USPA Coach Rating Course: Shape the Next Generation of Skydivers
Introduction
“I learned a lot from this course.” This is often the sentiment of those who embark on the journey to become a USPA Coach. At Skydive Fundamentals, we believe that passion for skydiving extends to sharing knowledge and inspiring others. Our USPA Coach Rating Course is your essential first step to becoming a certified instructor, empowering you to contribute to the future of our sport.
We are committed to delivering high-quality instruction to help you achieve your rating. Our focus is on providing a positive learning experience, ensuring you master the art of teaching and effective mentorship.
Why Become a USPA Coach with Skydive Fundamentals?
The USPA Coach rating is a pivotal milestone, opening doors to instructional opportunities. It's designed as a mentorship rating, where you learn to work alongside seasoned instructors, assisting with student training and guiding newer skydivers. This course will significantly enhance your skydiving progression, both as an instructor and as a more skilled jumper.
As the foundational course for all other USPA instructor ratings, our program covers the psychology and methodology of teaching, effective lesson design, and thorough debriefing skills – all crucial for turning experienced skydivers into impactful mentors.
Course Details & What You'll Learn
Our intensive 3-day course is meticulously designed to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the USPA Coach rating. We utilize a blended learning approach, combining essential pre-course video study with focused in-person instruction and practical evaluations to maximize your learning efficiency.
Before the Course (Pre-Course Video Study): To ensure we make the most of our valuable in-person time, you will be required to watch a series of instructional videos covering foundational, yet necessary, topics. This allows us to get the essential theory out of the way, so we can dive straight into practical application during class.
Required Video Topics Include:
USPA Structure & Administration: Understanding the organizational framework.
USPA Coach Rating Privileges & Maintenance: What you can do with your rating and how to keep it current.
Rules & Liability: Key regulations and responsibilities for coaches.
General Lesson Plan Design: Core principles of structuring effective instruction.
During the Course (3-Day In-Person Intensive):
Day 1: Theory Review & Mastering Briefings
Morning: We'll review the pre-course video material, solidify your understanding of USPA structure, Coach privileges, rules, liability, and lesson planning. This ensures everyone is on the same page and ready for practical application.
Afternoon: We quickly transition to hands-on practice. You'll begin practicing how to brief first jump course topics (e.g., equipment checks, aircraft procedures, exit fundamentals).
Late Afternoon/Evening: We start discussing and practicing how to brief group freefall topics, including floating and diving exits, adjusting fall rate, moving forward to take a dock, and tracking. This prepares you for common coaching scenarios.
Day 2: Coach Responsibilities, Gear, Debriefing & First In-Air Evaluation
Morning: We'll dive into the specifics of what a Coach is expected to do on a jump, including a thorough review of gear checks from an instructional perspective. We'll also dedicate significant time to mastering debriefing lessons – a critical skill for effective coaching.
Afternoon: This is your first in-air evaluation jump, following a comprehensive ground briefing and rehearsal. You'll put your briefing and coaching skills into practice in the sky.
Day 3: Advanced Evaluations & Certification
This day is dedicated to your second (and third jump, if needed) in-air evaluations. You'll continue to demonstrate your ability to brief, coach, and debrief effectively in realistic scenarios. We focus on refining your techniques and ensuring you meet all performance standards for certification.
Prerequisites for Your Journey
To ensure a high-quality training experience and uphold safety standards, candidates must meet the following requirements before beginning the course:
Hold a current USPA B-License.
Have a minimum of 100 jumps.
Be a current USPA member.
Complete the USPA Coach Online Exam: This open-book exam is designed to confirm your familiarity with the relevant material from the USPA Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM) and Instructor Rating Manual (IRM). Completing this before the course ensures you have a solid theoretical foundation, but can only be done after you have registered for a course.
Recommended Preparation (Highly Encouraged): While not a formal USPA prerequisite, we highly recommend that candidates assist in at least one First Jump Course before attending the Coach Course. This invaluable experience provides practical insight into student questions and instructional delivery, significantly enhancing your learning during the course.
Required Material: Obtain and thoroughly review a current USPA Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM) and the USPA Coach Instructor Rating Manual (IRM). You can access these online through USPA or purchase hard copies.
Investment in Your Future
Course Fee: $300
(Please note: Jump tickets for in-air evaluations are additional and will be paid to the dropzone at the time of the course; you will be respobsible for both you and your evaluator’s slots. Plan for approximately 2-3 evaluation jumps for the Coach Course.)
Meet Your Coach Examiner
Your USPA Coach Rating Course will be led by our highly experienced Instructor Examiner, who embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and dedicated mentorship in skydiving.
Our examiner began her skydiving journey in May 2001, quickly progressing to become a USPA Coach in 2003. Her commitment to instructional excellence continued as she earned her AFF Instructor rating in May 2011, culminating in becoming a USPA Coach Examiner in May 2014.
With over two decades in the sport and extensive instructional experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a personalized approach to every course. She is committed to delivering thorough, quality training, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the standards for your rating and truly embody effective skydiving instruction. When you train with us, you gain a lifelong mentor genuinely invested in your continuous growth.
Your Questions Answered: Coach Course FAQ
How long is the course? The course typically spans three full days. Expect long, intensive days focused on learning and practical application.
Who should pursue this rating? Any licensed skydiver with at least 100 jumps who wants to expand their knowledge of the sport, develop teaching skills, and mentor newer skydivers. It's also the essential first step for pursuing higher USPA instructor ratings like AFF-I or Tandem I.
What does this rating allow me to do? A USPA Coach is authorized to teach and sign off on certain portions of the USPA A License proficiency card, including basic group freefall skills, canopy skills, and debriefing. You'll work under the supervision of a USPA Instructor.
How can I prepare for the course? The best preparation is to thoroughly study the USPA SIM and IRM, and complete the required pre-course video material. Beyond reading, try to observe experienced instructors and offer to help newer skydivers (under supervision). The more familiar you are with the material and the basics of instruction, the more you'll get out of the course.
How do I pass the course? Passing requires demonstrating proficiency in ground evaluations, in-air evaluations, gear checks, and debriefings. We'll provide continuous feedback and support to help you meet these standards. Our goal is your success!
How do I keep my rating current? You must maintain current USPA membership, attend an annual Instructor Rating Renewal Seminar (IRRS), assist annually with a First Jump Course, and make at least 15 coach jumps per year.
Flexible Training Options: We Can Come To You!
Can't make our scheduled course dates or looking to train your team locally? Skydive Fundamentals is dedicated to making high-quality instructional training accessible.
We are open to traveling to other dropzones to conduct a USPA Coach Course, provided there are enough candidates to make the course viable. This is an ideal solution for groups of skydivers or dropzones looking to certify multiple coaches without extensive travel.
Interested in hosting a custom Coach Course at your location?
Contact Us to Discuss Hosting a Course!
Ready to Inspire the Next Generation?
Take the crucial step in your skydiving career. Become a USPA Coach and begin your journey as a mentor and leader in the sport.