The Future of Skydiving

Skydiving is evolving. There’s no other sport that is moving so fast, and changing the way we think about what’s possible in life.

So where did all this start?

Well, first attempts were disastrous. Goofball cloaks and umbrella jumps did little to encourage the uptake of what should have been a life-saving invention.

Conceived by the ancient Chinese and by Leonardo da Vinci, the first parachute jump was later, in 1797. It wasn’t until American Leslie Irvin risked all in 1919 and pioneered free-fall that the sport began for real.

From here it was onwards and upwards, or more appropriately, downwards. Military types realized the tactical advantage of parachuting troops behind enemy lines, and pilots jumped at the chance (sorry!) to have such an invention strapped to their backs, or tied under their seats.

Now, thanks to the latest technology, jumpers can fall faster and from much higher. It’s even brought on the development of bat-suits; these help wearers fly across the skies not just fall through them.

Beginner parachutists use the highly reliable static line method – with this your chute is pulled automatically as you exit the plane.

Free-fall is very different. Jumping with a chute and a reserve, you get to pull your own ripcord, or rely on an automatic release method.

As to pushing things on, Felix Baumgartner is the man to watch. Former Austrian military display parachutist, he’s looking to beat the free-fall world record, and jump from the edge of space – that’s from 120,000ft!

Lets get back to basics for a minute. If you know someone who has that daredevil streak, someone for whom the average gift experience might not be exciting enough, then why not get them into parachuting?

With beginner lessons, tandem jumps and full-on free-fall courses available across the country, a gift certificate will have them jumping with joy!