Sky Diving

Tandem Skydive

2008-07-28T15:09:00.001-07:00

When Not to Do a Tandem Skydive

If you want to try skydiving, and have never done it before, your first jump will probably be a tandem skydive. That’s where you are harnessed to an experienced skydiver, who controls the entire dive. He or she may have some simple instructions for you to follow, but the experienced diver can take over if you forget what to do. It is also a very safe way for you to take your first skydive.

Not everybody should do a tandem skydive, however. There are also some health risks involved in skydiving. Not just the risk of jumping out of an airplane. In fact, the jumping out part is not very risky at all. The health risks come mostly from anxiety and the high altitude, where there is very little oxygen and the air pressure is low.

Contraindications to a Tandem Skydive

Neurological problems: Anybody who has epilepsy, black outs, or who has had a head injury or stroke should at least check with a physician before trying a tandem skydive. The low air pressure can cause various tissues in your head to expand or contract and can cause neurological damage. On the other hand, people who are partially paralyzed can safely do a tandem dive, as long as the paralyzed limbs are securely immobilized.

Hypertension: Anyone with uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) should stay on the ground. The anxiety, oxygen lack and changes in air pressure can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. If you have hypertension that is controlled and that you take medication for then you should still check with your doctor before doing a tandem skydive.

Cardiovascular disease: If you have any kind of cardiovascular disease, including heart problems or a history of a stroke, check with your doctor first. Lack of oxygen at high altitudes could cause you to have a heart attack.

Pulmonary or lung disease: Once again, you should check with your doctor before trying a tandem skydive. Having chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma doesn’t mean that you cannot do a tandem jump, but there will be less oxygen available to you when you first jump out of the plane. If you have had a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), it may not be safe for you to do a tandem skydive.

Musculoskeletal problems: You need to be in good enough shape to land. As well, if you have had previous fractures, back problems or have arthritis, make sure the master diver knows about it.

Chronic ear or sinus problems: Doing a tandem skydive can be extremely painful if you have ear or sinus problems. Check with your doctor first.

Emotional problems: If you are very anxious or tend to freak out when you are anxious, a tandem skydive might not be safe for the master diver.

If you are in good health and reasonably good physical condition, doing a tandem skydive is safe and can be a lot of fun. If you have any health problems, take any medications regularly or are pregnant, however, there may be risks involved. In those cases, it’s wise to check with a physician first.

Tandem Sky Diving

2008-07-28T15:08:00.003-07:00

Honeymooners are Enthusiastic for Tandem Sky Diving

One of the newest trends in young couples’ honeymoons is tandem sky diving. Everyone seems to be going on bigger and more expensive honeymoons these days whether they’re young or not. However, it’s the young ones who are looking into sky diving as a pair to be one of the first adventures of their married life. People who normally wouldn’t even consider sky diving will sometimes consider, with some reserve, tandem sky diving.

Somehow, jumping out of a plane is loads easier when someone is jumping out with you. Stereotyping is not usually a good idea, but generally, young wives are more likely to feel good about their new husbands jumping out of planes if they are there beside them, jumping too. Incidentally, these women are often not at all interested in sky diving on their own; however, somehow, it becomes interesting when the idea of tandem sky diving is breeched.

More Than Just a Fun Activity

Though many people enjoy sky diving, or aspire to do it because it is or will be a lot of fun, some young couples are coming up with the idea of tandem sky diving as a symbolic start to their marriage. Jumping out of plane for some people is a way of pledging trust and loyalty in a 21st century way that appeals to young people.

Traditional vows are not as often met with as much enthusiasm as symbols are. Somehow, a symbolic gesture, for example setting butterflies free, appeals to many young people of today. Tandem sky diving has a similar symbolism for young couples.

Newlyweds who go sky diving on their honeymoons usually have an emphatic, enthusiastic story to tell about it. Although they don’t always see it as a symbol, they do, most often, have a positive memory of it. Sky diving, under any circumstances, is an invigorating and empowering activity. At a life juncture such as marriage or after beating cancer or an organ transplant, sky diving can be an especially invigorating activity that gives the participant new life.

If you have even the slightest grain of an idea in your head that tandem sky diving would be a great activity for your upcoming honeymoon, talk about it as soon as possible with your future spouse. As you approach the date of your wedding and everything becomes impossibly hectic, you’ll need more and more time to handle such decisions. The decision should not be taken too lightly, so make sure that there is ample time to discuss and to seek information.

Skydiving Simulator

2008-07-28T15:08:00.001-07:00

Getting Blown Up, Literally by a Skydiving Simulator

You have always wanted to try skydiving, but were/are too nervous to actually make the jump out of the back of the plane. You may also have a health condition that prevents you from going through with a jump, even a tandem one. This is a job for the skydiving simulator! That’s right folks, get that “jump” rush without the altitude and possible interference of birds. This is especially good for those are who have a fear of heights, but have wondered what it would be like to parachute.

