First Time Skydive? Beginner's Guide

skydiving

Skydiving refers to the use of a parachute to glide through the air while minimizing friction and ensuring the stability of a person. Skydiving is usually done for recreational purposes, but it can also be used competitively. Skydivers jump from an aircraft at a certain altitude in the sky or from a high place. This activity is mesmerizing for travelers as they can experience the thrill of descending from the sky while enjoying a bird’s-eye view. Tourists and travelers consider skydiving a challenging and fun activity, especially among the younger generation. For skydiving you  have to be at least 18 years old.  However, certain measures and training are required for skydivers before boarding an airplane to keep them safe.

 

Mechanism of a Skydive

To stay safe, skydivers are given thorough instructions and safety drills before even boarding an aircraft to make the jump. They go through a day of training to help them understand the mechanism of a parachute, aerodynamics, and the physical training needed to skydive. All of these are provided by skydiving instructors who ensure the safety of skydivers during the activity.

Skydivers usually jump from a height of 2,500 meters to 4,600 meters above the ground, giving them a freefall time of about 40 to 80 seconds. The altitude may vary for competitive purposes. Skydivers must deploy their parachute at a certain level above the ground to make a smooth landing. The time between the jump from an aircraft and the deployment of a parachute is referred to as the freefall length and can vary depending on the jump altitude, the style of the skydiver’s glide, and the skydiver’s suit.

Skydivers typically position their bodies with their belly to the ground and spread apart their legs and arms to maximize air resistance, slowing down their descent considerably. The skydiver’s suit is loose and made of airy fabrics to allow air to pass through for comfort and practicality. In competitive skydiving, skydivers often opt for a streamlined pose by keeping their hands and legs together to minimize air friction and ensure a speedy descent. Recreational skydivers sometimes enjoy performing backflips in the air.

After the freefall time, skydivers are instructed to deploy their parachutes. When the parachutes open, the skydiver’s fall rate decreases considerably, and they glide comfortably through the air until finally landing on the ground.

 

Essentials for Making a Skydive

  • Goggles: Goggles help skydivers see the sky view. The friction in the air makes it almost impossible for skydivers to keep their eyes open. Goggles are of utmost importance for skydiving, similar to deep-sea diving.
  • Adjustable Harness: A harness attaches the skydiver to the parachute, keeping them safe during skydiving. During training, the harness is often attached to the instructor to ensure the divers’ safety.
  • Helmet: A helmet protects the skydiver’s head from dangerous impacts with the ground. It also keeps the hair in place during skydiving.
  • Dual Parachute: Parachutes make skydiving possible. Every skydiver, both recreational and competitive, is provided with two parachutes: one for initial deployment and one as a backup in case the first one fails. Two parachutes ensure the safety of skydivers, as a smooth landing is essential.
  • Jumpsuit: Skydivers wear a jumpsuit to protect themselves from the air friction at high altitudes. The jumpsuit is made of synthetic fabric and is equipped to hold the harness and carabiners in place. The loose fit allows air to flow through, maximizing friction.
  • Automatic Activation Device (AAD): This high-tech device, attached to the skydiver’s parachute, ensures the deployment of the backup parachute if the skydiver is unable to deploy it or becomes incapacitated. It contains a microchip processor.
  • Altimeter: An altimeter is an electronic device attached to the skydiver, showing their current altitude. It’s essential for parachute deployment, as it depends on altitude.
  • Flysight: Flysight is a GPS tracking device attached to skydivers for safety purposes. If they don’t land at the specific site or become lost, the GPS tracker aids in their rescue.

Additionally, there are many other helpful tools skydivers can use for safety, practicality, and enjoyment, such as attaching a camera to the helmet to record the experience. Audible altimeters remove the inconvenience of checking a screen multiple times.

 

Safety Measures During Skydiving

Skydiving is a risky recreational activity, and injuries can occur due to carelessness. To minimize the possibility of accidents, caution is key. Certain measures are taken before and during skydiving to keep skydivers safe:

  • Every skydiver must undergo required training before skydiving.
  • They must gain practical knowledge of parachutes and other skydiving equipment before boarding the aircraft.
  • Physical fitness is crucial for skydivers. Individuals prone to heart conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety, and panic attacks are advised to avoid skydiving due to potential health risks.
  • Skydivers should properly check their suits and equipment before a dive.
  • Loose-fitting clothes and the standard jumpsuit are recommended. Tight-fitting clothes that may cause discomfort are not advised.
  • Skydivers should remove any jewelry or accessories that could get caught on the jumpsuit or harness.
  • Ensure the harness isn’t jammed and vision isn’t hindered.
  • Correct altitude for the jump and parachute deployment is crucial to avoid accidents.

 

The S&TA

The S&TA stands for Safety and Training Advisor. An S&TA is present at every skydiving drop zone and is responsible for providing sufficient training and equipment for skydivers. They also regulate safety measures to ensure a safe skydiving experience for everyone.

People Also Ask About Skydiving:

  • Is there a weight limit for skydiving?
    Yes, most skydiving centers have weight limits for safety reasons.  Generally, the weight limit for skydiving is between 200 to 240 pounds (90 to 109 kg) for men and 180 to 220 pounds (82 to 100 kg) for women. Some centers may offer flexibility depending on body size and shape, but it's important to check with the specific skydiving company.
  • Is solo skydiving more dangerous?
    Solo skydiving is generally considered more challenging and potentially riskier than tandem skydiving. Because, skydiving solo, you need to be fully responsible for managing your own parachute deployment, body position, and landing, which requires extensive training and experience. So if you are not experienced then we suggest you to go for tandem skydiving.
  • How much does skydiving cost?

    The cost of skydiving can vary depending on several factors, including location, type of jump, and the company you choose. Here’s a general breakdown of typical skydiving costs: 1. Tandem Skydiving (Most Popular for First-Timers): $200 to $300 (USD) 2. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) (Solo Jump Training Course): $1,500 to $3,000 for a full course. 3. Solo Skydiving (Licensed Skydivers): $25 to $100 depending on equipment rentals and location. Mostly,  skydiving companies offer video/photo package. They charge extra $50 to $100 for that.
  • How old do you have to be to go skydiving?
    In most countries, the minimum age for skydiving is 18 years old. This is a common standard, especially in the United States. A few countries, like Australia or the U.K., the minimum age might be 16.
  • What to wear skydiving?
    When skydiving, comfort is your first priority. Here is some suggestion, what you should wear: 1. Comfortable Clothing
    • Layers: Depending on the weather wear lightweight layers . It can get cold at higher altitudes, so use long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket might help if it’s cooler.
    2. Proper Footwear
    • Avoid sandals or anything that can interfere your landing. Try to use comfortable Close-toed, secure shoes.
    3. Skydiving Suit (Optional)
    • Provided by Most Companies: Many drop zones offer or require a jumpsuit that you can wear over your clothing for protection and to streamline your body during the freefall.
    4. Avoid bulky items like hat or jewelry. And keep your hair tied back.

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