How do you get certified to skydive solo?

Question

I'd like to get certified to skydive solo. I would like to buy my own gear and just pay for jump tickets.

Answer 1

there are several different training methods.  contact your local dropzone and ask them about the training methods they use.  I went through Accelerated Free Fall myself.  Other methods are tandem progression, static line and IAD.  

After you complete the student training you'll be able to jump solo or with a skydiver with a Coach or Instructor rating.  Once you have completed 25 skydives and shown certain free fall and canopy skills you can earn your A license and then you will be able to jump with any other licensed skydiver.

do not but gear until you have completed student training.  When you get ready to buy gear talk to the jumpers at your dropzone and riggers to help make sure you get what you need for the type of jumps you want to make and you skill set.

There are a few websites you need to check out to get good info on skydiving.

http://www.uspa.org is the website of the United States Parachute Association, the governing body for sport parachuting in the United States.  There is a list of member dropzones on the website along with all sorts of great info on the sport.