The skydiving simulator is just the ticket for you. It is also very useful when training first time jumpers how to maintain balance in the air. Veteran jumpers like it for the nostalgic rush, remembering what it is like flying through the friendly skies. Many amusement parks now have like versions of the skydiving simulator. Long gone is the thrill of throwing yourself against a giant wall of velcro. Now all it takes to put a smile on faces is 125 mph winds.

Anatomy of A Skydiving Simulator

So how does that there contraption work anyway? The whole point is for someone to be able to simulate the freefall experience. There is a stage-like area next to the flight chamber, where the individual is floating. A few air ducts are installed to revert air back to the fan entrance. Whatever air is dispelled during the simulation is being continually sucked back and reused. Think of it as a fountain of wind.

The air temperature also must be checked and regulated, so the person becomes neither too hot or too cold. You get to feel what it would be like to go skydiving, and the simulator is also a little less expensive than the actual lessons.

Unknown to some people, there is a physical benefit to the skydiving simulator. Your muscles are worked and stretched, as you attempt to stay balanced and on control. If you were actually in the air, you would be working hard not to spin out of control. This takes mental and physical concentration.

It is not surprising that many professional jumpers are also students of yoga. Not only does this assist in their relaxation and concentration, it keeps them limber and strong for jumps. You are, in a sense, holding yourself up. You can definitely work out some areas you forgot you had with this machine. You may also find your previous fears about skydiving disperse after trying the simulator.

Skydiving School

2008-07-28T15:07:00.001-07:00

Sky High at Skydiving School

You have decided to take the plunge. Literally. A diamond ring is not what is necessary for jumping out of an airplane unless you are attempting some kind of extreme proposal. Most ladies prefer roses and a bended knee to her stomach being lodged in her throat. You might also consider not eating or drinking anything prior to facing death. What you first need to find is a good, reputable skydiving school. There are more than likely a few advertised near your local municipal airport.

There is more to know than just their rates and when the next beginner’s class is. What is their safety record? Can they offer any student/customer testimonials? Do the belong to any professional organizations? The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is widely known and respected by skydivers and novices looking for a skydiving school. Think of them as the AAA to the parachute community.

Some online services promising extremely low rates have received numerous complaints from some very unsatisfied customers. It is preferable that you make your reservation directly with the skydiving school. A deposit of partial pre-payment is customary and should be anticipated. You should also ask about health and age requirements. Most schools will not allow individuals under eighteen to jump.

And you may also be prevented from participating if you have any serious health risks. Talk to your physician before making a reservation. For those who are a little nervous about going it solo, you can opt for a tandem jump with your instructor.

The Cream of The Crop In Skydiving Schools

Maybe you want to try something outrageous during your vacation. You can go to any little airport at home; you want your first time to be memorable. Depending on where you are going, you may want to make your reservation well in advance. Chicagoland Skydiving Center bills itself as the top dog in skydiving schools in the United States. Their Freefall University is considered one of the safest in the country, attracting novices and seasoned jumpers from all over the world. Package deals are offered, if you want to make this a family affair.

Whichever skydiving school you choose, make sure you are comfortable. Ask to meet the instructor beforehand. Especially if you are tandem jumping, you might feel more at ease knowing who you will be strapped to. All businesses thrive and grow from referrals; so ask friends and family if they can give you a name or two. And of course, don’t forget to have fun.

Record About Skydiving

2008-07-28T15:06:00.004-07:00

On The Record About Skydiving

Like any other sport, skydiving does have records. Professional jumpers aspire all the time to make and break new records. As skydiving is considered an extreme sport, the records are just as wild and awe inspiring. From blind jumps to highest jumps to largest freefall formation, skydiving records are almost without boundary. Skydiving is much less dangerous than what most people would think. It is true that there are risks involved. But this can be said for any sport or physical activity.

In NASCAR races, the vehicles are flying around the track at speeds easily exceeding 125 mph. Some might say that is risky. It is also on the insane side. This is why it is important to follow guidelines and not take any shortcuts. The proper equipment must be worn and all appropriate precautions taken. It is much more satisfying to be alive and kicking to enjoy your skydiving record breaking success.

Who Holds What Skydiving Record Anyway?

1) The record for the largest freefall formation in the world is 400 people, and was set on February 8, 2006 in Thailand. Imagine trying to organize those potty breaks.

2) Don Kellner is a man with apparently too much time on his hands. Don holds the skydiving record for most jumps with 36,000 flings from an airplane.

3) Cheryl Steams should get together with Don Kellner. In August of 2003 she made her 15,560th parachute landing and bagged herself a record in the process.

4) Capt. Joe Kittinger is just one cool dude. Over forty years later and he still holds the record for highest skydive. At 102,800 feet he began a speedy trip back to Earth. The sojourn lasted approximately thirteen minutes, with Capt. Kittinger reaching speeds up to 600 mph.

5) Jay Stokes officially became the man with absolutely nothing better to do than dive from an airplane 640 times in one day.

