Information centre
Learn extreme sports the right way — properly taught, safely progressed, right here in the UK.
Straight-talking guides to getting started, staying safe and choosing the right instruction across all 15 of our sports. No hype, no shortcuts — just what you need to know before your first session.
Featured guideThinking about a tandem skydive? What happens on the day in the UK, from age, weight and medical rules to the briefing, freefall, canopy ride and landing.
4 min read
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15 guides
Never snowboarded? Where to learn in the UK, what happens in your first lesson, what kit to rent or buy, how to stay safe and how to keep progressing.
4 min read
There is no BASE jump a beginner can book. British Skydiving does not associate fixed object jumping with skydiving.
1 min read
How a beginner starts hang gliding in the UK, at a registered school, with a short tethered flight.
2 min read
How to start kayaking in the UK: a coached first session on sheltered water, what kit to hire, and the safety gear that a beginner should wear.
2 min read
How a beginner starts kiteboarding in the UK, with a lesson at a recognised school.
2 min read
How a beginner starts motocross in the UK, with coaching or a practice track before a race.
2 min read
How to start mountain biking in the UK: a first trail-centre session, what to hire, Forestry England grades, and how to check a coach is qualified.
2 min read
How to start mountaineering in the UK with a summer hill walk, and the kit a first day needs.
3 min read
How a beginner starts skateboarding in the UK, by standing on the board and then rolling on flat ground.
2 min read
How a beginner starts surfing in the UK, with a lesson, practice on the sand, and white water.
2 min read
How a beginner starts wakeboarding in the UK, on a basic ride behind a boat or a cable.
1 min read
Wingsuit flying in the UK starts after many skydives, not with a flight you can book.
1 min read
How to learn to paraglide in the UK: choosing a BHPA registered school, what training involves, the Elementary Pilot and Club Pilot stages, and what's next.
5 min read
Learning to scuba dive in the UK: try dives, PADI, BSAC and SSI entry-level courses, what training involves, medical checks and how to choose a course.
5 min read
