Skydiving is one of the most daring, bold and scary sports you can do, and adrenaline junkies all over the world participate in millions of jumps every year. With history dating back to the 1100, the Chinese were the first race to make the earliest form of parachutes, and the tradition has continued all the way into the 21st century. Skydiving as we know it was invented by a Frenchman named Andre-Jacques Garnerin in 1797, as he jumped from a balloon sailing above Paris.
Regarded as one of the most exhilarating experiences on the entertainment market, skydiving is a dead-set nerve tester. But getting past those nervous moments before you get on the plane can be extremely tough, so here’s a few tips to kick-start your skydiving career!
Invest in the Best Equipment
Skydiving is all about safety, and knowing that you’ve got the right equipment will always help calm your nerves. Firstly, you must ensure that you discard any clothes that will hinder your movement in the air, and it’s also advised that you skydive with open-toed footwear or sandals. Goggles or contact lenses are also a must, as the high wind pressure and velocity of the dive will no doubt blow any glasses off your face!
Make Sure You Go For a Rigorous Medical Check-Up
Skydiving can produce levels of adrenaline that are unmatched by any other sport, and this means that your body will physically and mentally tested to its limits. It’s very important that you tell your doctor about any ailments you have, from head injury claims to previous broken bones – ultimately, your doctor will have the final say on your dive! Your body weight is also something to keep an eye on. If you’re too heavy, your landing will be hindered.
Maintain Focus
A single skydiving jump usually lasts around one minute, so it’s essential to keep your focus during this short period of time. Letting your mind wonder when falling can have dire consequences, and if you’re not switched on when landing, you could end up breaking your legs, or worse. Always have one eye on your instruments, and never take unnecessary risks!
If in Doubt, Ask
The best skydivers in the world haven’t got their renowned titles for being unsafe and reckless, and somewhere along the line, they’ve asked for advice on certain dives too. Skydiving is all about being in control of your emotions, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance from instructors if you’ve got something on your mind.
Skydiving has a very good safety record, but that’s only because participants have made sure they’re safe and knowledgeable in all aspects of the sport. Skydiving instructors have seen it all, from tangled parachutes to dangerous landings, and they know to relay this vital information to new divers. Skydiving is a fun sport, and in order to keep it that way, fears must be addressed. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – no matter how silly you think they sound!
This article was written by @Scramboodle. For more interesting adrenaline sports tips, and to watch out for head injury claims in such sports as snowboarding Tweet.