6) Fifty people lost their minds at the same time in April of 2000. They all agreed and executed a 50-way night jump in Elsinore, CA.

7) John Fleming and John Rossi made them some history in 2003 by setting a record for the number of blind person in a jump, by one person. Hey, a win’s a win.

8) Chuck Anderson, Paul Henley, Al Krueger, and Larry Yohn proved that sometimes amputees can do it better with a 4-way jump in 1977. Take that France.

Skydiving Parachute

2008-07-28T15:06:00.003-07:00

Chute’s Anatomy; A Skydiving Parachute

The most important item you can have when jumping out of an airplane is, hands down your skydiving parachute. The second is, of course your lucky rabbit’s foot. It is a good thing the powers that be dubbed bunnies lucky and not a hog or cow. That moo hoof would be a tad heavy around your neck. And people might stare. However, instead of sitting around rubbing the hair off a dead animal’s severed foot, please pay close attention to what your instructor is saying and demonstrating.

There are only a few classes before your first live action trip, soaring through that bright blue sky. No going for a bird either. You are moving way too fast, and that frightening blue jay is going to have you covered in white stuff. Do not even think for a second that you can snag a hawk. That is not a good plan; go back to your bunny’s foot.

You may be a little curious how your skydiving parachute functions. This is some good information to have knowledge of. You should want to know all about the equipment you are trusting your life to before you bail out of the back of an airplane.

The Styles and Trends Of Skydiving Parachutes

In the fashion world, a simple black dress can be designed one hundred different ways by one hundred different designers. The funny part? Of those one hundred creations, seventy-five will basically look alike. Thanks to the skydiving gods that parachutes have only two basic designs: the pure drag type and the lift-producing type.

The first type of skydiving parachute, the drag, is traditionally shaped like a half globe. So how do you stay in the air? It produces a vertical drag force that works against the direction the payload is traveling. In the case of skydiving, the parachute is working against the pull of gravity. You float back down to earth instead of fall. And you live.

The second type of chute, the lift-producing , have a box shape to them. They function much like the wing of a plane, producing both lift and drag at the same time. Air flowing over the top is moving faster than the air passing under the parachute. This is known as airfoil. You would sink down on a diagonal angle. And once again, you live. No matter which chute, the icing is the same.

Skydiving Lesson

2008-07-28T15:06:00.001-07:00

Hi-Ho Hi-Ho, It’s Off The Plane You Go for a Skydiving Lesson

Before you ever make it into your jumpsuit, helmet, and goggles, you have some lessons to learn and tests to pass. Do you feel like you are back in junior high yet? At least no one is calling you to the chalkboard, or jamming your locker. Skydiving lessons are valuable and necessary, whether you are flying solo or strapped to the teacher in a tandem jump. You were not just handed a driver’s license and the car keys when you became of age.

There was preparation, instruction, and those fun driving simulators beforehand. There was probably even more, and continuous instruction anytime you were in the car with a parent. Everything was and is a lesson. Even shampoo has instructions on the back. There is also a help line you can call if you need assistance. And if you need to call that number, you probably should not be skydiving.

Everything you need to know will be covered in your skydiving lessons, so listen carefully. Do not be timid about asking questions. It is highly unlikely that you could ever ask too many questions. Especially when you are the newbie, you are going to be nervous and your instructor understands this. No matter who experienced some jumpers are now, everyone is born in the same fashion. Just as they were all once babies in life, they were once babies in skydiving. They also like to talk; so feel free to pick their brain for tips, suggestions, and “big fish” stories.

What To Expect In Your Skydiving Lesson

When it comes to skydiving lessons, there are really two methods an instructor may choose to teach his students: the static-line progression program and the accelerated free fall method. With the static-line option, the parachute is connected by a cord known as a “static line” inside the plane. When the student jumps, their parachute is opened automatically by the cord. The plane is flying at the recommended altitude of 4,500 feet that a chute can be opened. It is important to learn how to have a good arch position, and the static-line program makes this easier to get the hang of. It will be up to your instructor

The accelerated free fall method is attracting more popularity because of the increased speed of learning versus the static-line program. It is possible to finish training and become certified in as little as two days. Unlike the other method, your instructors are with you during the entire jump. This is to insure your safety during the time your brain is going haywire from sensory overload. Intense skydiving lessons are given on ground, and instruction via hand signals while in the air.

Above all, relax and have fun. The best way to insure success in your skydiving lessons are to just remember you are there to have a good time.

Skydiving

2008-07-28T15:05:00.002-07:00

Getting in the Skydiving Record Books

People have been attempting to break skydiving records ever since the first man jumped out of a hot air balloon and dove to earth. Andre-Jacques Garnerin was the first human to try skydiving—in 1797.

There are some pretty impressive skydiving records. For instance: Don Kellner holds the record for the most jumps—over 36,000; Cheryl Stearns holds the record for the most skydiving jumps by a woman, as by 2003, she had logged over 15,500 jumps, and she is still jumping out of things.

