Extreme Skydiving 1

Extreme Skydiving 2

Extreme Skydiving Stunt

What is Extreme Skydiving?

by Andrew Caxton

For the uninitiated, it may seem that skydiving does not need an adjective such as “extreme.” Many people would ask, “Isn’t skydiving always extreme?”

The answer from those experienced in parachuting, skydiving and extreme skydiving would be, “No.” There is an important difference between skydiving and extreme skydiving, (Some have suggested that in extreme skydiving, the individual would not use a parachute. That would be extreme!) Rest assured, both continue to use parachutes.

What Is Extreme Then?

To put it quite simply, “regular” skydiving involves leaving the airplane, pulling the cord and descending slowly to earth. A short freefall may be involved in this version of the sport. The process of becoming an extreme skydiver passes through the “regular” skydiving phase. Some experienced skydivers have found that, after dozens of jumps, the activity can become a bit routine. While the general public might find it unusual that someone could jump from an airplane several thousand feet in the air and call it routine, it does happen.

For many skydivers, a next step might be to video the jumps, sometimes using two or more cameras to create videos that will be exciting and entertaining. Experienced skydivers have come up with a whole range of things to try during the minute or so of freefall before the parachute is opened. Most of these go far beyond the relative calm of video.

Team skydivers spend quite a bit of time designing patterns and movements that they can try during the freefall. Couples have planned their wedding to take place during this exciting minute. Another man actually had someone tattoo him while he was in freefall. These are just a few of the activities that have combined with skydiving to make the sport more extreme.

Fleafall

In spite of the awful play on words, this activity has become quite popular with skydiving dog lovers. According to the record books, a dachshund going by the name of Brutus holds the record for making the highest skydiving jump for a dog. He was securely strapped to his owner, who coined the term “fleafall.” According to his owner and other witnesses, Brutus shows no sign of anxiety during the session. The canine has more than 100 jumps to his credit.

While extreme skydiving is not on the Olympic card yet (even as exhibition) it is popular worldwide. Apparently the powers that be have not seen enough to convince them that extreme skydiving is a world-class sport. But perhaps the time is coming.

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by Michael Baker

Skydiving helmets are the most basic and most necessary skydiving equipment that one must get on a top priority before going skydiving. The skydiving helmets are usually made from Carbon fiber. It is a protective gear that protects the head of the skydiver from injuries in case of accidents during the fall or during landing.

Where the odds of landing safely and alive is greater than the odds of being killed in skydiving, the odds of being killed is greater than being paralyzed during an accident in skydiving. The bones in the body recover with time, but only a few people recover from a skull damage. So, one must always get a proper skydiving helmet.

While selecting a helmet, one must make sure that he is very comfortable with it. Because during skydiving, one must feel at ease with what he is wearing and so that the movements are not restricted in mid air.

The skydiving helmets are to protect the head from bumping in the plane and mid air collisions. They also protect the head from bumping into the objects or tree branches on which one may land amidst.

While some people like wearing their helmets, some of the people prefer very lightweight helmets and some people prefer no helmet at all. The jumper must be aware of the protection promised by different helmet styles and he must be comfortable and non complaining with the risks associated.

Before one goes to purchase a helmet, he must learn about its workings. It may also be helpful in his selection. An important characteristic of a good helmet is that it should absorb as much impact force as possible and must not break with a comparatively smaller force.

The uppermost part of the helmet, called the shell is designed to break when hit with a sufficiently hard impact. The shell and the liner work in such a way to distribute the force and the energy of the impact. The liner of the helmet should be designed to absorb a greater amount of impact energy. A good helmet has the same sort of hard liner that a motorcycle helmet has.

Sky diving helmets are available in many types in market. As a fact, there are number of helmets available in the market which do a lot more than just protecting the head. Some of the skydiving helmets are available with an inbuilt video camera which records the scenery while you are heading towards the earth and it has become very popular with the community.

Normally, the type of material used to make the skydiving helmet determines its price. If one wants to get the best skydiving helmet available in the market, then it is highly recommended that he does a quick survey of the helmets that are available in the market.

Understanding all the different aspects of the skydiving helmet can help to make choosing one a little more simple.

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Exhilarating. The ultimate rush. Thrill of a lifetime.

For those who have jumped out of an airplane and plummeted toward earth in a skydiving freefall, words seem to be inadequate to describe the experience.

You just have to try it they say. And, who has not thought of doing just that? You’re never too old. Former President George H.W. Bush did it to celebrate his 75th birthday, then again on his 80th.

There are a few things to consider before taking that first big step, to make sure that the experience is rewarding and that you get everything out of it that you can.

