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Although it looks simple, skydiving is quite a complex hobby. There are quite a few things to learn before you go on any jump and, given the height you climb and speed at which you fall, it can be quite nerve wracking. One of the things you need to think about as you prepare for your skydive is the kind of jump you want to perform.
There are many different types of jumps that people do when they skydive. The most common one for beginners is called a tandem jump. This is where you have an instructor attached to your back at all times. Beginners like this kind of jump because the main bulk of the work is done by the instructor. They help you jump and they release the parachute, leaving you to enjoy the view!
A jump that more experienced skydiver may want to try is the AFF, or Accelerated Free Fall. It is offered at many skydiving areas and involved you jumping on your own. Because of this, you will have to go through a short training course giving you information on how to land safely and how to open your parachute. However, you are not totally on your own. Two instructors will jump out of the plane with you and will help position your body correctly to minimize on wind resistance and the chances of hurting yourself. There is also another professional instructor on the ground who is in contact with you via radio and can direct you in new positions to help your landing.
Another type of jump is the static line jump. Similar to the AFF, the static line requires the same amount of basic training, although the parachute is opened automatically as you descend by a line tied to the aeroplane. These types of jump seem to be less popular nowadays, and usually only the AFF or tandem jumps are used.