You'll need more than an A license to jump in some places, especially near water. I never bought my own rig, For $50 a day I just rented it. I did buy a helmet with the computer that records speed, altitude and all that other fun stuff, and a separate altimeter. Where do you jump? Have you jumped alone yet or tandem?
I jumped about 10 years ago... it's been awhile... lol. I just have an itch to really make it a weekend hobby of sorts. I'm to tall to be an astronaut, but hopefully one day I can give the wingsuits a shot.
A HALO jump looks fun. That's close enough to space for me. My daughter has been wanting me to take her. I may go first as a refresher so I can jump with her. The first time you jump a rig that you packed (required for A license) and jump by yourself is kinda scary. That's the 10th jump I believe. Once you start jumping with others in formations and other stuff it gets real fun. I only have 68 jumps so I really only just got started.
I've been jumping for years (2003). "D" lic and I have had a lot of experiences that I can't explain by words alone. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!
That's me in the red in the center jumping with Guy Wright as the other anchor. This is Puerto Rico 2005 "FreeFall Festival"