Jay Stokes has the record for the most jumps in a single day—600; the free fall record was set in November, 1962 by Roger Andrew Andreyev. He did a free fall of 80,325 feet; Frank Moody from Perth, Australia is the oldest skydiver at 101. He made a bet with his buddy over a few beers; it is hard to tell who the youngest skydiver is, but he or she may have been as young as two years old. I’m sure the record is not official because Child Protective Services might have something to say about jumping out of an airplane with a two year old.

The world’s largest freefall was a skydiving jump with 400 people on February 8, 2006 in Udon Thani, Thailand; here’s the skydiving record to beat: Captain Joe W Kittinger’s record for the highest jump, set August 16, 1960. Kittinger jumped out of the basket of a balloon from a height of 102,800 feet. He fell forever, and achieved speeds of over 600 miles per hour.

Kittinger’s record is challenged by some people because he used an auxiliary chute to slow his descent, but, for heaven’s sake…the man jumped from over 102,000 feet! His is definitely the record to beat.

Since 2001, two people—Michael Fournier and Cheryl Stearns—have attempted to break Kittinger’s record. Both plan to ride a balloon into the stratosphere, and jump out. They have to use a balloon because neither airplanes nor helicopters can fly that high; the air is too thin.

Beating Kittinger’s record is not just a matter of bragging rights. NASA has been working on a way for astronauts to parachute to earth in case of a space disaster for year. Fournier’s and Stearn’s “space jumping” attempts put NASA one step closer to the goal.

In this case, getting in the skydiving record books doesn’t just make history. It may save an astronaut’s life someday.

Skydive

2008-07-28T15:05:00.001-07:00

Five Reasons That you Should go out and Skydive

Does it seem insane to you that anybody would ever skydive? That people would intentionally fly way up in the sky and then jump out of an airplane or helicopter or balloon? Does that seem a little wacko?

Some people do it because it’s necessary for their jobs; smokejumpers and paratroopers have to jump out of planes, because that is the only way they can get to where they are going.

But what about all those people who do it for fun? Who make a sport out of jumping from very high places, whether it’s an airplane or a bridge or a high cliff? Can you imagine even one reason a person would skydive? Well, here are five:

Bragging rights and war stories; after all, if you have a skydive or two under your belt, you get bragging rights whenever people are telling war stories about all the scary things they have done. It’s something you can tell your grandchildren to make them proud of their heritage. It gives you a great story to tell when you get together with friends, and as well, you will be able to “one up” just about everybody in the room.

Also, people who skydive talk about flying. They are fascinated with the science and technology of skydiving that allows you to control your movement through the air. Whether you are part of a skydive team and do free fall formations and tricks, or you prefer to do solo skydives and enjoy the sensation of flying, skydiving is more than just falling through the air. You use your body to move the way you want to, and that’s flying.

Some people like to skydive for the thrill, the adrenaline rush. Some people seem to get addicted to it because it is such a powerful rush. There is also then the matter of doing it to experience beauty and freedom. People who skydive speak rapturously of the beauty and the sense of freedom they experience. They speak of floating through the clouds, and seeing over the horizon, and they love feeling free and unfettered.

Even if going to skydive seems crazy to you, it is a perfectly sane thing to do for a lot of people. They have good reasons for enjoying skydiving; reasons that make them want to do it over and over and over again.

Sky Diving Suit

2008-07-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Factors to Consider When Buying a Sky Diving Suit

There are several factors you will consider when you are purchasing a sky diving suit. Some have to do with aerodynamics, some have to do with cost, and some are personal preference.

Aerodynamic Factors

Aerodynamics is the most important factor to consider when buying a sky diving suit, because the aerodynamics of the suit affects the rate at which you fall out of the sky. Your suit can determine whether you drop like a rock or float like a feather, and, if you are diving with a team, can affect how well you perform with the other members.

Fabric is a matter which needs to be taken seriously into consideration, and a sky diving suit for the most part will be made of either nylon or poly-cotton. Nylon is smoother and falls faster.

You also want to consider the matter of sleeves, and tight fitting lower arm sleeves made of spandex cause a suit to fall faster because they create little friction. Loose, baggy sleeves slow your rate of descent. One option is to buy a sky diving suit with spandex sleeves, and buy loose poly-cotton sleeves that attach over the spandex ones for times when you want a slower rate of descent.

Tight fitting suits don’t create friction or drag, and you fall faster in them. Loose, baggy suits slow your rate of fall. You can also get a loose fitting sky diving suit with swoop cords that allow you to gather or release arm fabric. When it is fully released, the extra fabric acts like a wing, catching the air and providing some lift.

You can even add booties to your sky diving suit, as they increase the surface area of your suit, slowing your descent, and act like a rudder.

Cost Factors

Sky diving suits are generally quite pricy, and some people will want to purchase a used suit to save money. The suits are well-made and they last for a long time, so a used suit is a “suitable” option.

