performance. For some, PSP takes a matter of weeks; for others, more than a year. As long as you stay current by making a jump at least every 30 days, you can continue your progression.

How Much Does It Cost To Learn To Skydive?

We could go on and on about how skydiving is a truly priceless activity and how the experiences are lifelong and worth every penny, BUT we know that cost is a factor for most everyone.

Currently, PSP Level 1 is $379. After this, you can opt to pay as you go or, if you are able to pre-purchase the full program – which will get you all the way up to earning your USPA A License – it’s $4,031.91. That’s a savings of $251.10! A level-by-level cost breakdown if you pay as you go can be found in the PSP syllabus.

In total, PSP includes 15 single-instructor skydives, two 10-minute sessions in the indoor wind tunnel, 7 solo jumps and optional coaching free of charge, 2 low-altitude skydives, a packing class, and your USPA membership registration and license fees. 

How to Become A Certified Skydiver

To become a certified skydiver and earn your USPA A License, you will need to have satisfied all the requirements on the A-license proficiency card, demonstrating your skill in both freefall and canopy flight, as well as displaying familiarity with all required safety competencies. You must also accrue a minimum of 25 jumps, learn to pack a parachute, and pass both a written and oral exam.

How Do I Get My Skydiving A-license?

Step 1: Become a USPA member.

The USPA is the organization that oversees skydiving in the US (and for members abroad) and will eventually issue your A-license!

Step 2: Complete the USPA-required skills.

These are all covered in your PSP coursework. With every jump, you will advance your freefall and canopy piloting skills, altitude awareness, body awareness, and directional awareness. Skydive Perris has world-class instructors and coaches who enjoy helping others advance in the sport–we will be with you every step (or jump!) of the way! 

Step 3: Pack a main parachute, unassisted.

Spooky! Nah … a proper packing class is included in the PSP package and is designed to make sure you can competently handle the gear you’re jumping. 

Step 4: Accrue a minimum of 25 skydives.

Step 5: Pass the exam! 

The A-license is achieved through an application, written examination, and check-dive. The check-dive is typically your final skydive as a student skydiver (although we are all students and constantly learning) and encompasses all of the skills previously learned. Yay! 

Why Should You Learn to Skydive Solo?

After learning about the required commitment of time and resources, you may be wondering about the return on investment. It’s not just about checking the “I learned to skydive” box and moving on with your life. It’s an out-of-this-world accomplishment that will challenge, nourish, and empower you all of your days! If you meet the requirements to skydive solo, then you should go for it!

There are a multitude of benefits to skydiving solo. Some of the biggest being:

Gaining Self Confidence

Learning a new skill, passing a PSP level, standing up a landing (yee haw!!), and making new friends allow us to grow in self-assurance! See you later, comfort zone! 

Becoming a Part of the SkyFam 

The skydiving community (aka the best community EVER) boasts an unrivaled level of welcome, diversity, and support. On and off the dropzone – we’ve got your back! From manifest and pilots to packers and instructors, we all work together to spend as much time in the sky as possible. Despite our individual differences, we all share a united love for the sky, and this shines through on every single jump. 

The friendships you make in the sky very often last a lifetime and follow you even out of the skydiving center. You will meet so many people from so many places that you will always have a skydiver friend ready to host you wherever you go on vacation.

Genuinely Discovering Who You Are

Skydiving ushers in a new perspective on life! There is something euphoric and empowering about literally being above your earthly worries while pursuing something that requires an unmatched level of self-trust. 

The Freedom of a Skydiving A License

The USPA A License is proof that you are ready to skydive without supervision. Once you have an A License, you are allowed to skydive with other licensed skydivers. Skydiving solo is awesome, but just wait until you’re sharing smiles with your best buds in the air! Earning your USPA A License is the key you need to open the door to a whole new realm of possibility. 

Ready to crush the solo skydiving requirements, gain a community like no other, and learn more about yourself than you thought possible? Learn to skydive TODAY! Have questions about PSP –  reach out! We’re here to support you. Blue skies!

Related Article: How Does Skydiving Solo Compare to Tandem Skydiving?

