Have you ever wondered why skydiving is considered a sport? Well, it’s pretty simple. Skydiving involves using one’s body and equipment to safely navigate the air and land. It takes a great deal of skill, athleticism, and coordination. Many different competitions take place each year where skydivers can showcase their talents.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a scaredy-cat, there’s no denying that skydiving is one heck of a rush. Let’s take a closer look at what makes skydiving a sport:
What Is a Sport?
A sport involves physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.
The most common types of sports are team sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, and hockey; individual sports, such as tennis, golf, and boxing; and extreme sports, such as skateboarding and BMX biking. There are also several non-competitive sports, such as yoga and Pilates, which people do for exercise or relaxation.
Sports have been around for centuries and play an essential role in many cultures. Sports are considered a rite of passage for young people in many cases. They can teach teamwork and discipline and promote physical fitness and health. Sports can also be a source of great enjoyment for participants and spectators alike.
Skydiving Competitions
Several skydiving competitions take place each year. The most notable and prestigious event is the World Championships, held every two years. Other major competitions include the European, US National, and Australian Championships.
Competitions are judged based on various factors, including the number and difficulty of the jumps, the speed and accuracy of the landing, and the creativity and originality of the routine. Competitors typically perform a set way during competition but may choose to do a free skydive instead.
The World Championships is the most prestigious skydiving competition in the world. It was first held in 1959 and has been held every two years since then. The event attracts some of the best skydivers around the globe and features a wide range of events, including canopy formation skydiving, freestyle skydiving, and wingsuit flying.
Freestyle Skydiving
Freestyle skydiving is a type of skydiving in which the participant uses their body to create shapes and movements in the air. This can include flips, turns, and other acrobatic maneuvers. Freestyle skydiving is often considered more challenging than other forms of skydiving, as it requires greater skill and control.
Despite the challenges, freestyle skydiving is a very popular activity, and there are many competitions where participants can showcase their skills. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled activity that will test your limits, freestyle skydiving may be right for you.
Formation Skydiving
Formation skydiving is a sport in which a group of skydivers form specific patterns in the sky while freefalling. Many different formations can be created, and they can be as simple or complex as the skydivers want them to be.
Some formations are designed for show, while others are used for competition or training. To create formations, skydivers must understand aerodynamics and body positioning well. Overall, it is a relatively new sport developed in the early 1990s. It has quickly become popular, thanks partly to its impressive displays and the fact that it is relatively safe compared to other aerial sports like BASE jumping.
To participate, skydivers must be experienced and understand the sport well. Formation skydivers can participate in many different competitions and events, and the sport is constantly evolving.
Vertical Formation Skydiving
Vertical formation skydiving, or VFS, combines the thrill of skydiving with the challenge of working as a team to complete complex formations in mid-air.
To compete in VFS, teams of four skydivers work together to build vertical formations as quickly and accurately as possible. The formations must be at least two meters tall and can be made up of any combination of linked figures, such as pyramids, human chains, or star shapes.
The sport is scored based on the time it takes to complete the formation and the accuracy with which it is done. To be successful, teams must have strong communication and coordination skills.
Wingsuit Acrobatic Flying
Wing Suit Acrobatic Flying is a sport where participants use a wingsuit to fly through the air and perform acrobatic maneuvers in this sport. It is considered an extreme sport and can be pretty dangerous. Participants must be skilled in skydiving and flying to participate in this sport.
Wingsuit flying can be performed in a variety of ways. Some participants fly through the air in a straight line, while others perform acrobatic maneuvers. The most skilled participants can even fly backward and upside down.
Quick Safety Tips Before You Start
Make Sure You’re Adequately Trained & Certified: Many different schools offer skydiving classes, so be sure to research and find a reputable one.
Check Weather Conditions Before Skydiving: If it is windy or cloudy, jumping out of a plane is unsafe.
Always Use a Parachute: This may seem common sense, but many people have died because they did not use a parachute.
Never Skydive Alone: It is essential to have someone with you if something goes wrong.
Follow The Instructions of Your Sky-Diving Instructor: They are there for a reason and know what is best for your safety.
Is Skydiving A Sport?
Skydiving is considered an extreme sport because it requires physical fitness, skill, and coordination, but also has an element of risk. The skydivers must be in excellent physical condition to withstand the forces of freefalling and opening their parachutes.
They must also be skilled at flying their parachutes to land safely and coordinated enough to manage their parachutes with other jumpers. Making it a challenging and athletic activity that tests a person’s abilities.