Skydivin'

Skydiving, also known as parachuting, is the recreational sport of jumping from an aircraft or other high altitude point and descending with the aid of a parachute. It can be performed individually or as part of a group.

The jump is initiated from an altitude high enough for the parachute to deploy and allow for a controlled descent. Skydiving often involves a period of freefall, where the skydiver experiences a sensation of weightlessness before deploying the parachute.

Skydiving requires specialized equipment, including a parachute system (main and reserve), a jumpsuit, a helmet, and often an automatic activation device (AAD) that will deploy the reserve parachute if the skydiver is unable to do so.

Skydiving is typically performed at dropzones, which are designated areas approved for skydiving activities. These dropzones usually have certified instructors and provide training and equipment for both beginners and experienced skydivers.

There are various disciplines within skydiving, including freeflying (performing aerial maneuvers during freefall), formation skydiving (building formations with multiple skydivers), and canopy piloting (performing maneuvers after the parachute has been deployed).

Safety is paramount in skydiving, and jumpers undergo training and follow strict procedures to minimize risks. Regulations and standards are often set by governing bodies like the United States Parachute Association (USPA) or similar organizations in other countries.