Speed skydiving is one of the most exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping extreme sports that has gained popularity among experienced skydivers. For those looking to add another level of excitement to their freefall experience, speed skydiving offers the thrill of controlled dives at incredibly high speeds. But like all extreme sports, it requires skill, preparation, and knowledge before you can safely take the plunge.
If you’re interested in speed skydiving and don’t know where to begin, this guide will provide all the essential information you need to start your journey. From basic requirements to safety tips, we’ll break down everything in simple terms so you can confidently take the first step toward mastering this exciting discipline.
What Is Speed Skydiving?
Speed skydiving is a variation of traditional skydiving that focuses on achieving the highest possible freefall speeds. While regular skydiving typically sees divers reaching speeds of about 120 miles per hour, speed skydiving aims to push those limits, often exceeding 180 miles per hour. The main objective in speed skydiving is not only to fall as quickly as possible but also to do so with precision, control, and stability.
Speed skydiving differs from other forms of skydiving, such as canopy piloting or formation skydiving, because it requires advanced techniques and a higher level of skill. The discipline involves flying in a belly-to-earth position for maximum speed, and often, jumpers will also participate in timed competitions, where precision and accuracy are key factors.
How to Start with Speed Skydiving
Before you can begin speed skydiving, there are several steps to follow. It’s important to understand that speed skydiving is not for beginners. You need to gain significant experience in standard skydiving first.
1. Master the Basics of Skydiving
Speed skydiving is an advanced level of the sport, so you must first complete the necessary training in regular skydiving.
Here’s what you need to do:
Complete the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Course
The first step in skydiving is obtaining your skydiving certification. You’ll need to complete an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course, which is designed to teach you the basics of skydiving and freefall. During the AFF course, you’ll make jumps from 10,000 to 14,000 feet with instructors who will guide you through the jump and ensure your safety.
The course will include ground training, where you’ll learn how to control your body in freefall, deploy your parachute, and handle emergencies. After completing the AFF program and gaining several jumps, you’ll become a licensed skydiver (usually an A-License).
Accumulate Jump Experience
Once you’ve earned your skydiving license, you’ll need to accumulate a certain number of jumps. While the minimum requirement varies by country, most skydiving organizations recommend at least 100 to 200 jumps before pursuing speed skydiving. This ensures that you have enough experience in freefall and parachuting to understand how to control your body and manage emergency situations.
2. Understand Speed Skydiving Equipment
Speed skydiving requires specialized equipment to maximize speed and maintain control. Here are some of the key pieces of equipment you’ll need:
Speed-Specific Parachute
While most skydivers use a standard parachute, speed skydiving requires a different type. Speed skydiving parachutes are designed to withstand the high speeds experienced during the freefall and offer greater stability. These parachutes have smaller and more aerodynamic canopies that allow the jumper to maintain a higher velocity.
Helmet and Goggles
When you’re falling at high speeds, the wind resistance can be intense. To protect your eyes and ensure you can see clearly, you’ll need a helmet and goggles specifically designed for skydiving. A full-face helmet is often recommended for speed skydivers, as it can reduce wind impact on your face and neck.
Jumpsuit
A specialized jumpsuit is also important for speed skydiving. These suits are designed to reduce drag and optimize aerodynamics, allowing you to fall faster and more efficiently. Most speed skydiving jumpsuits are made of lightweight, breathable material and feature body contours that help you maintain a stable position in freefall.
3. Get Advanced Training in Speed Skydiving
Once you have mastered the basic skydiving skills, it’s time to take advanced training specifically for speed skydiving. This training will teach you how to perform high-speed dives safely and how to adjust your body position to reach optimal speed.
Understanding the Freefall Position
Achieving maximum speed in skydiving involves learning the proper freefall position. In speed skydiving, you’ll often adopt a “belly-to-earth” position, where you maintain a flat body and keep your limbs in specific positions to reduce drag. Your instructor will teach you the correct technique for controlling your posture and body position while falling at high speeds.
Stability and Control in High-Speed Freefall
Speed skydiving requires maintaining stability at extreme velocities. At higher speeds, small body movements can cause significant shifts in direction, so you must learn how to control your fall and make small adjustments without overcorrecting. Your instructor will work with you to develop this skill.
Practicing for Competitions
If you’re interested in competing in speed skydiving events, you’ll need to practice your speed control and accuracy.
Competitions are timed, so you’ll need to work on performing jumps that are not only fast but also precise. Timing your parachute deployment and landing is key to success.
4. Understand the Safety Risks
While speed skydiving is thrilling, it comes with increased risks due to the high speeds and specialized maneuvers involved.
Here are some key safety considerations:
Deployment at High Speed
One of the biggest challenges in speed skydiving is deploying the parachute at high speeds. It’s essential to have the experience and knowledge to manage the deployment process safely. Pulling the parachute at the wrong time or at too high a speed can lead to malfunctions or instability.
Emergency Procedures
Speed skydiving instructors will teach you emergency procedures specific to high-speed dives, such as handling a malfunctioning parachute, deploying a reserve chute, and recovering stability in freefall. It’s vital to stay calm and follow the proper protocols if something goes wrong.
Monitoring Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can affect your speed and control during a dive, so always make sure to jump in optimal conditions.
Wind gusts, turbulence, or thunderstorms can make speed skydiving dangerous. Always check with your instructor or drop zone before jumping to ensure that the conditions are safe.
Conclusion
Speed skydiving is an incredibly exciting and challenging sport that requires dedication, skill, and precision. By mastering the basics of skydiving, acquiring the proper equipment, and undergoing advanced training, you can safely begin your journey into speed skydiving. Remember that safety should always come first, and with the right preparation and experience, you can enjoy the thrill of skydiving at extreme speeds. So, take your time, get the proper training, and when you’re ready, enjoy the rush of freefalling faster than ever before!