If you are looking at buying a used suit, make sure it is well made and in good condition. Check the seams to make sure they are intact. Look for tears, rips and obvious wear. Check to see if the suit has knee and seat reinforcements, which protect these areas from excessive wear. Make sure all the zippers and tabs work smoothly.

You might have a sky diving instructor check the suit over for you to make doubly sure it is safe. Once you find the right used sky diving suit, you can save a bundle over the price of a new one.

Personal Preference

There are a number of different personal preference options that are available to you when you are buying a sky diving suit. Do you prefer a V neck or a high one? Do you want knee pads? Do you want extra leg zippers, so you can open the suit up on hot days?

The most important personal preference option, of course, is color and pattern. Safety is the highest concern, and cost is a definite factor. But the “coolness” factor is important, too. That’s the factor that makes you look great as you fall from the sky. It’s the factor that makes people on the ground envy you. It’s not as important as safety, but it is important.

Sky Diving Locations

2008-07-28T15:03:00.002-07:00

Finding the Most Suitable Sky Diving Locations

Are you one of those people who have always wanted to try something dangerous? Courting danger is something that some people live for. In fact, for many people, the thrill of skydiving is often very appealing to them that they tend to find the most dangerous sky diving locations just to satisfy their need for life threatening thrills. The more dangerous the location is, the most intense the thrill of the dive.

Courting Danger

Skydiving is a sport that is really exhilarating. The danger involved in each dive makes this sport more fascinating than most other sports. However, you should always bear in mind that skydiving is an extreme sport and is not for every body. If you have some morbid fear of heights, forget skydiving. Skydiving is not for the faint of heart or lese you will certain have some nervous breakdown or something if you try it and you don’t have what it takes.

For people who have always preferred to have their both feet on the ground, skydiving is definitely out of their league. However, for those who have the guts to try it, skydiving could definitely be addictive. In fact, many people who have tried it once would tend to seek other sky diving locations where they can also try their skills. Many skydivers have traveled all over the globe just to find the right sky diving locations that suits their adventurous spirit.

Learning to Sky Dive

If you were just new to the sport of skydiving, it would be a good idea for you stick to the basic things and not improvise. For starters, always go to a skydiving center when you feel the urge to go skydiving. There are many sky diving centers all over the country that is currently offering great sky diving locations.

The good news about the sky diving locations that these centers have to offer is that they have been proven to be safe even for amateur skydivers. If you are just starting out and do not want to try those more challenging sky diving locations, you can always request the sky diving center to lead you to sky diving locations that is just so difficult for you.

There are many sky diving locations that you can choose from depending on your mood. If you want to have a picturesque view of the mountain when you sky dive, sky diving centers in Colorado could bring you to the best sky diving locations.

Sky Diving Information

2008-07-28T15:03:00.001-07:00

Stay Safe When Sky Diving: Sky Diving Information you Need to Stay Safe

Have you been itching to try sky diving but never really know where to start? If you want to try sky diving, you should never just take the plunge and leave everything else to chances. You must always remember that sky diving is a extreme sport and if you do not have the right sky diving information or if you simply did not bother to get any sky diving information before you embark into this dangerous sports, you could really into some kind of trouble.

Getting the Sky Diving Information That you Need

There are many things that you need to learn before you actually try your mettle up in the skies. First, you must understand that when you go sky diving, you should know the basic sky diving information such as what types of equipments you will need, what time of the day is best suited for sky diving, what conditions are favorable when sky diving and what are the basic dos and don’ts when executing your jump.

The best place fro you to get the necessary sky diving information you need is to go to a sky diving center and enroll in one of those sky diving classes. The good thing about enrolling in sky diving classes is that you can actually get first hand sky diving information from veteran skydivers.

There are so many things that veteran skydivers can teach you from their experiences. You should always remember that each dive you take would be unique in itself. There are so many factors that could vary in each dive that it is highly probably that no dive could really be exactly the same. Veteran sky divers understand that once you are out there preparing for a jump, many things could happen, thus it is very important that you are physically and emotional prepared for any eventualities.

Getting Ready for the First Jump

Once you have learned the basic sky diving information that is the time when you start to plan your first dive with a sky diving instructor on your side. Just because you already have all the sky diving information you need does not mean that you are already a professional and can do things on your own.

You should never be overly confident when it comes to skydiving. There are many veteran sky diver who still have accidents during routine jumps so it is really very wise for you to take all the necessary precautions before you attempt to sky dive.

Sky Diving Helmet

2008-07-28T15:02:00.002-07:00

Sky Diving Helmet: Protecting Yourself During the Jump

When you go skydiving, it is very important you wear protective gears like a sky diving helmet. A sky diving helmet will protect your head from injuries in cases of accidents during the fall or during landing. There are some cases where you might experience troubles in landing and you could actually hit your head with some object on the ground. Wearing a sky diving helmet could help you protect your head from injuries in cases of accidents.

