So, you’re contemplating the exhilarating thrill of plunging from an airplane regularly, embracing the electrifying sensation of free fall, and sharing countless sky selfies on social media (which can become monotonous quickly). Before diving in, let’s delve into the financial aspect of skydiving—because this adventure is not just about the adrenaline rush; it’s also an investment in private aviation and requires serious dedication to mastering canopy piloting skills.
Here’s the detailed financial breakdown, starting from your initial tandem jump to the ongoing expenses associated with the thrilling lifestyle of a skydiver.
Tandem Skydiving Costs: Your First Jump
A tandem skydive typically serves as the gateway into the exhilarating world of skydiving. At Adventures In Skydiving, your first tandem experience will set you back $259. However, if you present a student or military ID, the cost drops to $239. If you’re planning a group thrill, rates begin at $239 per person for groups of 10 or more, with the price further reduced to $219 when you gather a whopping 20 friends. This fee covers professional instruction, high-quality gear, and the chance to relive your epic first jump through stunning video and photographs (additional package for these available, of course).
Where the money goes: The tandem fee encompasses your ascent to sky-high altitudes, expert guidance from your tandem instructor in canopy maneuvers, and regular maintenance of specialized tandem jumping equipment—designed to be more robust and costly than standard gear used by solo jumpers. Photo and video add-ons usually range between $99 and $150, and they’re highly recommended for cherishing your initial thrill-seeking moment.
Photo by Mike McGowan
Learning to Skydive: The Cost of a Skydiving License
If the first leap leaves you craving more, congratulations on embracing the sky! The subsequent phase involves pursuing your A license, granting you the freedom to skydive solo or alongside others. Adventures In Skydiving presents an Accelerated Skydiving Program (ASP), featuring multiple pricing options to align with your financial plan and commitment:
- Economy Package: By paying upfront, you can take advantage of a 10% discount, totaling $4,056. This package covers 24 jumps (21 instruction-based and 3 solo), a packing class, your A License test, and complimentary lodging at Skydive Arizona.
- Phased Package: This plan divides the program into two phases for a total cost of $4,281 (still a 5% discount). The first phase is priced at $2,220, while the second is $2,061.
- Pay-As-You-Go: While there are no discounts, this option allows you to pay per jump, spreading the expenses over time. Individual jumps can cost anywhere from $150 to $250, based on the phase of training.
Included in these prices is more than just the jumps; you’re also investing in ground school, individualized coaching, equipment rentals, and a well-structured roadmap toward obtaining your A license. Gaining this credential typically requires completing between 25 to 30 jumps, customized to your personal learning pace.
Skydiving Gear Costs: Container, Canopy, and Accessories
Once you’re certified, the next logical step is to invest in your own skydiving gear—relying on rentals can get expensive swiftly. Moreover, having your own personalized equipment ensures a better fit, less wear and tear, and often includes modern safety innovations like a Skyhook or MARD. Here’s the detailed cost breakdown:
- Container: This is the essential pack-like structure that encompasses your main and reserve canopies, in addition to the deployment mechanism. New containers generally cost between $3,000 and $4,000, heavily influenced by custom features such as embroidery, upgraded harness articulation, and increased padding.
- Main Canopy: When it comes to your main parachute, expect to shell out over $3,000. This is your primary aerial transport, so thoughtful consideration is key.
- Reserve Canopy: Designed to be smaller and simpler than your main parachute, this backup is crucial for emergencies. You should budget at least $1,500 for a reliable reserve.
- Other Essentials: Plan to spend an additional $500-$1,000 on a helmet, altimeter, jumpsuit, and supplementary items like gloves or goggles.
- Automatic Activation Device: The investment in an automatic activation device, like a Cypres, is highly advisable. These typically cost around $1,200 but are considered invaluable for safety!
Seeking used gear can also lead to significant savings. However, always ensure that any used equipment undergoes a thorough inspection by a certified parachute rigger to confirm it’s safe and suitable for your skill level.
Pro Tip: It’s wise to prepare for maintenance expenses as well. A mandatory repack of your reserve parachute is required every 180 days, costing around $60-$100 per repack, while your main canopy may require occasional line replacements or trimming, depending on usage and wear.
What Does it Cost to Skydive Regularly
Skydiving is far from a one-time endeavor; maintaining your skills requires regular jumps. Casual skydivers often make around 100 jumps per year, which at an average of $33 per jump, translates to about $3,300 annually just for jump tickets. For those seeking serious progression, participating in skill camps or joining boogies (skydiving festivals) builds both competence and community, though they incur additional expenses:
- Camps and Training: These specialized events concentrate on areas like freefly, canopy piloting, and formation skydiving. Anticipate costs ranging from $300 to $1,000 for coaching and jumps, as well as travel and accommodation expenses.
