How Beginners Can Learn to Skydive at Skydive Sebastian

Updated

Skydive Sebastian offers a structured path from first-time jumper to solo skydiver through its Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. The entry point is the AFF course and first student jump, priced at $375 according to the center's website. The full program spans seven jumps, taking students from ground school through their first solo jump under the guidance of USPA-certified instructors, and it leads toward United States Parachute Association Group Member status.

Who the AFF Program Is For

The AFF track is aimed at people who have already experienced freefall—typically through a tandem jump—and want to progress to jumping on their own. The center describes it as the next step for those who "fell in love with freefall." If you have never jumped before, the tandem option (from $199 on weekdays, $219 standard) is the usual starting point, and the site frames AFF as the follow-on for those ready to advance.

What the Program Involves

Ground school first

The program begins with ground school, where instructors cover the fundamentals before any student exits an aircraft. This is classroom and practical preparation, not a jump.

Seven jumps to solo status

The AFF program consists of seven jumps. Students progress from their first student jump—the $375 entry step—through a sequence designed to build skills until they reach their first solo jump. Each jump is conducted with USPA-certified instructors, who the center notes are among the most experienced in the sport.

Instructor oversight throughout

Instruction is delivered by USPA-certified staff. The center also points students toward information about what it means to be a USPA Group Member, which is the affiliation the program works toward.

How to Get Started

  1. Confirm your starting point. If you have not jumped before, book a tandem first; AFF assumes some prior freefall exposure.
  2. Contact the dropzone to schedule ground school. The website provides booking and live manifest links, but course scheduling and prerequisites are best confirmed directly with the center.
  3. Complete ground school and your first student jump (the $375 step).
  4. Continue through the seven-jump sequence toward your first solo jump.

Practical Details to Know

  • Location: Skydive Sebastian is described as the only dropzone actually located on the Florida coastline, with jumps over the Sebastian Inlet from 13,500 ft.
  • Facilities: The 7-acre site includes a main hangar, packing hangar, showers, an RV park, and a camping area—useful if you plan multiple training days.
  • Costs beyond the first jump: The site lists $375 for the AFF course and first student jump but does not publish pricing for the remaining jumps in the program, so ask about total program cost when you inquire.

A Reasonable Expectation

The AFF route is a commitment of time and multiple jumps rather than a single outing. Budget for ground school plus seven jumps, and plan to spread training across visits—the on-site camping and RV facilities make multi-day attendance practical. Before booking, confirm with Skydive Sebastian the current requirements, scheduling, and full program pricing, since the website details the structure and entry price but not every cost along the way.