Types of the Sky Diving Helmet

When selecting a sky diving helmet, you should make sure that you feel comfortable with it. Note that when you are skydiving, it is imperative that you feel at ease with what you are wearing in order not to restrict your movements while you are in mid-air.

There are many types of the sky diving helmet that are available in the market today. In fact, there are number of types of the sky diving helmet that have other functions other than protecting your head. Sky diving helmets with digital video camera built into it have become one of the favorites of the skydiving community today.

If you want to record you sky diving experience on digital video, you ca easily do so by using one of these types of helmets during your jumps. Helmets with digital cameras attached to it come in many colors. If you are one of those very fashionable people who like to match the color of their suits to their helmets, you can easily find matching sets.

Aside from helmets fitted with digital cameras, there are also types of the sky diving helmet that come with some digital sound system that enables you to listen to your favorite music while executing your jump. Music coming from your helmet could be very soothing for you. However, the disadvantage of playing music during a jump is that you might not be able to hear the instructions given by your skydiving master. If you are an amateur skydiver, it is not really very advisable to turn on the music in your helmet during the jump in order for you to hear all the instructions of your skydive master very well.

How Much Could a Sky Diving Helmet Cost you?

The types of materials used and the models of the helmet would determine it price. If you really want to get the best sky diving helmet available in the market today, it would be a good idea to shop around first before you buy a helmet.

Sky Diving Gear

2008-07-28T15:02:00.001-07:00

How to Find Top-Notch Sky Diving Gear

Everyone getting ready to go sky diving should make absolutely sure that they have the appropriate gear. You will want to look into your own comfort while sky diving, but also, the essential is the safety equipment used. All of this appropriate sky diving gear is what makes the differences between being able to enthusiastically tell the story of your sky diving experience for many years to come. The right sky diving gear will turn the trip into an exhilarating experience that you will never forget.

The Essentials

In order to go sky diving in style, you will need everything from a suit to boots and head gear. Sky diving is an activity that often times warrants renting equipment instead of purchasing it because of the sheer cost of buying everything that is needed for an activity that you’re going to do only a couple times a year.

In fact, most companies that offer their services for taking people up into the sky and advising them on the moment to drop include the price of equipment rental in their fee. It is only logical that sky diving gear should be provided by the company who is taking you sky diving.

On the other hand, some people are die-hard fans, and if you are a serious sky diver and really want to do more and more of it, purchasing the necessary gear is not out of the question. In fact, it could make the experience that much more enjoyable for you. For the basic sky diving gear, you will want to focus on comfort. You don’t want to have boots or clothing that will hinder your movement in any way.

As well, always make lots of movements when trying on new gear. Just because it fits you when you are standing up straight this does not mean that it will feel good when you crouch down, for example, just like you will do before you make your jump. When buying gear, look for materials that are resistant and durable, but make sure that the fibers that will be in contact with your body are going to be fibers that feel nice on your skin. Any sort of wool blend is usually not a good idea.

Be sure to read lots of consumer reviews when choosing sky diving gear and when you are actually in the shops, ask lots and lots of questions. When buying gear as expensive of this, you have the right to engage a sales associate, even for hours, if you need their help. You should feel confident walking out with your gear, not like you were just ripped off and that you’re not sure of the quality of the gear you purchased.

Checking Your Sky Diving Equipment

2008-07-28T15:01:00.002-07:00

Checking Your Sky Diving Equipment

Sky diving is not an activity to be taken lightly, and having the absolute best sky diving equipment is a must for obvious reasons. Many people trust their sky diving company to choose the proper equipment, after all, they know their own domain better than you do, however the other side of the coin is that it’s you who is going to jump out of that plane.

Of course, if you jump out of a plane with faulty equipment, their company will subsequently suffer from it, but in a very different way than you will. It is for this reason that you should take looking at sky diving equipment into serious consideration as you plan your sky diving adventure.

Never Take it for Granted

Although it should be a given that every company’s sky diving equipment is of top quality, unfortunately, such things can not be taken on faith. Of course, no company will want to cause problems, but companies frequently take a rather lackadaisical approach to buying and maintaining equipment. People who work in the business of sky diving are familiar with jumping every day, many times a day.

For customers getting ready to jump, sky diving is not at all an every day occurrence; the feeling of getting ready to jump is totally different for the jumper than for the people who go up with the plane every day to facilitate clients’ sky diving experience. Sky diving equipment, though high on the list of importance for safety reasons, is not a focal point for people who see sky diving up close every day of the week. Of course, they are not looking to cause accidents, but for them, a parachute is a parachute, not a magic wand.

Sky diving equipment should be of top quality to begin with as well as being flawlessly maintained and carefully checked after each jump. As you choose a company that will be your host for your sky diving equipment, make sure that quality is highest on your list of priorities.

