A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Skydiving License in California

How to get your skydive certification is likely a lot easier than you may think, and California is 100% the best place to do it! Many people that inquire about how to become a skydiver have a premonition that skydivers are some super sick breed of thrill-seeking humans, when in reality, we’re just like you! That’s right – most people are more than qualified to leap from planes and shred the bright blue skies, and we’re here to tell you how.

The Perris Skydiving Program – learn to skydive! from Skydive Perris on Vimeo.

Why you should learn to skydive in California

Here’s the top three reasons to get your skydiving license here in The Golden State – and especially here at Skydive Perris!

1. Consistent weather

California has great weather for jumping year-round. This is virtually unheard of for any other dropzone. Other locations are either too cold in the winter, too windy in the summer, or too rainy in general. Skydive Perris has a more than ideal location that is far enough away to avoid crazy ocean breezes and marine layers and is southern enough to have wonderfully sunny skies all year long. We’d also like to note that we’re conveniently located near many major areas, including Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. 

2. Good vibes!

If you think surfers have the best vibes in California, you obviously haven’t met our crew at Skydive Perris. The skydiving community is worldwide, and we pride ourselves on being one of the most welcoming, humble (skydivers are always learning), and diverse groups out there. Plus, the Hollywood of skydiving lives and breathes here at Perris! 

3. Experienced instructors 

We’ve saved the best for last. Our instructors are world-class. Here at Skydive Perris, we boast one of the most sought-after facilities in the skydiving realm, and with it, we naturally demand the best of the best. From embarking on a tandem jump, learning the dynamics of human flight in our on-site wind tunnel, or taking the first step of how to get skydive certified and completing our top-notch Perris Skydiving Program (PSP), we’ve got you covered. 

How Do You Get a Skydiving License in California

Step 1: Double-check that you meet the requirements to skydive solo 

• Age. This is the big kicker that sends many youngsters to the wind tunnel (where you can be as young as 3 years old!) before turning the magic age of 18. That’s right, to legally skydive anywhere in California, you must be at least 18 years of age. The United States deems 18 as the age when one is mature and responsible enough to take accountability for their actions and, in the case of skydiving, sign a waiver. 

• Health. If you’re weary about your health, check with a doc before the big jump day. Skydiving requires someone to be in generally good health, have some flexibility to comfortably board and exit the aircraft, and have some core strength to pick those feet and knees up when they come in for landing. No six-packs required. 

• Weight. The maximum weight to skydive is 240lbs, no exceptions. Skydiving is an extremely inclusive sport, and restrictions like this are only in place for your safety and the safety of others. It is a Federal Aviation Administration regulation as well as a strong recommendation from the manufacturers of the gear that we use. We always have your safety at the forefront of our minds. 

• English. We welcome those that use English as a second or even third or fourth language, but we require that you must be able to effectively communicate and understand the English language for safety reasons. 

Step 2: SEND IT, solo or tandem

Another special perk of starting your jump journey at Skydive Perris is that we don’t require your first jump to be a tandem. That’s right; your very first skydive can be solo. This is unlike the majority of dropzones that require one or even two tandem jumps before you can enroll in the ground school for solo skydiving.

After completing the skills required of the PSP, a minimum of 25 skydives as required by the United States Parachute Association, an exam, and properly packing a parachute, you’ll get your A-license! The A-license is the first of four skydiving licenses and represents a passion and commitment to advance in the sport. How much does it cost to get a skydiving license in California? We’ve got it all broken down right here. 

Step 3: Join our SoCal skydiving family 

The skydiving community is a special one where strangers quickly turn into lifelong friends. The benefits of learning to skydive solo are unmatched. Whichever skydiving discipline you choose to delve deep into, whether it be belly flying, free-flying, wingsuiting, or canopy work (CRW), the possibilities are endless, and the learning will never stop with our internationally-recognized coaches. 

If you’re debating where to get your skydiving license, California needs to be at the top of your list. We promise that the investment to experience the freedom of solo human flight here is more than worth it! Please reach out with any questions or concerns and come skydive with us at Skydive Perris! Blue skies!

Related Article: Complete Guide to Skydiving Solo