Tandem Progressive only available...

[SPAWNmaster 0]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forums and also to skydiving! I just jumped this weekend for the first time doing a fun tandem jump from 10,000 and was really craving more out of the experience so I'm going to start trying lessons and seeing how I like it before getting gear and more involved and whatnot.

Unfortunately the place I went this time was too far to be going regularly for jumps/training and there is a place very close to me but they only offer tandem progression training and no AFF. I think considering the money, and distance issue and also just wanting to sample the sport and take it easy at first that Tandem Progression sounds like the best way to get into it.

Do you think this sounds reasonable? Complete newb, wanting some input.

I appreciate your time!

-Andrew

[frazeebd 0]

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...there is a place very close to me but they only offer tandem progression training and no AFF.

Why would a drop zone offer no AFF training? Is this normal for drop zones?

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I think considering the money, and distance issue and also just wanting to sample the sport and take it easy at first that Tandem Progression sounds like the best way to get into it.

As someone who just completed AFF, I have to say that I highly recommend it... I have no idea what tandem progression entails though, I have never even heard of it. I guess my question would be how much experience do you get as a canopy pilot if you are flying tandem rigs? Or is this worked into the system somehow?

[Andy9o8 2]

Because you're new, you're not yet familiar with the different types of training methods, or the terminology. Tandem progression simply means that your first 2 or 3 jumps are tandems, where some training in freefall body position, some basic in-freefall tasks, and basic canopy piloting takes place. You then "progress" on to AFF-style jumps. Call your DZ and ask them to explain their student training methods. Also, this site has a DZ locator:

http://www.dropzone.com/dropzone/

- use it to find what DZ's may be near you, and then do your legwork to learn some basic information.

[matthewcline 0]

Tandem Progression is a method that is blended into other types of Training, a hybred type of training if you will.

Some places do 3 Tandems and then move on to the AFF Cat "C" or "D" jump.

Others do the Tandems and move into IAD or Static Line Jumps.

Find out which method the DZ uses, spend a little time there and talk to the Instructors, just to get a feel for it all.

Ihave only done a few Tandem Progression Jumps but have had pretty good success with it.

But most of all welcome and have fun!

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[skymama 35]

I started with the tandem progression, I highly recommend it. To me, it's a nice way to ease into skydiving on your own as opposed to jumping in with both feet. The end result is the same and you go through the same amount of jumps.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[SPAWNmaster 0]

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I started with the tandem progression, I highly recommend it. To me, it's a nice way to ease into skydiving on your own as opposed to jumping in with both feet. The end result is the same and you go through the same amount of jumps.

Thats the feeling i was getting! Well i certainly appreciate everyones advice and will be sure to call them as i have some questions. I went to their website and it looks like their tandem progression puts you at a level 4 aff jump (whatever that means!) after 5 tandem jumps.

Thanks the advice/input guys... I'm sure there are always annoying newbs with these sort of questions.

Cheers
-andrew

[AggieDave 6]

You'll learn very well with the tandem progression. It blends the best of a few different training methods and helps you learn a lot before its "go time." The best thing you learn is canopy control, not just how to fly and flare but how to setup landing patterns, how to find the DZ, how to identify a good canopy, etc.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[danielcroft 2]

I've just recently completed level 8 in the tandem progression (as you call it, my DZ calls it IAF - Instructor Assisted Freefall). I think it worked very well because I was introduced slowly to the sport and wasn't overloaded (too much).

BTW level 9 in IAF is your first solo jump. You also do the 4-6 hour course that AFF does and you only have one instructor when you go up as opposed to two with AFF.

[marks2065 0]

i like the tandem progression because of the 1 on 1 while under canopy - by the end of the tandems you'll have a better understanding about canopy control and landing