Step by step · 11 guides

Skydiving: from first jump to pro

Every step of learning to skydive in the UK, in order. Start with a tandem, train on AFF or the Category System, then work through the licences, disciplines and ratings at your own pace.

Quick links

Prices

What it costs

Experience day
£189 to £349 per person (video extra)
Become qualified
£1,400 to £1,900 (AFF + A licence; British Skydiving membership extra)
Per coached jump
£40 to £80 a coached jump

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

Governing body

Competitions

Every step, in order

  1. Step 1: Your first tandem skydive and indoor skydive in the UK: what to expectYour first skydive, strapped to an instructor.Read the guide →
  2. Step 2: Accelerated Freefall (AFF): the fast track to flying soloAFF, the fast track: real freefall from jump one with two instructors.Read the guide →
  3. Step 3: The Category System: learn to skydive one jump at a timeThe Category System (static line): ground school, then solo jumps at your own pace.Read the guide →
  4. Step 4: Consolidation and your A licence: becoming a skydiverConsolidation jumps, the canopy exam and your first licence.Read the guide →
  5. Step 5: The B licence: more responsibility, more choice50 jumps, JM1 and CT1: jump master duties and your own kit.Read the guide →
  6. Step 6: The C licence: start coaching others200 jumps, CT2 and a second grade 1 sticker: cameras and coaching.Read the guide →
  7. Step 7: The D licence: the top of the ladder1,000 jumps: the top licence, needed to become an AFF instructor.Read the guide →
  8. Step 8: Skydiving disciplines and grades: find your thingFS, FF, CT, tracking, canopy formation and wingsuit, and what each needs.Read the guide →
  9. Step 9: Coaching and instructor ratings: teach the next generationFoundation and Advanced coach, plus the CSI, TI and AFFI instructor ratings.Read the guide →
  10. Step 10: Skydiving competitions: from your first meet to the world stageUKSL, Grand Prix, the Nationals and the world stage.Read the guide →
  11. Step 11: Skydiving kit, costs and safetyAge, weight, membership, prices and kit rules.Read the guide →

Ready to start? The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport, or use the enquiry form to have a coach found for you.