Learn to skydive with Sunshine Coast Skydivers - Caloundra! Regulated under the Australian Parachute Federation, their AFF Course is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a skydiver and obtaining a skydiving license. With over 30 years of experience, Sunshine Coast Skydivers - Caloundra boasts some of the most experienced AFF skydiving instructors in the country.
Enrolment in the AFF course is open to individuals of at least 16 years old, with written consent from parents or guardians if they are minors. Age is not a limiting factor, as students in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s often participate. However, a maximum weight limit of 110 kg applies, and basic fitness is required. It's important to disclose any previous injuries or health conditions for a risk assessment. The beauty of the AFF course is that prior experience is not necessary, although having some knowledge of what to expect and avoiding sensory overload can be beneficial.
The AFF course is a highly popular modern methodology for learning to skydive. By the end of the course, participants will have acquired the necessary skills to skydive safely on their own. Consisting of 9 stages or levels, this course serves as the critical first step to obtaining a skydiving license in Australia.
At Sunshine Coast Skydivers - Caloundra, participants can learn at their own pace without having to pay upfront for the entire course. Prices start at $495 for AFF Stage 1, while full AFF packages are available from $2,399. On average, students need between 15 to 25 jumps to achieve the coveted A-license, which translates to approximately $3,200 to $4,000. While skydiving may seem costly initially, the expenses become more manageable once participants complete their training and acquire their own gear.
The AFF course commences with a comprehensive day of ground training, during which participants learn all the technical theory and skills required for safe AFF skydives. This includes understanding how the gear works, mastering freefall skills, steering and landing a parachute, and emergency procedures. Prior to the course, participants have access to online theory to help ease them into the first day. The day after the ground course, participants make their first AFF skydive alongside two instructors who provide a thorough review of the drills and a recap of the theory and emergency procedures. For those who may not yet feel comfortable utilising their personal parachute, a tandem-assisted freefall option is available, and this jump counts as AFF 1.
Over the subsequent 8 AFF stages, participants continue to enhance their confidence and improve their skydiving skills, including aircraft exit techniques, freefall body positioning, and turns. By the 9th stage, participants conduct their first solo skydive without any assistance from their instructors. After completing a minimum of 10 jumps and meeting all the requirements for Certificate A, participants proudly earn their A-license, officially becoming licensed skydivers.
The AFF course is meticulously regulated by the Australian Parachute Federation (APF), ensuring consistent training and operational standards at all dropzones across the nation. With a skydiving license obtained through the APF, participants have the opportunity to enjoy exhilarating jumps at numerous locations throughout the country. Moreover, the APF license is recognised for jumping overseas, although it's essential to note that different regulations may apply, potentially requiring visitors to obtain a financial membership before taking the plunge.
