How do I start skydiving?
Your first step towards learning to skydive explained
Last updated: 3 December 2025
Core of the story:
Skydiving does not start with “just jumping,” but with proper training. If you want to learn to skydive, this blog explains how you can safely and independently get started as a beginner and why an AFF course is the perfect first step for your adventure, whether you are searching for skydiving in the Netherlands or considering going abroad.
- You learn to skydive through a step-by-step course with professional coaching.
- The AFF course is the best way to start safely, on dream locations like France or Morocco.
- You earn a worldwide recognised licence and build a strong foundation for further training.
Dreaming about skydiving: what next?
Maybe you have wanted to learn to skydive for years. Or you just watched someone jump and thought: I want that too. But where do you actually start if you want to make the jump yourself?
Skydiving in the Netherlands or abroad?
Most people type something like skydiving Netherlands first. Makes sense, you usually start looking close to home. In the Netherlands you can get a taste of skydiving, for example with a tandem jump or a one-off experience on a dropzone.
If you truly want to learn to skydive and make a lot of jumps in a short time, you will quickly run into the weather, limited opening days and busy weekends in the Netherlands. Your training takes longer and the rhythm keeps breaking.
With a skydive holiday abroad, you approach it differently. In France or Morocco you jump several times a day, in more stable weather and with your whole group in the same mindset. You do your preparation at home, but the real learning happens on location, where everything revolves around your jumps.
The best way to start: an AFF course
If you want to really learn to skydive independently, you start with an Accelerated Freefall course (AFF). This is the standard beginner training all over the world.
During the AFF course you learn all essential skills step by step, from your body position in freefall to opening and flying your parachute.
You can do the course on dream locations like France or Morocco, where learning to skydive feels like a holiday full of focus, sun and freedom.
Go straight for a complete parachute course
If you are reading this and already know: I do not just want to jump once, I really want to learn, then a parachute course is the logical next step. Instead of separate weekend jumps, you choose a week where everything is about learning, jumping and growing.
On our page about the parachute course you can read exactly what such a week looks like, what you will learn and which options you have in France and Morocco. Ideal if you want to take your skydiving training seriously.
What to expect from your first jumps
You always start under the guidance of experienced instructors. On your first jumps they go with you and give you signals and coaching in freefall.
After a couple of coached jumps you make your first solo jump, a moment you will never forget.
Why learning to skydive with proper training matters
Skydiving is safe if you are well prepared.
During an AFF course you learn everything about gear checks, emergency procedures and safe behaviour in the air.
That way you build confidence step by step. In yourself, in your equipment and in the process.
Want to know more about training, licences and how everything is organised in the Netherlands?
Have a look at the website of the KNVvL parachuting section for extra information about regulations and licence structure.
What do you need to get started?
- Minimum age: usually 18 years (at Airboss 18 to 55).
- Normal physical condition.
- Motivation to learn and grow, and a bit of curiosity.
Ready for your first step into the sky?
Take the step today and discover what learning to skydive can do for you. Your adventure starts here.
More inspiration for your skydiving journey
- ➔ Your first skydive: from nerves to freedom.
- ➔ Overcoming doubts about skydiving: and why those doubts are normal.
- ➔ Skydiving and stress: dealing with tension before your jump.
Discover everything about learning to skydive and training options on our Airboss homepage.
“I had doubts for years. But my first jump gave me so much freedom and confidence that I immediately knew: this was the best thing I ever did for myself.”