1. Choose a certified instructor

Go online and do your research. Make sure that all instructors at a diving club or commercial skydiving establishment are certified. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to help you be comfortable with the idea of that first jump.

2. Check the safety record of instructors and pilots

Before you do your skydive, you want to make sure that they have a good safety record, and that you know everything you can about them. Don’t be afraid to hang around for awhile and ask experienced jumpers what they think of the airplanes, the pilots, the instructors and the rental equipment.

3. Decide whether to jump tandem or solo

Beginners are encouraged to take a tandem jump( as President Bush did with a highly qualified instructor). Tandem jumps are a great way to get an introduction to the sport.

They allow the learner to gain an understanding of the sport with an experienced jumper. A tandem jump consists of an experienced jumper called a “Tandem master” and his or her passenger - you.

The passenger and tandem master each wear a harness. The passengers’ harness attaches to the front of the master’s harness and the two of them jump together from approximately 14,000 feet above the ground, free fall together for 65 seconds, open the parachute together, and land together under one really big parachute. A tandem jump requires anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes of additional ground preparation.

Tandem jumping avoids the time, expense and effort of the more in-depth training required for solo jumps.

If you decide you want to do a solo jump for your first experience, you will have to take an instruction course and you will probably be required to use a static line. A static line is attached to the airplane and to the jumper’s chute. The line pulls open the parachute as soon as you leap out of the plane.

If you do a tandem jump, you jump with an instructor who is going to do all the work. You will just go along for the ride.

4. Make sure that you understand everything

Before you decide to sign up for your first jump, be sure you understand every instruction you are given.

Don’t go up without a full understanding of the steps to the jump. You certainly won’t gain an understanding of the thrill and rush of the experience, but you should be well aware of the sequence of events in your jump, the timing, how to land and whether or not it helps to scream on the way down.

Take your time. Assure yourself that the person who is instructing you is answering your questions fully and not rushing you.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the way it’s going, don’t go. Wait awhile, go to another jump school, or just keep asking questions of those who are already experienced jumpers. They are such an enthusiastic bunch, you’ll probably have a hard time shutting them up.

5. Then what?

If you enjoy that first skydiving experience , think about getting instruction and personal certification.

You should be aware, though, that it can be a very expensive sport. That is something you will really want to consider before paying for training, jump gear, parachute, airplane time and many miscellaneous charges.

If you take the big step, you will probably be the one searching for superlatives to describe your experience.

For more information visit the web site below.

Jay Marsh is a writer-researcher with more than four decades of journalistic experience. His publishing company, Info Innovations LLC, offers in-depth information about everyday matters and concerns. There’s a lot more skydiving information for you at his web site: www.info-innovations.com/skydiving You can learn much more there to help you decide whether skydiving is for you.

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Paragliding is perfect for tandem flight. Don’t believe us? Well watch these vids and let us prove it to you.

Seriously, paragliding is simply a perfect sport to share with. There is nothing that can really describe the feeling of soaring at altitude. Maybe the following tandem paragliding videos of people getting their first taste will at least give you a sense of the majesty of flight.

Tandem Paragliding Videos

Tandem Paragliding 16th April 2008

Tandem Paragliding Oludeniz Turkey

Monte a Maltese Tandem Paragliding

Tandem Paragliding Acrobatics

16th April 2008, Tandem Paragliding #1

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We’ve got some extreme hang gliding in the form of ridge racing and chasing for you today. These videos show you sides of hang gliding that most of you have not seen.

If you have some hang gliding videos of your own, share them with us. We’ll add them to our next post and give you the credit you deserve!

Hang Gliding in Oceanside, Oregon

Hang Gliding - Brasilia Classico - World Championsh Free Fly

Hang Gliding - Fly like an eagle

Hang gliding at Point of the Mountain

Hang Gliding - Furious Angels

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Ever seen a pug skydive?

Ever wonder what would happen if you mixed Base Jumping with Skydiving?

This weeks videos explore the possibilities. Enjoy!!

Extreme Skydiving

400 Way Skydiving World Record - Official Video

Compilation of Skydiving & BASE as we will Die Another Day

Xtreme PUG SKYDIVING

Skydiving Accident

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Paragliding is one of those surreal sports. It is at the same time relaxing and invigorating.

While these articles, videos and photos cannot relate the experience completely, they will give you a sense of the magic.

Enjoy!

