I absolutely think so. New A-licensed jumpers that have gone through the full ISP coaching program are soooooo much better than students that took a 7-level AFF program and then went off on their own. They learn things now on coach jumps that I learned sporadically though my first 100 or 200 jumps. No, they don't become experts in 18 jumps or so. But they have a much better foundation now, which makes it easier for them to find people that will jump with them later on. They also know a lot more of the experienced jumpers (their coaches), which helps them get introduced to people they can jump with when they get licensed.
AFF teaches survival skills. Coaching teaches RW skills. It works. Dave
I agree with your points; but FWIW, finances as a factor can't be ignored. Especially with the high per-jump cost of AFF, a lot of young, cash-poor novices, given the options of going solo or paying for coach jumps, will let their wallet make the decision. For some, it may make the difference between affording a jump at all, or not.
AFF, coach jumps, tunnel time, etc. are all great ways to learn quickly. They're also very costly.
(This post was edited by Andy9o8 on Oct 6, 2008, 9:59 AM)