Check and double check the company’s history with concern to their planes and everything inside them as well as the jumper’s equipment from parachute to head gear. Though ultimately, this is the company’s responsibility, every jumper should take the importance of safety and proper equipment into their own hands. When in doubt, seek a second opinion, and always get more recommendations for a sky diving company than you would for a hairdresser.

Sky Diving Center

2008-07-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

Sky Diving Center: A Place Where you can Learn the Basics of Sky Diving

As one of the most popular extreme sports ever, sky diving is considered as a game of extreme thrill. For most sky divers, each jump represents the ultimate freedom, and if you are one of those people who is not afraid of heights and is eager to try something extraordinary, you should try sky diving.

Getting the thrill of the lifetime should not be very difficult if you live just a few minutes away from a sky diving center, and there are many sky diving centers all over the United States so there is a big chance that a sky diving center could be located just a few miles from where you live, thus making it much more convenient overall.

Finding the Right Sky Diving Center

Finding the right sky diving center that suits your needs is very important, and especially so when you are still new to sky diving. Since you will still need to learn the basics of the sport, it is imperative that you start by enrolling in one of those beginners class instead of going for those more ambitious courses which might not really do you any good at all.

You must remember that skydiving requires skills and stamina on your part. You simply cannot just skip through the process of learning how to sky dive if you don’t want to meet some accidents on your jump.

There are a number of sky diving centers that offer trainings for first time jumpers, and these trainings are often given on the basic dos and don’t in skydiving and will culminate with an actual jump with your sky diving instructor. Most of these sky diving centers also offer tandem skydive especially if you are just jumping for the first time.

Tandem skydiving is often very much favorable for first time jumpers since this could be done safely even with minimal training. In fact, there are many types of a sky diving center that would recommend this program for first time jumpers.

Tandem sky jumping is one of the best ways for first time jumpers to experience the thrills of skydiving. If you go for the tandem jumping program of the sky diving center, you can expect to be paired off with an experienced sky diving master who could give the exhilarating free fall experience for about one minute. Usually, the best part for the dive is the first minute of free fall before the parachute opens and you will start gliding sedately towards the earth.

Sky Diving Camera Helmet

2008-07-28T15:00:00.002-07:00

Five Reasons why you Should not Wear a Sky Diving Camera Helmet on Your First Solo Jump

The first time you jump out of an airplane all by yourself will be a historical moment, and you want to capture it for posterity and proof. There are, however, better ways to document your achievement than by wearing a sky diving camera helmet.

You could have somebody on the ground and/or in the airplane videotape your first jump, for example, and you will probably want both cameras playing because when you jump out of the plane, you’ll look like a bug in the air to the guy on the ground, and when you hit the ground, the guy in the plane will be too far away to get a good shot; in other words, in order to get the best possible camera shots, you will want both a man in the air with a camera and on the ground.

The best way to document your first jump is to have a professional skydiving photographer wearing a sky diving camera helmet jump with you and videotape your descent. You will get high quality video that you can show off to your family and friends that way.

You could wear a sky diving camera helmet yourself, but here are five good reasons to leave the photography up to a professional.

For instance, there is the matter of getting nothing but air – the photographer can get you in his camera sights, but all you can take pictures of while wearing a sky diving camera helmet in the air. Clouds and sunshine and the approaching ground are less interesting to your viewers than to you.

As well, there is the matter that you have other things to think about. For instance, there is the issue of when you need to pull the cord on your chute. This is an incredibly important detail that you don’t do automatically on the first jump.

Then there is the issue to take into consideration about how you might embarrass yourself. You don’t know how you will react after all, and sure, you’ve gone tandem before, but you have never jumped out of a moving, flying airplane all by yourself before you don’t know how you will react.

As well, you will want to realize that you might forget to activate the camera. Whatever kind of remote you use—whether it’s a tongue trip or some other type of remote, you’ll have to activate it. What if you forget? Then you won’t even have proof that you did it.

After you have done quite a few solo jumps, and you’ve become more proficient at it, however, you might want to consider trying skydiving photography. You can wear a sky diving camera helmet with a side mounted or top mounted camera and share the beauty of the skies with your friends. By that time, you won’t need to document what you’re doing any more, and you will be more interested in convincing them to do it, too.

Sky Diving Adventure

2008-07-28T15:00:00.001-07:00

How to Get That Ultimate Sky Diving Adventure on Your First Jump

If you feel as though you do not have the time or the patience to go through some lengthy sessions in order to learn the basics of skydiving, well then you should know that there is still a way for you to get that ultimate sky diving adventure without really sweating it out.

There are many sky diving centers all over the country that are now offering tandem sky diving for beginners, and the good news about tandem sky diving is that you can feel secured because somebody is holding on to your during the jump and making sure that you do not get into trouble with opening your parachute, for example.

The Advantages of Tandem Jumping

There are many advantages that you can get when you enroll in one of those tandem jumping programs. First, with minimum instructions, you can be ready for a sky diving adventure, and unlike in the lone jumping program where you will need to learn everything to prevent any untoward incidents during your jumps, the tandem jumping program will pair you off with a skydiving master who will help you execute the moves without much trouble at all.

