There are several ways to do your first skydive, and different methods are right for different people; however most of our members choose take the RAPS course. See the table below for a quick summary of the different courses, or use the menu on the left to find out more information about each type of course.

RAPS

Other Names	Static Line, IAD (similar course)
Summary	On your first jump your parachute is deployed automatically by a static line; then as you move through the system you move onto progressively longer freefalls.
Cost	£150 for the course + one jump
First Jump Altitude	3,500ft (1,200m)
Opportunity to Progress	Yes
Extra Jumps	£15 (static line) £25 (freefall)
Time to Qualify	3-6 months Assuming you visit the dropzone at least once every 3 weeks.
Advantages	Relatively low initial cost You can drop out if it is not for you You gain experience an AFF student might not
Disadvantages	Takes a long time to get your A-licence No freefall on early jumps
	More information about RAPS

AFF

Other Names	Accelerated Freefall, PFF, PAC
Summary	You perform 7 freefall jumps while being held by your instructor(s), followed by one low altitude jump when you open your parachute as soon as you exit the aircraft. Finally, you'll do 10 solo freefall jumps to gain your A-licence.
Cost	£270 for the course + one jump £950 for the course + eight jumps (almost qualified)
First Jump Altitude	13,500ft (4,000m)
Opportunity to Progress	Yes
Extra Jumps	£25 each
Time to Qualify	6 weekends
Advantages	Fast way to learn Can be combined with a sunny holiday Freefall from first jump
Disadvantages	High initial cost Repeat jumps can be expensive, but are usually not needed
	More information about AFF

Tandem

Summary	You will jump strapped to an instructor, who will open your parachute for you and guide you through the experience.
Cost	£185
First Jump Altitude	13,500ft (4,000m)
Opportunity to Progress	No - You must convert to RAPS or AFF
Advantages	Cheapest way to do one freefall
Disadvantages	It is not possible to continue jumping without taking a RAPS or AFF course One AFF jump is not much more expensive
	More information about tandem jumps

Wind Tunnel

Summary	Experience freefall without the aeroplane - instead you will visit a brand new vertical wind tunnel where you'll be able to float on a 120mph wind
Introductory Course	Around £35 for 2 minutes in the tunnel Around £50 for 4 minutes in the tunnel Around £100 for 10 minutes in the tunnel A real skydive lasts about 1 minute
Opportunity to progress	The skills you learn will help if you choose to take a RAPS or AFF course.
Advantages	Cheaper than a real skydive More freefall time
Disadvantages	No parachute ride You still need to complete a first jump course if you wish to become a skydiver

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