First, A Few Paragliding Videos

How To - Paragliding Packing

Beyond Extreme Paragliding

How to - Ground Handling and the Art of Kiting a Paraglider

Next Up… Paragliding News & Notes

Paragliding 101

Today we went to the Torrey Pines Glider Point in La Jolla. Justin flew tandem and had an awesome time. The instructor he flew with took him on a wild ride with flips, turns and big drops. The girls and I loved watching him. …

Daredevil Paragliding Chihuahua Survives Crash

An Australian paraglider and his Chihuahua, Emma — strapped to his chest with a simple cloth sling were left dangling from a tree 115 feet above ground.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Paragliding

Speaking as someone who’s got issues with heights, I can assure you that once you’ve hurled yourself off the cliff/mountain/ledge and are airborne, it’s just about the most fun you’re likely to have. (As proof, check out this video of …

And Now A Few Beautiful Paragliding Photos

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Today we have a montage of videos highlighting base jumping star Chris McDougal (aka Douggs)… This guy is a prolific jumper and extreme sport evangelist. His awesome collection of vids is sure to please anyone considering the thrill of base jumping.

For more base jumping insight video, head over to Douggs’ YouTube channel or his dedicated base jumping site BaseDreams.com.

When you are ready to capture your extreme exploits on film, check out our exclusive high-res digital recorder and bullet cam rugged enough for extreme sports like base jumping.

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From indoor skydiving to a unique skydiving commercial from auto giant Honda, here are the top stories in skydiving this week.

This Week in Skydiving

Airkix Indoor Skydiving

The Airkix Indoor Skydiving experience lets you feel the thrill of sky diving, but in a safe enclosed indoor enviroment. This gift is suitable for ages 5 & up making it perfect for almost everyone. On the day you will be talked through …

Fathers day experience days in the UK- 2008

This totally unique experience allows to you experience the sheer exhilaration of skydiving, in a specially constructed wind tunnel, the likes of which are usually used to test the aerodynamics of F1 racing cars! …

MotoCross AND Base Jumping?

Yesterday we posted a video of Travis Pastrana skydiving WITHOUT a parachute. Well, it turns out that this guy is a real adrenaline junky. This is video footage of him riding his dirt bike off a huge ramp over the edge of the Grand …

Live skydiving advert broadcast on TV

A group of skydivers have starred in a live television advert on Channel 4. The ad showed them as they jumped out of a plane above Madrid, Spain and spelt out the letters of car maker ‘Honda’ mid air. The feat is all the more impressive …

Skydiving Marriage proposal

We arrived at Skydive Jersey Shore and got suited up. I told Cristina that I wanted jump first, so that I could take pictures of her coming down. I knew she wouldn’t think anything of it. Of course, we would want pictures of this. …

14 skydivers jump from disabled plane

The pilot of a skydiving plane made a crash landing in southeast Indiana after his plane malfunctioned at 7000 feet, forcing 14 skydivers to jump from the disabled aircraft. More…

Plane used in Honda skydiving ad crashed next flight

Mere hours after Honda’s impressive skydiving commercial named “Jump” aired live in Europe, the plane used in the spot crashed and claimed the lives of its pilot and a skydiver. Nine other skydivers aboard the plane, a Pilatus PC-6, …

For more skydiving links, check out our dedicated Skydiving page.

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Cheers the paragliding fans of the world!

We have scoured the web to find the paragliding news you need to know.

Today in Paragliding

Bibeta 4 breaks FAI world record

On May 9th Lois Grugger from the Salzburg Flying School staff flew a 112 km FAI triangle with the new BIBETA 4. Professional tandem pilots don’t usually do much cross country - when the weather’s perfect they’re doing tandem rides, …

Hangies vs Paragliders competition

July 27th to August 2nd this year are the dates for the Tater Hill Open in North Carolina (USA). The competition is unusual in that low-performing hang gliders compete directly against paragliders in cross country tasks, …

Gorgeous Sunset over the Pacific… With Paragliders!

Check out this sunset timelapse that Mike shot using CHDK. Paragliders streak across the sky like lasers! (click play to start) (link to other sizes)

No peace for the wicked

Nigel S and Ben F also took some lines before the Paragliders got going. Paul h did some demo flights on his mosquito power unit showing perfect take offs followed by interesting landing approaches. Dean had a cracking first flight on …

Glider Thrill Rides

Tim has had the pleasure of soaring in sailplanes, hang-gliders and paragliders in the past, both real and simulated. His enthusiasm for these activities is evident in his writing, which he hopes will inspire others. …

A Typical Paraglider Pilot? - No Such Thing!

Just what is a typical paraglider pilot? The short answer is ‘there are none’. The slightly longer answer might be ‘well, a lot of them seem to be guys in their 30s or 40s’. Surprised? Isn’t paragliding one of those scary, risky, …

For more paragliding connections, check out out Paragliding page.

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