How do I start skydiving?
Your first step to learning skydiving explained
Last updated: 12 March 2026
The bottom line:
Skydiving does not start with “just jumping”. It starts with proper training. If you want to learn skydiving, this blog shows you how to begin safely and independently, and why an AFF course is the best start for your adventure, whether you are searching for skydiven Nederland or looking abroad.
- You learn skydiving through a step by step training program with professional coaching.
- The AFF course is the best way to start safely, in dream locations like France or Morocco.
- You earn a globally recognized license and build a strong foundation for further training.
Dreaming of skydiving, what now?
Maybe you have wanted to learn skydiving for years. Or you just saw someone jump and thought: I want that. But where do you actually start when you want to take the step yourself?
Skydiving in the Netherlands or abroad?
Most people begin by typing something like skydiven Nederland. Makes sense, you prefer to start close to home. In the Netherlands you can get a first taste of skydiving, for example with a tandem jump or a one time experience at a dropzone.
If you want to truly learn skydiving and make a lot of jumps in a short time, you will quickly run into Dutch weather, limited opening days, and busy weekends. That stretches your training out and your rhythm keeps getting interrupted.
With a skydiving vacation abroad, you approach it differently. In France or Morocco, you jump multiple times a day, in more stable conditions, with your whole group in the same focus. You can do your preparation back home, but the real learning happens in a place where everything revolves around your jumps.
The best way to start: an AFF course
If you want to learn skydiving independently, you start with an Accelerated Freefall course (AFF). This is the worldwide standard training program for beginners.
Curious where that system came from, and why AFF is built so logically? Then read how the AFF training program was created.
During the AFF course you learn all essential skills step by step, from body position in freefall to deploying and flying your parachute.
You can follow the training in dream locations such as France or Morocco, where learning skydiving feels like a focused vacation filled with sun and freedom.
Start right away with a complete parachuting course
Reading this and already thinking: I do not want to do it just once, I want to really learn? Then a parachuting course is the logical next step. Instead of occasional weekend jumps, you choose a week where everything is about learning, jumping, and progressing.
On our page about the parachuting course you can see exactly what such a week looks like, what you will learn, and which options you have in France and Morocco. Perfect if you want to take your skydiving training seriously.
What to expect on your first jumps
You always start under the guidance of experienced instructors. On your first jumps, they jump with you and give you signals during freefall.
After a few coached jumps, you make your first solo jump, a moment you will never forget.
Why proper training matters
Skydiving is safe when you are properly prepared.
During an AFF course you learn everything about gear checks, emergency procedures, and safe behavior in the air.
Want to go a bit deeper? Then read Is skydiving dangerous? and skydiving gear safety.
That is how you build confidence step by step. In yourself, in your equipment, and in the process.
Want to learn more about training programs, licenses, and how it is organized in the Netherlands?
Visit the KNVvL skydiving section for extra information about regulations and license structure.
What do you need to start?
- Minimum age: usually 18 (with Airboss: 18 to 55 years).
- A normal level of physical fitness.
- Motivation to learn, to grow, and a bit of curiosity.
Ready for your first step into the sky?
Take the step today and discover what learning skydiving can do for you. Your adventure starts here.
More inspiration for your skydiving journey
- ➔ Misconceptions about skydiving: what people assume, and how it really is.
- ➔ Skydiving costs: what you pay for, and what you get back.
- ➔ The evolution of skydiving gear: why jumping became more consistent.
Discover everything about learning skydiving and training on our Airboss homepage.
“I doubted for years. But my first jump gave me so much freedom and confidence that I instantly knew: this was the best thing I have ever done for myself.”