Introduction to Learn Skydiving
Ever wondered what it’s like to jump out of an airplane and experience true freefall? At Skydive California, we turn that dream into reality with our Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) training program, designed to help you learn skydiving safely and confidently.
Located just over an hour from San Francisco and Sacramento, Skydive California offers Northern California’s highest student jump altitude—13,000 feet—giving you the most freefall time possible.
If you’re ready to learn skydiving, here’s everything you need to know about our USPA-based AFF program and how to start your skydiving journey.
Why Learn Skydiving at Skydive California?
Certified USPA Instructors
Our AFF program follows the United States Parachute Association (USPA) Integrated Student Program, ensuring top-tier training and one-on-one coaching from experienced instructors. Learn more about USPA training standards at USPA.org.
Jump from 13,000 Feet
Unlike some dropzones that start students at 10,000 feet or lower, we take you to 13,000 feet, giving you more time to experience freefall and practice essential skills.
Top-Tier Equipment & Facilities
We provide state-of-the-art parachuting gear, regularly inspected and maintained to ensure maximum safety. Our private airstrip, 8,000-square-foot hangar and on-site training facilities create an ideal learning environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Learning Skydiving with AFF
Step 1: Ground Training (Pre-Jump Education)
Before your first jump, you’ll complete a detailed training course, covering:
✅ Freefall body position & stability
✅ Altitude awareness & parachute deployment
✅ Emergency procedures & equipment usage
✅ Landing patterns & safe landing techniques
This session ensures you’re fully prepared before your first skydive.
Step 2: First Skydive – Category A (With Two Instructors)
Your first real jump is from 13,000 feet, with two instructors holding onto you as you freefall. You’ll receive:
✔ Real-time hand signals for stability corrections
✔ A safe deployment at 5,500 feet
✔ Radio-assisted parachute guidance for landing
This is where the magic begins—you’ll feel the thrill of true freefall!
Step 3: Advancing Through AFF Categories B – E-2
Once you successfully complete Category A, you’ll continue building essential freefall skills while gradually gaining more independence.
Next, in Category B, you’ll still have two instructors holding onto you, but this time, you’ll begin practicing basic 90-degree turns and forward movement. This helps you develop better control and awareness in freefall.
Then, in Category C-1, you’ll experience your first instructor release, meaning they will let go to see if you can remain stable on your own. This is a major milestone in your progression and prepares you for fully solo jumps.
After that, in Categories D-1 and D-2, you’ll refine your ability to control movement by learning 180-degree and 360-degree turns. These maneuvers are essential for positioning yourself correctly in freefall and for group skydives in the future.
Finally, in Categories E-1 and E-2, you’ll take on even more advanced maneuvers, including front and back flips, barrel rolls, and tracking (moving forward quickly in freefall). These skills help prepare you for a variety of skydiving scenarios and further improve your air awareness.
By the time you finish Category E-2, you’ll have the confidence, stability, and skillset needed to skydive completely solo. As a result, you’ll officially complete the AFF program and be ready to take on the sky with full independence!
Step 4: First Fully Solo Skydive!
Your final AFF jump marks your first completely solo skydive, where you exit, freefall, and land independently.
What Comes Next?
After completing AFF, many students continue to skydive recreationally or work toward a USPA A-License to become a licensed skydiver. Whether you want to skydive for fun or pursue it as a sport, our program is the best way to start.
How to Sign Up for AFF at Skydive California
✔ AFF Ground School is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
✔ AFF Course Price: $1,670 (Includes 7 training jumps + ground school)
✔ Book your first jump today! Visit our Learn to Skydive page for details.
Conclusion
Skydive California offers the best way to learn skydiving in Northern California—with expert instructors, the highest jump altitude (13,000 feet), and structured AFF training. Whether you want to conquer your fears, start a new adventure, or become a certified skydiver, we’ve got you covered.
Are you ready to take the leap? Sign up for our AFF program today!
