Skydiving

Template:Skydiving Skydiving, also known as parachuting, is an activity involving a jump from an aircraft and typically the use of a parachute to slow the jumper's fall from high altitude to the ground. This sport is both recreational and competitive, and it involves various techniques and disciplines.

History

The concept of skydiving has roots in the history of parachute design, which dates back to the 1480s when Leonardo da Vinci sketched the first parachute. The first successful parachute jump from a moving airplane was made by Albert Berry in 1912. Since then, skydiving has evolved significantly, with advancements in parachute technology and the introduction of various skydiving disciplines.

Equipment

The primary equipment used in skydiving includes:

• Parachute: Comprises the main and reserve parachutes.
• Container/Harness: Used to secure the parachutes to the jumper's body.
• Altimeter: A device used to measure the jumper's altitude to determine when to deploy the parachute.
• Automatic Activation Device (AAD): A safety device that automatically deploys the reserve parachute if the main parachute is not deployed at a predetermined altitude.

Disciplines

Skydiving encompasses several disciplines:

• Formation Skydiving: Jumpers create formations by holding onto each other's limbs or specially designed grips on their jumpsuits.
• Freeflying: A style of skydiving where jumpers use various body positions to control their movement through the air.
• Wingsuit Flying: Jumpers wear specially designed suits that increase surface area and allow for extended air time and horizontal travel.
• Canopy Piloting: Focuses on the control of the parachute itself, often involving courses and gates that must be navigated.

Safety

Skydiving is a high-risk activity, but advancements in technology and training have significantly improved safety. Training for new skydivers typically includes tandem jumps, where the student is attached to an experienced instructor. Skydiving regulations and safety measures are overseen by organizations such as the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and similar bodies worldwide.

Competitions and Records

Skydiving competitions are held globally, featuring various disciplines. Records in skydiving are often related to the number of participants in a formation, the altitude from which a jump is made, and the freefall time.

Cultural Impact

Skydiving has permeated popular culture, appearing in films, television shows, and advertisements, often highlighting the sport's extreme nature and the freedom associated with freefall.

See Also

• BASE Jumping
• Paragliding
• Extreme Sports