The skydiving route to BASE jumping in the UK
Why the road towards BASE starts with skydiving in the UK, what British Skydiving says about fixed-object jumping, and which skydiving steps come first.
In this guide
- What it is: The long skydiving route that comes before any thought of BASE.
- What you need first: Nothing to start the skydiving route: a first course at a British Skydiving club is the beginning.
- How long it takes: Years, not weeks. Each skydiving licence has its own requirements.
- Cost: There's no UK BASE course. First-jump courses abroad are usually £1,250 to £2,500 for 4 to 5 days, and BASE coaching is usually £200 to £400 a day.
- What's next: Skydiving track: A licence, then B, C and D. Discipline track: disciplines and grades. Safety track: the law and safety.
What British Skydiving says
British Skydiving is the governing body for skydiving in the UK. Its Operations Manual (Section 1, para 5) says activities such as fixed-object jumping do not come under the Operations Manual, and British Skydiving does not associate them with the sport of skydiving.
So there is no British Skydiving BASE qualification. We found no UK governing body, coaching award or beginner course for BASE.
Why skydiving still comes first
British Skydiving sets no BASE entry requirement, and we haven't found an official source that does. What skydiving gives you is a governed, instructed route into parachuting.
The UK route to that is:
- Start: an AFF course or the Category System.
- Licences: A, B, C, D.
- Skills: disciplines and grades, including canopy training.
- Kit and costs: skydiving kit, costs and safety.
Before you go abroad
There's no UK body checking BASE courses overseas. Ask the provider in writing what experience they need, what their rules are, and who insures you. Never try a jump on your own.
Prices
The figures above are typical ranges from our UK price file. We haven't found official, dated fees for BASE courses.
Source: British Skydiving Operations Manual, September 2026, Section 1 para 5; When to call 999, NHS; checked October 2026.
There is no UK governing body for BASE jumping. British Skydiving governs skydiving, which is the experience you need first, so it's the official place to start.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
