## How to Get a Skydiving License in South Africa
Skydiving is an exhilarating and life-changing experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re interested in learning to skydive in South Africa, there are a few things you need to know.
### Step 1: Find a reputable skydiving school
The first step to getting a skydiving license is to find a reputable school. There are a number of skydiving schools in South Africa, so it’s important to do your research and choose a school that is safe, experienced, and professional.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing a skydiving school:
Safety record: Make sure the school has a good safety record. This means that they have a low number of accidents and injuries.
Experience: Choose a school that has been in business for a long time and has a team of experienced instructors.
Professionalism: The school should be professional and organized. They should have a clear pricing structure and be able to answer all of your questions.
### Step 2: Take the AFF course
The AFF (Accelerated Freefall) course is the most common way to learn to skydive. The course is divided into eight levels, and each level consists of a ground lesson and a skydive.
During the ground lessons, you will learn about skydiving equipment, safety procedures, and emergency procedures. You will also practice packing your parachute and performing a variety of skydiving maneuvers.
On your skydives, you will be accompanied by two instructors. The instructors will help you exit the plane, track your fall, and guide you through the landing procedure.
### Step 3: Pass the skydiving test
Once you have completed the AFF course, you will need to pass a skydiving test. The test consists of a written exam and a practical exam.
The written exam covers the material that you learned in the ground lessons. The practical exam requires you to perform a series of skydiving maneuvers, such as a freefall, a turn, and a landing.
If you pass the skydiving test, you will be awarded a skydiving license. This license will allow you to skydive solo and with friends.
### Step 4: Get some experience
Once you have your license, it’s important to get some experience skydiving. This will help you improve your skills and become more confident in the air.
You can gain experience by skydiving with friends, taking part in organized skydiving events, or joining a skydiving club.
### Step 5: Stay current
Skydiving is a constantly evolving sport, so it’s important to stay current on the latest safety procedures and techniques. You can do this by attending skydiving seminars, reading skydiving magazines, and talking to other skydivers.
### Benefits of getting a skydiving license
There are many benefits to getting a skydiving license, including:
Exhilaration: Skydiving is an incredibly exhilarating experience. It’s a great way to get your adrenaline fix and feel alive.
Personal growth: Skydiving can help you to overcome your fears, build confidence, and develop a sense of accomplishment.
Social: Skydiving is a great way to meet new people and make friends. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who share your passion for adventure.
Travel: Skydiving can take you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. You can skydive over beaches, mountains, and even glaciers.
### Costs of getting a skydiving license
The cost of getting a skydiving license varies depending on the school you choose and the number of jumps you need to complete. However, you can expect to pay around R5,000 to R10,000 for the AFF course and skydiving test.
In addition, you will need to purchase skydiving equipment, such as a parachute, jumpsuit, and helmet. This equipment can cost anywhere from R5,000 to R20,000.
### Conclusion
Getting a skydiving license is an incredible experience that can change your life in many ways. If you’re interested in learning to skydive, I encourage you to take the first step and contact a reputable skydiving school.