september Aff camp
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8 new students!
The purpose of our AFF Camp style is maximum progression with the aim of completing your solo skydiving course in a short duration and our recent September Camp was exactly that!
We kicked off the Ground School on Wednesday with 8 new students looking to start their skydiving journey.
Once all students had learned the theory side of skydiving, emergency procedures, how to control a parachute and the fundamentals needed to get into the sky, it was time to skydive!
Over 4 days, Thursday – Sunday we had 4 students complete their AFF solo skydiving course and we caught up with them to share their experience on the AFF camp.
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Why did you want to start your solo skydiving journey?
Blake:
I did a tandem skydive 4 years ago for my brothers 18th birthday and loved it! Doing my AFF has been on my bucket list ever since and finally got to tick it off!
Dane:
I’ve always wanted to have my solo skydive license since I did my first tandem jump.
Max:
This is something I’ve been wanting to do since I did my first tandem dive over a decade ago. And have some close friends that have completed the course and love the sport!
Lena:
I’ve held a long-standing fascination with skydiving, in part due to my stepfather’s glider ownership, which entailed parachute training for emergency situations. The idea to take the plunge solidified during a date with someone who had completed 13 jumps with SA Skydiving.
Our 8 new solo skydiving students learning all the theory side of skydiving on their Ground School.
What made you chose the AFF camp vs only AFF Ground School?
Blake:
I had a chance at work to take some leave and preferred to get it done in a few days rather than over a few months or longer! It also meant I would be able to start jumping by myself quicker also!
Dane:
I was committed to getting my solo skydive license, and I knew that I would enjoy the process no matter what. SA Skydiving had a great package on offer for the AFF camp which only solidified my decision.
Max:
Oh the camp advanced my development beyond anything I could have imagined, by completing my stages back to back over a short period helped with settling nerves and focusing on new skills without losing knowledge or confidence in skills learnt in previous stages… I strongly believe I wouldn’t feel as comfortable in the air and love for this sport with out attending camp.
Lena:
I wasn’t entirely sure of the differences, but after some further information and following my instincts, this led me to choosing the AFF Camp.
Lena & Instructor Zack after completing Lena’s TAFF stage 1.
What was your favourite AFF Solo Stage?
Blake:
Definitely stage 6 and 7! I really enjoyed the tracking side of things!
Dane:
Doing a solo exit on stage 6 was the most memorable, but every jump after that became my new favourite.
Max:
Oh stage 7 was definitely my favourite stage! The diving exit and the first time tracking were a highlight and best adrenaline rush for the course.
Lena:
Stages 7 and 8 were my favorites. The sensation of tracking during free fall felt like genuine flight, making it incredibly exhilarating.
What did you think of the instructional techniques & progression of your stages?
Blake:
It was absolutely awesome! The team at SA skydiving are super experienced, professional and have a great way of teaching that’s both practical and theory so it’s a nice mix which definitely made me learn it all a lot quicker! Also having video footage post jumps to break down and see where I did well and the areas I could work on helped a lot! I had an awesome week of weather that helped me get through all my stages in 4 days and even get in another hop and pop after my AFF stage 9!
Dane:
The instructors have a very high level of knowledge and experience as well as a lot of passion. They are very approachable and are able to cater their teaching styles to each student. The progression of the training and techniques is very achievable and will get you very comfortable with yourself in the free fall and under canopy. The instructors providing a video debrief of your jump immediately after you’ve landed is very beneficial and allows you to visualise what you need to improve on for the next jump, and what you’re doing well.
Max:
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome through your progression and then your most rewarding moment.I think overcoming the mental battle of the extreme sport to become relaxed and see the beauty in free fall
Lena:
The instructors were consistently compassionate and approachable throughout my training journey. Teags and Zack, in particular, helped me conquer my initial fears and self-doubt, creating a supportive environment.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome through your progression and then your most rewarding moment.
Blake:
My biggest challenge was controlling my 360 degree turns in the sky! I was making massive adjustments instead of minor adjustments so I would do multiple 360 degree turns and not have the best control! The moment that it all clicked and my body become comfortable with the small adjustments was definitely the most rewarding, I couldn’t get the smile off my face on my freefall!
Dane:
The biggest challenge I faced was maintaining stability throughout the entire free fall. The most rewarding part is when I jump now, I don’t even have to think about it.
Max:
I think overcoming the mental battle of the extreme sport to become relaxed and see the beauty in free fall
Lena:
The most significant challenge was the solo exit at stage 9, where I initially doubted my readiness. However, with the team’s encouragement, I discovered I was prepared and capable.
Our Instructors & students enjoying a refreshment after completing 3 solo skydiving stages. Well earned!
Scale 1-10 how did you find the knowledge and skills of your instructors?
Blake:
Definitely a 15 out of 10!!! They’re awesome!!
Dane:
10/10. A lot of experience and a very high level of knowledge, and they are more than willing to pass it onto students to help them progress.
Max:
A 9 in my books! The time and detail in making sure I understood the corrections I needed to make while also explaining the movement but more importantly the feeling in each movement so I was so relaxed during free fall
Lena:
I would rate my instructors a solid 10. They were always willing to answer questions, and I never encountered a situation where they didn’t have the answers.
Dane , Max , Blake with Instructor Matt Teager after completing their AFF Solo Skydiving Course
What do you look forward to next, now you’re a solo skydiver?
Blake:
I look forward to starting and progressing through my BRELS as I have recently achieved my 10 accuracy jumps for my certificate A!
Dane:
Completing my B-Rels, and the next jump!
Max:
The different locations and amazing views as I take my skydiving all over the globe! And develop my skills for the rest of my life
Lena:
Now that I’m a solo skydiver, I’m eagerly anticipating completing my B license and undertaking more hop-and-pop jumps to boost my confidence.
Blake & Dane finishing thier AFF Solo Skydiving Course
Lena celebrating finishing her AFF Solo Skydiving Course