Free Falling | Travel

Home

Free Falling

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 23:06

When asked if they’ve ever been skydiving, many answer, “Why jump out of a perfectly good plane?”. That is a good answer, but the better answer is, “Hell, yes! It was the most exhilarating experience of my life!”

Skydiving is one of those things many people put on their “Things To Do Before I Die” list. As short as the ride may be, it is truly one of the most adrenaline-pumping sports out there. Skydiving, also known as parachuting, is the practice of jumping from a high place and deploying a parachute for a safe landing. First-timers go tandem, where the instructor is attached directly above the beginner throughout the jump until landing back on the ground. The tandem flight allows you to simply enjoy all the sensations of flying without having to worry about anything, sort of like a carnival ride.

No gear or experience is required for beginners diving tandem. You simply watch a 20-minute instructional video, meet your instructor for a more in-depth learning session, harness up, load the plane, and take a leap of faith. Just prior to jumping, you move in front of the instructor, get your harness attached to his harness at four points — two at the shoulder, two at the waist. Then you gradually step out of the aircraft’s door.

A typical jump is from approximately 13,000 feet above ground. For two-thirds of the distance you’re in free fall, and the last third you’re parachuting. This distance allows for 50 to 70 seconds of free fall at a speed up to 120 miles per hour. At approximately 4,000 feet, the instructor pulls the parachute, which creates an abrupt jolt followed by a five- to seven-minute peaceful glide through the sky. The instructor usually gives the passenger some control of the parachute before landing, which allows you to practice steering and speed adjustment using toggles on the end of steering lines, which are attached to the trailing edge of the parachute.

While skydiving is considered dangerous by some, skydiving fatalities are rare. Every skydiving instructor is required to have approximately 1,000 jumps experience before taking passengers up, and each skydiver must carry two parachutes. The additional reserve parachute is periodically inspected and re-packed by a certified parachute rigger. So no worries if the main parachute doesn’t open, the automatic activation device opens the reserve chute at a safe altitude.

Cast your fears aside, and get airborne! Give skydiving a try, and that’s one more thing you can mark off of your bucket list!

Main Menu

Categories