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brrring! brrring! 

You hear that? It’s time to answer the call of the wild blue yonder. Flying amongst the clouds doesn’t have to merely be a childhood dream. With skydiving, it’s possible to soar solo! 

Some choose to get their first taste of flight with a tandem skydive. Others, sporting a much more adventurous appetite, find the idea of skydiving alone much more appealing. 
If you’re ready to take your skydiving adventure to the next level, it’s time to consider skydiving solo and learn how to skydive. Here’s what you need to know.

Top Requirements to Skydive Solo

There are a few skydiving requirements that must be met in order to skydive by yourself. 

Age: In order to skydive solo, individuals must be at least 18 years old. We require a valid, government-issued form of photo identification in order to verify age.

Weight: The maximum weight limit for skydiving solo is 240 lbs. Additionally, to ensure the equipment fits properly, participants must be height-weight proportionate. 

Health: In order to learn to skydive solo, a participant needs to be in generally good shape. For certain medical conditions and health issues, a doctor’s note may be required prior to jumping. Specifically at Skydive Perris, if you have a history of shoulder dislocations, you will need to obtain written permission from your doctor in order to skydive.
Additional Requirements: Because the course materials and instruction is done in English at Skydive Perris, participants need to have a good understanding of the English language (both written and spoken) in order to attend a skydive solo course and to complete a subsequent solo skydive.

How Many Jumps Do You Need to Skydive Alone?

Wondering how many tandem jumps are required before skydiving solo? Well, technically, none! At Skydive Perris, we do not require students to complete a tandem skydive before beginning your solo skydiving journey. After attending ground school, you can make your first solo skydive accompanied in-air by two licensed skydiving instructors.

While we allow you to go solo without first going tandem, we suggest you make a tandem first as it’s a great place to start. Completing a tandem skydive allows you to experience the sensations of freefall for the first time while attached to a professional skydiving instructor. This affords you the opportunity to get a feel for skydiving without all the added responsibility that comes with skydiving solo.

What Does A Skydive Solo Course Entail?

The Perris Skydiving Program (PSP) encompasses 18 levels of indoor and outdoor skydiving training in order to produce the best, most competent and confident skydivers.

Our program is much more comprehensive than the classic AFF (Accelerated Freefall) curriculum that you’ll find at most skydiving centers, and offers a minimum of 3 times more coached freefall time (36 minutes!). PSP graduates are equipped to serve as responsible members of the international skydiving community and to advance the sport of skydiving. 

PSP Level 1 is our first jump course. After completing a 4 to 6 hour ground school, you will begin to gain practical freefall and canopy experience. By the conclusion of Level 1, you will have learned all that you need to know to successfully complete your first solo skydive, including the hand signals we use to communicate in freefall; proper body position for exiting the aircraft and for a stable freefall; flying and landing the parachute; and proper emergency procedures.

From here, you will progress through 17 additional curricular levels and complete your packing class, before making a series of hop ’n pops and solo skydives. Then you are ready to apply for your USPA A License!

How to Become A Certified Skydiver

To become a certified skydiver and earn your USPA A License, you will need to have satisfied all the requirements on the A-license proficiency card, demonstrating your skill in both freefall and canopy flight, as well as displaying familiarity with all required safety competencies. You must also accrue a minimum of 25 jumps, learn to pack a parachute, and pass both a written and oral exam.

Cost to Learn How to Skydive

The cost of the first jump course including the Level 1 solo skydive is $379. If you are able to pre-purchase the Perris Skydiving Program package, the total cost to continue to learn to skydive and to earn your USPA A License is $4,031.90.

The package includes 15 single-instructor skydives, two 10-minute sessions in the indoor wind tunnel, 7 solo jumps and optional coaching free of charge, 2 low-altitude skydives, a packing class, and your USPA membership registration and license fees. 

A level-by-level cost breakdown if you pay as you go can be found in our PSP syllabus.

How Long Does it Take to Learn to Skydive?

The amount of time it takes to learn to skydive varies from person to person. Everyone’s journey is different. The rate at which you progress through the Perris Skydiving Program will depend upon your availability of time and resources, the weather, instructor capacity, and personal performance.

