Become a licensed skydiver.
Our Progressive Freefall (PFF) program takes you from first-time student to CSPA solo-certified skydiver — jumping solo, packing your own gear, and part of the SWOOP community. It starts with one day of ground school.
From student to solo skydiver.
Progressive Freefall (PFF) is the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association's accelerated method for learning to skydive. Unlike static-line programs, PFF puts you in freefall from your very first jump — accompanied by instructors who fly beside you and coach you through each skill. It's the fastest, most hands-on way to earn your solo skydiving license.
SWOOP has trained skydivers in Ontario since 1979. As a non-profit, member-run club near Toronto and Hamilton, our focus is on producing safe, confident, well-coached jumpers who become part of the community — not just processing customers through a course.
How PFF works.
Ground school
A full day of first-jump training covering canopy control, freefall body position, emergency procedures, and equipment. Everything you need before your first solo exit.
Instructor-assisted jumps
Your early freefall jumps are flown with instructors right beside you, coaching your stability, altitude awareness, and parachute deployment in real time.
Solo progression
As you demonstrate each skill, you progress to solo freefall — practicing turns, tracking, and canopy piloting on your own, with debriefs after every jump.
CSPA Solo Certificate
Complete the required jumps and skills, pass your written and packing requirements, and you'll earn your CSPA Solo Certificate — cleared to jump solo. Your A Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) is the next step from there.
A club that keeps its students.
Coached by lifers
Your instructors aren't seasonal hires — they're club members who've been jumping here for years and stick around to mentor you well past your license.
Closest to the GTA
Training near Toronto means you can jump on weekends without a road trip — the more consistently you jump, the faster you progress.
A real community
Non-profit and member-run since 1979. New students become fun-jumpers, coaches, and camera flyers. You're joining a club, not buying a course.
Progression beyond A
Once licensed, keep building — canopy coaching, formation, freefly, and camera. Everything you need to grow is right here at the dropzone.
What it costs to earn your license.
The Hybrid Student Program takes you from ground school to your CSPA Solo Certificate over 11 stages. Gear rental is included, and you'll get a complimentary SWOOP Jumper membership when you finish.
See the full stage-by-stage breakdown
- Ground School$100
- PFF Level 1$450
- PFF Level 2$450
- PFF Level 3$450
- PFF Level 4$375
- PFF Level 5$375
- PFF Level 6$375
- PFF Level 7$375
- PFF Level 8$225
- PFF Level 9$225
- PFF Level 10$200
- Total (Pay As You Go)$3,600
Gear rental is included for students. You'll receive a complimentary SWOOP Jumper membership at the end of the course. Any additional jumps beyond the program are charged separately.
Pay-upfront terms: students must jump within 30 days of ground school and stay current throughout the program, or ground school must be repeated. Upfront pricing is non-refundable.
Common questions.
Do I need experience to start PFF?
No. PFF is designed for complete beginners. Ground school teaches you everything you need before your first jump. Many students have never skydived before, though some start after a tandem.
How old do I have to be?
You must be 18 or older to train in the PFF program, with valid government photo ID.
How many jumps until I'm licensed?
The number of jumps varies by student, but the PFF progression is structured around a set of required skills. Once you demonstrate them and meet CSPA's jump and knowledge requirements, you earn your CSPA Solo Certificate.
Should I do a tandem first?
It's optional. Some students do a tandem skydive first to get a feel for freefall, while others jump straight into ground school. Either path works.
What does it cost?
The full Hybrid Student Program is $3,600 pay-as-you-go, or $3,388.87 paid upfront (tax included). Gear rental is included, and you get a complimentary SWOOP Jumper membership at the end. See the pricing table above for the full breakdown.
When can I train?
We operate seasonally, roughly late April through late October. Ground school and student jumps run on scheduled days — contact us to plan your start.
Start your skydiving journey.
Book ground school or reach out with questions — we'll help you plan your path to a license.