With rushing deployments of fabric overhead and a few heart-pounding moments of intense adrenaline, parachuting is one of the most exhilarating and unique sporting experiences around.
This adventurous activity involves jumping from an aircraft at altitude and riding the deployment of a life-preserving parachute to a gentle landing.
For thrill-seekers, few activities can match the adrenaline rush of stepping out of a plane and experiencing human flight through parachuting.
What Is Parachuting?
At its core, parachuting combines skydiving and BASE jumping techniques, using the air resistance and drag of a parachute canopy to facilitate a controlled, safe descent from high altitudes back toward the ground. While free-falling at terminal velocity before deploying a parachute is inherent to skydiving, parachuting requires the immediate deployment of the parachute upon jumping out of an aircraft, making the experience a bit less vertigo-inducing.
Where Can You Go Parachuting?
Across the world, there are countless DropZones - facilities dedicated to facilitating skydiving and parachuting opportunities for thrill-seekers and newcomers alike. The majority of these operations are located in or around major cities as parachuting does require access to proper training, facilities, and aircraft to participate in this activity safely.
The most reliable way to experience parachuting is to locate and book a reservation with a reputable and experienced DropZone facility.
The Risks of Parachuting
Like any aerial sport or activity involving acceleration toward the ground, parachuting comes with intrinsic risks and requires proper preparation to participate safely.
Before ever suiting up for a first parachute jump, it's of utmost importance to be briefed on proper procedures and safety protocols. The main risk to be aware of with parachuting is the potential for a parachute malfunction where the deployed parachute fails to slow the descent properly. This could lead to an uncontrolled and potentially injurious free fall. Proper training helps prepare for such an unlikely worst-case scenario by ensuring jumpers know emergency procedures like cutting away a malfunctioning parachute for the deployment of a reserve chute.
Tips for Parachuting Beginners
If you're interested in experiencing the thrill of parachuting for the first time or as a newcomer to the sport, keep these tips in mind:
1. Utilize a Tandem Parachuting Experience - For absolute beginners, a tandem parachuting jump where you're harnessed to an experienced instructor is a much more accessible way to get a feel for parachuting rather than attempting a solo jump from the get-go.
2. Start Small from Smaller Heights - Many parachute training facilities offer opportunities to deploy a small parachute from lower heights like 3,500 feet or less before graduating to higher altitude jumps. This is a great way for beginners to build comfort.
3. Perfect Your Body Position - A key component of having safe parachute deployments and landings is holding the proper arched body position. This helps maintain heading control and a stable descent, important skills to develop.
4. Choose the Right Drop Zone - Research local parachuting centers and ask questions about their instructors, facilities, aircraft, training programs, and safety protocols. You want an operation that prioritizes training, and safety and has highly experienced professionals.
5. Be in It For the Right Reasons - Parachuting should be pursued with an understanding and respect for the preparation required to participate safely. Those getting involved simply to prove their courage may find the sport less enjoyable.
Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer to parachuting looking for an unforgettable rush, safety should be the top priority. With proper training and preparation, gathering the courage to leap into this exhilarating activity can lead to a lifelong passion and appreciation for parachuting's heart-pounding thrills.