For some, PSP takes a matter of weeks; for others, more than a year. As long as you stay current by making a jump at least every 30 days, you can continue your progression.

The Freedom of a Skydiving A License

The USPA A License is proof that you are ready to skydive without supervision. Once you have an A License, you are allowed to skydive with other licensed skydivers. Skydiving solo is great, but just wait until you’re sharing smiles with your best buds in the air! Earning your USPA A License is the key you need to open the door on a whole new realm of possibility. What goal will you set your sights on next?

It’s time to go solo! Sign up for your PSP Level 1 today! Blue skies!

Related Article: 5 Reasons to Choose Skydive Perris

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For licensed skydivers, our sport is the epitome of self-reliance.  The United States Parachute Association recognizes that part of taking responsibility for yourself is making sure your gear is ready to jump before you put it on.  Doing a good gear check is step one.  Make sure you have a process for consistently doing a gear check and do it before every jump.  On this video Skydive Perris General Manager Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld reviews why gear checks are so important and demonstrates his process.  DO TRY THIS AT HOME!!  It’s important to get proficient at doing your gear check.  The best way is to practice doing them while you’re at home.  “Learning” to do a gear check only when you’re ON a jump simply isn’t enough. Practice at home so by the time you’re getting ready to put your rig on, you’ll be great at doing a gear check!!

For a great read from Dan covering topics such as this and more check out his book “Above All Else” by clicking here.

For a list of skydiving gear manufacturers and their recommendations you can also check out their homepages by clicking on any of the manufacturers links below.

SunPath Products
Rigging Innovations
United Parachute Technologies
Mirage Systems
Aerodyne Systems
Firebird
Velocity Sports Equipment
Wings

The post Mastering The Art of Gear Checks With Dan BC appeared first on Skydive Perris.

We at Skydive Perris were very happy to see that the Safety Day video United States Parachute Association – USPA did with the Manager of Skydive Perris, Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, went viral and has already been viewed over 58,000 times. You can watch the USPA Safety Day Video here.

With so many of our skydiving family across the world quarantining themselves to some degree, we have received several requests for Dan to do other interesting videos. That’s why we wanted to share his keynote address at the 2013 PIA Symposium. It’s an interesting firsthand perspective on how the sport has advanced over the last 40 years (let’s face it, we could all listen to him talking about anything for hours anyway). We hope you enjoy.

By the way, have you read Dan’s book, Above All Else? It’s a great read about a story that is ideal for social distancing times! If you’re interested, it is available on Amazon by also clicking here. We highly recommend the inspirational read.

The post 2013 PIA Symposium Keynote Address appeared first on Skydive Perris.

Indoor skydiving? Outdoor skydiving? Both options have amazing upsides and several reasons to recommend them, but at Skydive Perris, unlike most other skydiving centers, you don’t have to choose just one!

At Skydive Perris  we’ve created a unique indoor-outdoor mashup of the two: The Adrenal-IN Experience, during which a happy adrenaline-seeker will tackle both indoor and outdoor skydiving in one unique, discounted package. Here’s how it works: First, you’ll find yourself in freefall — without the need to leap from a plane — with two flights in our beautiful on-campus vertical wind tunnel. Afterward, you’ll proceed to one of our gorgeous airplanes, where you’ll make a tandem skydive from an actual aircraft at 12,500 feet.

It’s an amazing package, and leaves new skydivers smiling like crazy! But if you need a little convincing as to why you should absolutely, positively try both, here’s all the convincing you’ll need.

The wind tunnel is a sport all its own.

Not only is the indoor skydiving wind tunnel a great place to get a good sense of what freefall will feel like (and loosen up those skydiving-related nerves a little bit), it’s an incredible sport in and of itself. Once you’ve experienced the feeling of human flight in a column of fast-moving air — and discovered how amazing it is to navigate that space under your own power — you just may have found a new sport to enjoy for years to come. With indoor skydiving, all ages are welcome and Skydive Perris has flown those from ages 3-103. Jumping from a plane requires you to be 18, but floating on a column of air like in the wind tunnel is a sport even the littles can enjoy.

