Learning to skydive solo doesn’t end once you complete the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. To progress from a student to a licensed skydiver, there’s an important step in between: coach jumps. These supervised jumps are designed to help you refine your skills, build confidence, and safely transition to independent flying.
At Skydive Elsinore, coach jumps are a core part of the journey toward earning your USPA A-license. Here’s what they are, why they matter, and what you can expect.
What Is a Coach Jump?
A coach jump is a skydive with a USPA-rated coach, where students practice specific freefall and canopy skills under guided supervision.
Coach jumps take place after you finish your AFF levels and before you’re cleared to jump entirely on your own. While AFF instructors focus on teaching the survival basics—like stable body position, altitude awareness, and emergency procedures—coaches shift the focus to performance and progression. Their goal is to prepare you for the independence that comes with earning your first license.
Why Are Coach Jumps Important?
Skill Building
Coach jumps allow you to work on advanced skills such as body flight, docking, controlled turns, altitude awareness, and safe break-off procedures. These are essential for flying confidently in groups and managing more complex skydives.
Safety
Even after AFF, new jumpers benefit from guided supervision. Practicing in a structured environment helps you reinforce skills before moving on to fully solo jumps.
Confidence
Coach jumps create a step-by-step path forward. Instead of rushing into solo skydives, you’ll progress at a pace that builds confidence and ensures readiness.
License Requirement
Coach jumps aren’t optional—they’re a mandatory part of earning your USPA A-license. Each jump checks off specific objectives on your proficiency card, ensuring you meet national safety and skill standards.
How Many Coach Jumps Do You Need?
At Skydive Elsinore, students typically complete four coach jumps as part of their A-license progression. However, the exact number may vary depending on your performance and progress.
After each jump, your coach provides a detailed debrief—often with video review—so you know exactly where you excelled and what to improve on. This feedback loop ensures steady, measurable growth.
What to Expect During a Coach Jump
- Pre-Jump Briefing: Your coach reviews the day’s objectives, demonstrates body positions, and reinforces safety reminders.
- The Skydive: You’ll exit the aircraft and practice the planned maneuvers alongside your coach. This might include turns, docks, or maintaining heading while tracking.
- Post-Jump Debrief: Back on the ground, your coach breaks down your performance, reviews video footage if available, and offers tips to sharpen your skills.
The Role of Skydive Elsinore Coaches
Our USPA-certified coaches combine technical expertise with a supportive, community-driven approach. At Skydive Elsinore, you’re not just treated as a student—you’re welcomed as part of a skydiving family.
We provide clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you can focus on your growth as a jumper. With decades of collective experience, our coaching team is committed to helping you become a safe, skilled, and confident skydiver.
Coach jumps are more than just a training requirement—they’re the bridge between student status and licensed skydiver. By practicing under the guidance of experienced coaches, you’ll develop the skills, confidence, and safety habits needed to enjoy skydiving for years to come.
Ready to take the next step toward your A-license? Join us at Skydive Elsinore, where our coaches are ready to help you grow into a confident, skilled skydiver.
