FAQs
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Why should I learn to skydive with Evolution Skydiving?
All of our instructors hold instructional ratings governed by either British Skydiving or the United States Parachute Association, both of which are recognised worldwide. Our instructors are also very experienced and knowledgeable.
We are one of only two companies in the UK specialising in residential trips abroad that have our own British Skydiving Advanced/ Chief Instructor. This means that we can award UK skydiving qualifications at every level from your first skydiving license to your coach ratings. So, you can be assured that once you return to the UK, you will have all the necessary qualifications to continue jumping in the UK or anywhere in the world.
Why should I learn to skydive abroad rather than in the UK?
As a student parachutist, you require almost perfect weather conditions to jump (light winds and little cloud). The weather at our chosen locations is more stable than in the UK allowing for consistent daily jumping for students. This means you will be able to complete the AFF course a lot quicker than in the UK. AFF courses abroad can also work out cheaper as you have less time between jumps and therefore less likely to repeat jumps.
Are there any age restrictions when learning to skydive?
The minimum age to learn to skydive is 16 years old. For those aged between 16 and 18 years old, a parental/ guardian signature of consent is required on two forms. These forms will be provided upon booking.
The maximum age to learn to skydive is 55 years old. There are exceptions to this rule, for clarification please contact us.
Is there a weight restriction when learning to skydive?
As long as you are fit and healthy, there is no weight restriction when learning to skydive. However, the skydiving equipment we use does have a weight restriction. The maximum weight for our equipment is 120 kg/ 18 stone.
Do you have to be fit to learn to skydive?
A reasonable level of fitness is required for skydiving. All students will be required to sign a British Skydiving Solo Student Self-Declaration of Fitness form (115C). If you have any of the medical conditions or past injuries listed on form 115C, you will have to get form 115D signed and stamped by a doctor instead.
What height will I jump from?
The minimum exit height for a student parachutist is 10,000 ft. At our chosen locations, you will exit between heights of 12,000 ft and 15,000 ft giving you extra time in the air for each level.
What do I need to wear during the skydives?
We provide you with all the required equipment to complete the skydives, including a jumpsuit to go over your clothes. We recommend wearing loose fitting and comfortable clothing (e.g. sportswear), with no hoods. Comfortable, flat shoes should be worn – sports trainers are the best option. Slip-on shoes, heels or boot with eyelet hooks are not suitable.
Are there any hidden costs?
All skydivers in the UK are required to have full membership with our governing body, British Skydiving. This membership provides third party insurance for when you go skydiving.
As part of the AFF course fee, you will be issued with a temporary membership that grants you unlimited jumping for one month. This can be later upgraded to a full membership. Full British Skydiving membership costs approximately £125 per year (it changes slightly each year) and renews on 1st April. The cost of conversion from temporary to full membership depends on the month of the year you take it out.
Am I likely to repeat a level?
Not necessarily. There are many students who pass the course without needing to repeat a level. Students who have to repeat a level will receive a thorough debrief and extra training to make sure the student is confident for the next skydive.
What happens if I don’t complete the AFF course during my trip?
Your credit will remain on the account with Evolution Skydiving for you to finish the course at a later date. If there has been a long period of time between courses, for your own safety, you may need to repeat a level or undergo detailed refresh training. We will try our best to organise alternative dates with you to make sure this doesn’t happen.
What happens once I get my first skydiving license?
You will be able to jump solo at any dropzone in the UK or abroad. There are so many different disciplines to try in the sport from formation skydiving and freeflying to wingsuiting and sky surfing. You will be welcome on any of our other trips as an experienced skydiver to get further training in these disciplines from our coaches.