Skydiving never fails to inspire.

Indoor skydiving helps you dodge the nail-biting nerves of jumping from a perfectly good airplane. But if you want the heart-fluttering inspiration of a real-life tandem skydive, then one of our eight aircrafts is necessary. Tandem skydiving consistently ranks as the most popular adventure sports experience on the planet and it’s easy to see why. From the ride up, to the I-can’t-believe-how-big-the-world-is freefall, to the I-can’t-believe-how-big-my-smile-is parachute ride, to the triumphant landing at the finale, there is no substitute for an actual tandem skydive. You owe it to yourself to try it. And there is no better place than Skydive Perris to do so.

The world outside is waiting for you (and the inside world of skydiving is too).

There are two things you’re going to be floored by when you do the Adrenal-IN Experience: the view from the sky and your new view of the future. You’ll never see Southern California like you’ll see it from the air, and you’ll never see a day filled with true thrills like you’ll see them after experiencing not one but two of the world’s most exciting sports. Many of our first-time guests are so inspired after their unique Adrenal-IN experience that they go on and complete their solo skydiving course here at Skydive Perris. And there’s a world full of progression, fitness and even world-level competition waiting on the other side of some serious indoor skydiving action.

The post The Adrenal-IN Experience and why this package combines the best of everything appeared first on Skydive Perris.

The “indoor skydiving” wind tunnel is the vertical arena for one heckuva sport, amirite? Honestly, there’s so far for all of us to go once we’re in there and up to speed– and once we are, there’s quite literally nowhere to go but up. If you’re interested in getting your indoor skydiving dialed in, you came to the right place. Here’s how to get good as efficiently as possible.

1. Start before you’re 10 years old

Right, so that’s a little cheeky — but it does make sense to bring up. It’s fair to say that most of the audience for this article have logged more than a dozen years of life on the planet, but listen up: to get really good in the tunnel, starting a flying career before you hit a double-digit age really helps. Luckily, that’s a problem with a solution, at least for the next generation! Bring the kids. Children as young as three can and should experience the mad benefits the tunnel has to offer — and learning alongside you is bound to bond.

2. Don’t be afraid to show the instructor your tummy.

If you’ve been skydiving solo for quite a while, it may feel a little weird to go back to basics. That’s totally normal! You’re going to have to get comfortable with it, though, if you want to progress quickly (and safely) in the windytube. The progression is the progression for a reason: you’ll learn first belly flying, then back flying, then sit flying, then static head-down before you move on to the zoomy dynamic flying that captivates most would-be gnar-shredders.Most new tunnel fliers want to move through the progression as quickly as possible. Obviously! But take it from us (and everybody else who’s ever gotten good): respecting the progression is the only way forward. In the tunnel, there’s very little room for error, and every detail counts.

3. Team up with a great coach

Invest in your flying! If you really want to progress your skills in indoor skydiving, it’s an absolute requirement to spend a lot of time flying the tubular skies, and to do it with an excellent coach at your side. Most tunnel flying coaches suggest flying at least once a week to progress meaningfully and to keep your skills nice and sharp; with great coaching, you’ll get farther, faster with more fun.

4. Go easy on yourself

The most counterintuitive aspect of flying in the tunnel is that fact that the path to awesome leads straight through the locked gates of relaxation. If you don’t find the key to letting go of your tension, that’s the end of the road for you — and relaxing won’t feel remotely possible at the outset.

The thing to remember here is that you are not alone. Every flyer starts out carrying a lot of muscle tension. Sooner or later, one fine day, you’ll relax into the arms of the wind and you’ll suddenly feel the smoothness and efficiency that comes with it.

Until that magical moment, trust the process and go easy on yourself. To learn to fly in the vertical wind tunnel is challenging. The more and bigger you smile, the faster your skills in the tunnel will progress. And we’ll match your grin with our own!

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Skydivers all over the world have spoken: practicing your bodyflight skills in the “indoor skydiving” wind tunnel is *the* way to progress even faster. Sure, it’s a big glass tube as opposed to a big blue sky, but the muscle memory you train in there is going to put you way ahead of the game when you take your newfound tricks out the door of a plane. Here’s how to take your skydiving skills to the next level in the wind tunnel!