- Travel Costs: Many avid skydivers travel between drop zones in pursuit of ideal weather conditions or unique jump opportunities. Be prepared to budget for airfare, car rentals, and food expenses during your travels. If you aspire to embrace the skydiving lifestyle fully, consider allocating funds for a Sprinter Van or camper as well!
One of the most attractive aspects of skydiving is the community itself. Events are not solely focused on the jumps but also serve as fantastic opportunities for socializing, networking, and forging lasting friendships.
What It Costs to Be Obsessed
Once you’ve truly immersed yourself in the sport, the financial commitment escalates—but so does the enjoyment factor. Below is a sample of what your annual skydiving budget might look like if you’re aiming to become a competitive skydiver (with work jumps excluded for clarity):
However, if you’re actively working in the skydiving industry, you can supplement your income through work jumps, whether conducting tandem experiences, filming jumps, or providing AFF training. Furthermore, there’s the potential to host your own skill camps for newcomers. With a stroke of luck, sponsorship deals from gear manufacturers might also come your way!
This financial overview underscores the significant commitment that true jumpers dedicate to this sport. Of course, you can enjoy skydiving on a more modest budget once you’ve invested in your equipment and are situated near a local drop zone like Skydive Arizona.
Is Skydiving Worth the Cost?
Skydiving isn’t an inexpensive passion, but then again, few serious hobbies are cost-free. Ask any experienced jumper, and they’ll tell you the heart-pounding excitement, the vibrant community, and the ongoing opportunities for skill enhancement far outweigh the costs. Whether you’re saving up for your first tandem experience, planning to earn your license, or dreaming of living the adventurous skydive gypsy lifestyle, these expenses are part of the thrilling adventure.
And honestly, nothing compares to the electrifying rush of plummeting towards the earth at terminal velocity. How do you even begin to quantify that experience?
What are the initial costs that new skydivers should anticipate, including tandem jumps and training for certification?
**Interview with Skydiving Enthusiast and Instructor, Jamie Thompson**
**Interviewer:** Jamie, thanks for joining us today. For many people, skydiving represents an exhilarating adventure, but you’ve experienced both the thrill and the financial commitment that comes with it. Can you clarify what a new skydiver should expect in terms of initial costs?
**Jamie:** Absolutely! For anyone considering their first skydive, a tandem jump is the way to start. Costs around $259 cover professional instruction, all necessary gear, and a chance to capture the moment with photos and videos. If you’re a student or military, there’s even a discount. It’s a real gateway into the sport.
**Interviewer:** That sounds exciting! But beyond that first jump, I imagine the costs can add up quickly if someone decides to pursue skydiving more seriously.
**Jamie:** Yes, they can! If you love your first jump and want to get certified, you’ll pursue your A License. At my drop zone, we offer packages that range from about $4,056 to $4,281, depending on whether you want to pay upfront or per jump. This includes all training required to jump solo, plus a few jumps after instruction.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant investment. Once certified, what should skydivers budget for gear?
**Jamie:** Gear can be quite an expense. A full setup—container, main canopy, reserve canopy, and other essentials—can easily range from $6,500 to $10,000. Equipment is essential for safety and performance, so it’s worth investing in good quality. Also, remember to factor in ongoing maintenance costs to keep your gear in top shape.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of ongoing costs, what does an average year of skydiving look like financially for someone who jumps regularly?
**Jamie:** Casual skydivers make about 100 jumps a year, which could cost around $3,300 just for jump tickets. If you’re interested in attending skill camps or going to boogies, that could add another $300 to $1,000. Plus, travel expenses can multiply your costs if you’re exploring different drop zones.
**Interviewer:** Sounds like a dedicated community within skydiving. How does the social aspect play into all of this?
**Jamie:** It’s one of my favorite parts! Skydiving is a social sport, and many drop zones host events that bring people together. These aren’t just about the jumps—they’re wonderful for networking and forming friendships. The community makes everything more rewarding, even as you’re making that financial commitment.
**Interviewer:** Any final advice for someone contemplating diving headfirst into the skydiving lifestyle?
**Jamie:** Prepare for both excitement and financial responsibility! If you’re truly passionate about it, the investment is well worth it. Make a budget, connect with your local skydiving community, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. You’ll find support all around you as you embrace every thrilling moment!