The Rules of the Sky

It’s unfortunate but as much fun as skydiving it, there are rules here that still must be followed. Although you may be excited about gearing up and running for the nearest plane that can soar you into the skies, it’s important to get your head out of the clouds long enough to see that you are prepared. Here are a few simple tips that could save you headaches and hassles once you get to the site:

1.) It is usually required that skydivers are 18 years of age. This is for any type of skydiving, for most sites and can not generally use a parent’s signature as granted permission to skydive.

2.) Most sites have a weight limit, which is generally around 250 pounds, that should guests weigh over that, they will not be allowed to jump.

3.) Wear clothes that are comfortable and practical. While it may not seem like a huge deal to be sitting in the air with high-heels on, it will become a major problem upon landing. Remember that you are participating in a sport and should dress appropriately so.

4.) If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them along for your jump. You have to wear goggles anyway and so, you’re glasses will not only be kept safe but they will allow you to fully enjoy every beautiful moment!

Cherish the Memories

There are some things in life that only happen once and although they are truly unforgettable experiences, you want to get them down on film so that you can truly cherish the memory forever. Skydiving is one such experience and not only is having your first jump videotaped doable, it’s completely encouraged by most sites that provide skydiving jumps, especially the places that serve clientele that are mostly coming for a once-in-a-lifetime experience rather than clientele that do it as a regular hobby.

There are generally two types of videos offered and the site you jump from may offer one or both. One video includes on-ground interviews before and after the jump and videotapes you from the ground as you jump and then land in a group of all your friends and family. The second type of video requires that the videographer jump with you and they have a special camera that can tape you in the air. Whichever you choose will depend on your own preferences but this is definitely a great way to always have something to remember such a great experience with!

Go! Sports Skydiving

The game Go! Sports Skydiving brought by Playstation 3 this past February has been getting rave reviews ever since its release. This game allows one to experience just about everything you can with skydiving including group formations, battle modes, solo jumps, team match, and landing techniques! There are so many ways to play this awesome game including four different ways to play online and two different ways to play offline. The graphics in this game are truly incredible and not only are the colors vibrant but the detail is so great that, combined with the rushing feeling you get only when jumping, you will truly feel as though you’re falling through the air!

How Much Will Skydiving Cost?

There’s no doubt that as an extreme sport, skydiving can become pretty costly when you factor in air time, equipment, and whatever other fees can often be accumulated through the different flying clubs. Yes, skydiving can be expensive but once you have paid the initial fee, it can really become quite reasonable and there’s often no need to even invest in any of that hardcore, extreme equipment unless you’re going to be taking up skydiving as more than just an occasional hobby. Most clubs will offer a beginner’s package, which will generally consist of a few minutes training, some equipment, and the actual jump, it will generally cost around £100. Any jumps after that usually hover around the £40 mark and the higher the plane climbs, the higher the price does as well. Skydiving doesn’t have to be expensive and it’s important to remember that whatever you lose in coin, you are rewarded with the thrill that only a jump can provide!

Hypnosis and Skydiving

While it’s generally not a good idea to be under hypnosis while jumping out of a plane, more and more people who are eager to skydive but too overcome by fear to do it often (or at all) are turning to an alternative therapy to help them get over their phobeas and take the great leap. This therapy is hypnosis and like any other kind of hypnosis, it uses power of suggestion to help one better manage their fear. Whether it works or not may be for you to decide.

While hypnosis is not meant to treat anxieties or depression of severe types, it has been found that hypnosis for something temporary and that, in the end, is really a lot of fun, can be quite effective. Some even just like to use it just the first time to get over that initial fear of the unknown. However, it’s also important to remember that one of the best ways to overcome a fear of skydiving is to just suit up and do it! Being up there a few times is enough to prove anyone that it’s perfectly safe and a perfect thrill!

The Very First Skydiving

Although many think that skydiving began during World War II, it’s history can actually be dated back to a much earlier time than this. It was in twelfth century China that the very first documentation of skydiving was recorded. Of course, the lack of planes made it impossible for this form of skydiving to be thought of as what we know of it today but there’s evidence that groups of people would at this time form themselves in a fashion that would allow them to fall safely to the ground. Leonardo da Vinci, among all of his other famous work, was also known for creating the first design of a parachute. The parachute that he had designed showed a wooden design.

Skydiving is a sport that is constantly evolving as enthusiasts and skydiving manufacturers continue to make great advancements. One has to wonder after considering these early forms of skydiving how long it will take for our descendants to consider our equipment and methods ancient?

What it’s Like when you Get up There

Anyone who’s gone skydiving will tell you that it’s the most amazing experience in the world. They will also say that there’s no way to explain it and while that’s true in a way, there are certain things that you should know before you go that will help you be more prepared and ready for this thrilling experience!

1.) Have something on hand to think about in the plane. From the time you leave the ground to the time you get to the jumping point will seem like the longest time in your life for that first jump. It’s very quiet and there’s a lot of time to think so be ready to think about something positive and motivating.

2.) Repeat the plan with the instructor. And then repeat it again. Do you want to jump forward or backward? Would you prefer that they pull the rip cord or do you want to pull it? Will you need to help steer at all? Make sure you know as much as you can before the both of you are in the air.

3.) Have a friend waiting on the ground. Make sure that you pick someone to come that will be excited and happy for you and not so busy being nervous they can’t wave or cheer. Whether you’re still a little scared or exhilerated over what you just accomplished, you will want someone to hug after that first jump!

Skydiving and Life Insurance?

Many people who are thinking of taking up skydiving may be hesitant because if the unthinkable happens up there and they need to make sure their loved ones are covered, will their current insurance policy cover them? Well simply put, if you get the insurance before you skydive, yes it will and if you get it after you take up skydiving and didn’t disclose your hobby, most likely not. However, if you were up front with the agent about your tendency to jump out of planes, you will most likely be fine due to an addition that was most likely in your policy.

This addition, with most major insurance companies, dictates that the policy holder will pay a certain amount per year to cover the additional risk to the life insurance company. Generally this is a flat rate extra fee, usually about £100 but some companies will charge per number of times that you go skydiving in a year. What it all comes down to is making sure that if you are a skydiver looking for life insurance, be honest about your needs and situation with insurance companies and see who can give you the best deal. If you already have life insurance and want to jump out of a plane, strap on a chute and enjoy the ride!

Skydive your way to I Do!

Every couple wants their wedding ceremony to be something unique that they and their guests will remember forever. There is no better way to do this than to take the plunge into marriage by plunging through the air. A couple has a number of options when they decide to have their wedding ceremony performed this way. They may choose to have the ceremony in the airplane before they jump or they could have a land ceremony in front of a few guests before heading up into the clouds. Even couples who have never attempted skydiving before can fulfill this dream. Tandem jumps will then be taken and each person will jump with a certified instructor. Imagine how great it would be to have all your guests waiting for you on the ground while they watched you sail through the air with your new spouse to meet them at the reception site!