Get professional coaching.

In skydiving, students often get away without jumping with a coach for a long time. (As a note: We totally advise getting coaching early and often in the sky, too!) Why? ‘Cause jumping is pure fun, and you can pile out with a bunch of friends and mess around, even if you never actually get any better at it. In the tunnel, on the other hand, the real fun is dialing in the details — so coaching counts. Seriously. Even the highest-level performers in tunnel flying get coaching.

Do yourself a favor and shop around for a coach that fits your goals and temperament. (We have plenty of great ones here at Perris!)

Save money on training.

Sure, flying the tubular skies costs money. That said: the amount of “freefall” time you rack up in there translates to far more than the sum of its skydived parts. If you do the math, you’ll realize that tunnel time, for all its sticker shock, is a more cost-effective way to train — especially the tricky moves that would take ages to perfect between packjobs.

Control your environment.

Not only does wind tunnel skydiving training save money and time, it helps you to isolate very specific behaviors and habits in your flying that may be holding you back. It does this by being very, very focusing. Where a plane is loud and full of your friends and screeching tandem students and that hot swooper with whom you’ve been locking eyes across the packing mat, the tunnel is just you and your coach and your goals. No distractions. It’s amazing how much you can get done with no distractions. You owe it to yourself to check that out.

Lower your risks.

Really knowing how to fly your body — lightning-quick, instinctively and intuitively — could easily save your life one day. Reacting quickly and correctly when something is going wrong, which is to say understanding the action of the wind on your body’s surfaces without having to think about it and putting that knowledge into immediate action, has saved many a tookis on a jump gone funky. Getting as much bodyflight skill as you can, as quickly as possible, could really do you a favor someday, even over and above how cool you look in your videos.

Have we convinced you? We’ve convinced ourselves so hard that we’re going to the tunnel right effin’ now. Wanna join us? Make a reservation! We’ll race ya.

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Ask any skydiver, anywhere: Skydive Perris has the hecka-best events in the sky. And now, we have one just for you! We created a whole new event to get our awesome community of newbies involved. It’s called Fresh Meet, and it’s going to be amazing. We designed Fresh Meet to be the perfect skills-camp-style fit for anyone that is A or B and who got certified within the last 18 months. Less than 150 jumps? This event is for you!

What Can I Expect from Fresh Meet?

Our event is designed to give you a targeted goal to train towards, involve you with our experienced local community, and promote knowledge and safety. The main event is a short FS competition alongside engaging side contests, games, and coaching throughout. The meet will also include a ‘Manufacturers Day’ (on Sunday) with a series of short clinics about gear and accessories as well as mini-seminars on the different avenues you can take (e.g. freefly, wingsuit, big ways, competition, boogies, base etc), and a Bar Trivia style party on Saturday evening.

The main event (will happen on a Saturday) – 3-WAY COMPETITION: each team would be composed of 2 young jumpers and an experienced mentor. 4 jumps, but the competition won’t be only about the jumps! Points will be earned on the ground as well, with a series of games in the scavenger hunt spirit.

The $160 registration fee covers the inaugural Fresh Meet T-Shirt and participation in the competition (4 jumps from 12,500′). Please note that registration fees DO NOT include rental gear.

From Fresh Meet To Jumping With Freshly-Met Organizers

One of the great things about participating in a skydiving event is that you’ll naturally connect with the people who will next-level your skydiving — especially, the local load organizers whose job it is to create skills-appropriate jumps that will challenge you in just the right ways. After all: another great way for newbies to get involved is by getting to know the load organizers who turn Perris’s amazeballs loads.

Not Yet A Sport Skydiver?

No worries! If you haven’t yet earned your solo skydiving license, participating in Fresh Meet — and jumping with load organizers — can provide just the incentive you’re looking for to commit to that AFF course. Participating in skydiving events starts with a first jump — so make that reservation today, and let’s get you on your way!

The post Are You a Newly Licensed Skydiver? We Have a New Event for You! appeared first on Skydive Perris.