This past week I hit a big milestone in my skydiving journey—I officially passed my USPA Coach Course. It still feels surreal to say that out loud. One minute you’re that fresh A-license jumper trying to remember which way to turn in the pattern, and the next you’re strapping on a radio, running ground preps, and realizing people are actually looking to you for guidance.

Why the Coach Course Matters

For non-jumpers reading this: the coach rating is the first instructional rating in skydiving. It’s the step where you go from “just another jumper” to someone who can actually help train students. That means flying with them, debriefing their jumps, and being part of the team that takes new skydivers from “wide-eyed first timers” to confident solo jumpers.

It’s not just about the flying (though, trust me, flying level with a nervous AFF grad can be a workout). It’s about communication, patience, and being the calm voice when someone’s spinning a little too much in freefall—or in their head.

The Course Experience

I’m not going to lie: the course was challenging. The ground preps felt like public speaking exams—you’re standing up there explaining emergency procedures while secretly hoping you don’t forget which handle to pull first. And the jumps? Those had me hyper-focused on flying as clean and controlled as possible.

But here’s the fun part: when the evaluators role-play as students. They mess up on purpose—bad exits, corkscrews, random leg kicks—and you’re there watching their every move, making sure they’re completing the dive they’re supposed to and that you’re catching every detail. It’s equal parts stressful and hilarious, because you know they’re trying to trip you up, but you also can’t help laughing at how “realistic” their student acting can be.

What This Means Moving Forward

Getting my coach rating isn’t the finish line—it’s just another step in the journey. But it’s a big one. Now I get to give back to the sport that’s given me so much. I get to help newer jumpers find their confidence, build their skills, and maybe even fall in love with skydiving the way I did.

And honestly? That’s the best part.

Cheers to What’s Next

Like every good skydiving milestone, this one comes with its own tradition. Yep—you guessed it: beer fine. 🍻 So here’s to everyone who’s helped me along the way—mentors, teammates, friends, and the students I haven’t even flown with yet.

Blue skies, and see you in the air.