What is the AFF course?
(A)ccelerated (F)ree(F)all course is the fastest and safest way to learn to skydive. It's your introduction into the sport and turn you into a skydiver within 10 jumps. A quick learning curve is guaranteed due to intense one on one coaching and instructor's feedback while you are in freefall. Once you have finished the AFF course, you are allowed to jump on your own or with coaches who can teach you further skills on your way to your A-license.
How long does it take to finish the AFF course?
We recommend to be in Cape Town for about 2 weeks to make sure you can finish the course. It's one day groundwork and 10 jumps (3 jumps max per day), so you could finish it quicker, but other factors like weather, aircraft or instructor availability and not to forget your mental and/or physical constitution may slow down the progress. Almost all students who did the course with us were able to finish it within 2 weeks.
If you are only available on weekends, you should plan to be available for 4 consecutive weekends.
What's the course structure?
On your first day we do groundwork, which takes about 6-7 hrs, so we are usually finished by 3 o'clock. Once we start jumping, you'll be at the DZ from morning until early afternoon. So you can plan your Lions Head hike or your kite session for the afternoons. Ideally we jump everyday (weather permitting) and once we are at one instructor level also do multiple jumps per day as this helps to progress quicker.
Who can do the course?
You should be in good physical condition. You don't need to be a world class athlete but shouldn't be a couch potato either. Min age is 16 (with parental consent); max weight is 100kg.
Can I jump worldwide after the course?
Yes. A lot of our students are from overseas. The basic course structure of the AFF course is the same all over the world with minor differences. When you go back to your home country or other places, you will have to sign up with the local parachute association, and then you can carry on jumping.
What is the A-license and why do I need it?
Once you finished the AFF course, you are allowed to jump by yourself or with coaches/instructors. If you want to jump with other sports skydivers, you need a licence. For the A license you need a min of 25 jumps in total and you must have passed the ISP program (Intermediate Skills Program). The ISP program consists of 7 jumps with coaches and is your introduction into formation skydiving. You learn how to approach other skydivers, fall faster or slower in reference to them and track away from your fellow skydiver to be able to deploy your parachute into clean air. You also get taught more advanced canopy skills, basic packing skills and write a small test, so that you know where you stand in the sport and what to do to improve further.
How long does it take to finish the A-licence?
Plan to be in Cape Town for min of 3 weeks to finish your A licence.
Who can jump?
Min age is 12 years (with parental consent)
min height: 140cm
min weight: 35kg
max weight: 100kg (there is a scale at the Dropzone; you will get weighed)
You should be able to lift up your legs for about 30 seconds when coming in to land at the end of your tandem jump.
Can I wear my glasses?
Yes, you can. We supply oversized goggles which fit over your prescription glasses.
What must I wear?
Comfortable clothing and sneakers/running shoes. Bring a warm top and wear long pants on the colder days (it's much colder at exit altitude than on the ground)
Tandem landings are often sliding landings, so white pants are not ideal ;-)
No loose jewellery, no loose teeth, no high heels, no wigs
Must I make a booking?
Yes, please. We only operate if we have a certain amount of tandems or other skydives booked for the day. So don't arrive at the Dropzone without a booking as you might not get to jump as we might be fully booked, finished for the day or might not be operating
Can I get a video of my skydive?
Yes, you can book different video and picture packages at the Dropzones. The most popular version is the "handycam" video and pictures package, filmed by your tandem instructor. You will receive an edited version of your skydive on a USB-stick (approx. 8 min video/200 pictures) before leaving the Dropzone (Cape Town) or can download your skydive a few days after your jump (Winelands)
Other video options may be available on request.