All you really need in order to be able to experience the ultimate sky diving adventure in a tandem jump is to hang on to the skydive master and enjoy yourself.

The second advantage in enrolling in the tandem jumping program is that you can experience the first minute of exhilarating freefall without really worrying about your parachute, as the sky diving master who is with you will take care of that so you can just enjoy the fall. When you hit the right altitude, the skydiving master will open the parachute and the two of you will now be gliding in the air for the next couple of minutes.

Gliding in the air with your skydiving master is really a great sky diving adventure, and if you choose your sky diving location well, you could be treated with such breath taking sceneries below.

How Much Could a Sky Diving Adventure Cost you?

The cost of a sky diving adventure could vary depending on the sky diving center, for example if you go for the complete sky diving course, you can spend around $1,000 to $1,400. However, if you go only for those one time jumps and those tandem jumps, which do not really need some lengthy instructions and preparations, the cost could be a lot lower. In some sky diving centers, you can already go tandem sky diving for just as little as $150 to $300.

Preventing Sky Diving Accidents

2008-07-28T12:45:00.002-07:00

Preventing Sky Diving Accidents

Although sky diving does not bring about all too many accidents, of course there are times when accidents occur. Similar to the widespread fear of flying although, statistically, flying is safer than driving a car, sky diving accidents are pretty rare. This can be attributed to a few things. One of them is that people, by now, know from what height sky diving is best and what kind of a landing area should be chosen.

Wind currents are studied and equations estimating the landing spot of a person who jumps at a given height with a given wind force and direction are used in order to make a good estimation about where the jumper will come to Earth. All of these formulations, and many years of experience in sky diving, make accidents a rare occurrence.

Equipment Matters Too

While it’s true that knowledge goes a long way, none of the above formulas and knowledge can protect a person who’s jumping with a faulty parachute. Of course, when it comes to preventing sky diving accidents, top-notch equipment is an absolute must. Equipment should not only be of top quality, it should be thoroughly checked after each jump and well-maintained. Equipment that is not stored carefully and not taken care of will, one day or another, prove to be faulty equipment, no matter how expensive it was when it was bought.

Most sky diving accidents come out of the blue; the equipment and the weather were thoroughly checked, and the pilot and trainer were experienced and knowledgeable. Despite these preconditions, there are accidents that occur out of nowhere. When a proper analysis is done, no fault is found. These are unfortunate sky diving accidents that leave families without explanations or answers.

The kind of accident that can be prevented is the accident from even the slightest negligence on the part of the company. When you are choosing a company with whom to go on your first sky diving adventure, don’t chose one blindly. Get recommendations from previous clients. Often, a company that has all the right licenses and equipment, but throws their equipment around will be spotted by someone who is actually sky diving, not by someone who’s reviewing the company’s qualifications on the Internet.

In order to reduce your chance of being a victim of a sky diving accident be as informed of a consumer as you can be. Choosing a company is no small matter. Take your time and plan it well and remember that this is not one of those times in life where the cheapest company should get your business.

sky diving

2008-07-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

Sky Diving on the Fly

While many people plan for long periods of time to go sky diving before they actually go ahead and take the plunge, many others find that what they need is the exact opposite. A lot of people claim that it is not a decision to be taken lightly, but on the other hand, it isn’t something to brood over either.

Should part of the training preparation be a psychological investigation hoping to find out if the person is mentally prepared for what they are about to do? It seems that everyone has a different opinion about it, but the vast majority of people who’ve actually done it are pretty often the ones who say that it’s a decision to be made in an instant.

Of course you feel insecurity when the door opens and you’re standing there ready to jump. Of course it feels like you made the wrong decision as self-doubt floods your mind; however, the feeling as you fly towards the Earth is unmatched on Earth.

Making the big Decision

If you’ve thought about sky diving in the past and have never let yourself truly seriously consider the ins and outs of doing it, it’s time that you let your mind wander through the ifs, ands, and buts in order to find out if you’re ready for sky diving or not.

Many people have an instant aversion when the topic of sky diving is brought up. If you are one of these ‘never in a million years!’ people, then look no further. Your decision is obvious. However, if you falter back and forth between yes, no and maybe, you should sit down and give it some serious thought. Talking about it is also a good strategy to find out what you really think about it deep inside.

Something you might want to ask yourself is what it is about sky diving that is exciting to you. Likewise, you’ll want to think through your reasoning for NOT doing it. Understanding both sides of the coin often helps people to see which side of the coin they are more heavily attached to.

Of course, you shouldn’t push yourself into going sky diving if you don’t want to, just like you shouldn’t let somebody else convince you to do it. On the other hand, if your inner child is dying to do it and the responsible mother in you is afraid, you just might want to ask that inner child how badly she wants to come out. The answer just might surprise you.