## How Often Do You Have to Skydive to Stay Current?
Skydiving is an exhilarating and challenging activity that requires a high level of skill and proficiency. To ensure that you remain a safe and competent skydiver, it is important to maintain your currency by completing regular jumps. But how often do you need to skydive to stay current?
### What is Skydiving Currency?
Skydiving currency refers to the level of experience and proficiency that a skydiver has at a given time. It is typically measured by the number of jumps completed within a certain period of time. Currency requirements vary depending on the type of skydiving activity, the organization or association you are affiliated with, and your individual skill level.
### Why is Staying Current Important?
Maintaining skydiving currency is essential for several reasons:
– Safety: Currency requirements are designed to ensure that skydivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely in the sky. Regular jumps help to maintain proficiency in emergency procedures, canopy control, and other critical aspects of skydiving.
– Insurance: Many skydiving insurance policies require policyholders to maintain a certain level of currency to be eligible for coverage.
– Progression: Staying current allows you to progress in your skydiving training and participate in advanced activities such as formation skydiving, wingsuiting, and base jumping.
### Recommended Frequency of Jumps
The recommended frequency of jumps to stay current varies depending on your experience level and skydiving goals. However, general guidelines include:
– Beginners: 5-10 jumps per month in the first year of skydiving.
– Intermediate Skydivers: 2-5 jumps per month to maintain basic skills and progress in training.
– Advanced Skydivers: 1-2 jumps per month or participation in regular training camps and events.
### Special Considerations
In addition to the recommended frequency of jumps, there are certain situations where additional jumps may be required to stay current:
– After a Break: If you have taken a break from skydiving for more than 6 months, you may need to complete a currency jump or refresher course before jumping again.
– Rating Changes: If you are changing to a different skydiving rating, such as from a student to a licensed skydiver or from a basic to an experienced skydiver, you may need to complete additional jumps to demonstrate your proficiency.
– Medical Conditions: If you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to skydive, you may need to consult with a medical professional and obtain clearance before jumping.
### How to Track Your Currency
There are several ways to track your skydiving currency:
– Logbook: Keep a record of all your skydives, including the date, location, jump type, and any special conditions.
– USPA Membership: Join the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and maintain a current USPA membership. USPA members have access to a digital logbook and other resources to track their currency.
– Instructor or Coach: Consult with a qualified skydiving instructor or coach who can assess your skills and provide guidance on maintaining currency.
### Conclusion
Staying current in skydiving is essential for safety, insurance, and progression. The recommended frequency of jumps varies depending on your experience level and goals. By adhering to currency requirements and tracking your jumps, you can ensure that you remain a safe and proficient skydiver.