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{Speed} Skydiving


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{Speed} Skydiving

 

 

Speed skydiving is a speed competition between skydivers. Instead of diving “slowly”, (if that is even a word in skydiving) the skydivers go head first, streamlining their bodies, and can reach speeds of 350 MPH. Skydivers can reach high G forces. It is extremely hard on the bodies so they need special equipment. It is a fairly safe sport and hobby. But be warned, skydiving is not for the weak hearted.

 

The equipment in speed skydiving can vary between traditional skydiving equipment and specialized equipment. A quote that perfectly describes this Or somewhat describes it is from Kai Wolf “Don't be afraid of falling out of the plane, you are dressed for the occasion.” (Quote Garden (#1)) Traditional equipment includes the parachute. Parachutes can be big and bulky so the quote, “Only skydivers know why the birds sing — they never have to pack a parachute.”, (Quote Garden (#2)) is a very true quote  Parachutes are what draw the line between a happy skydiver and a splat on some dirt. “Once you've thrown your pilot chute, you're done. It's out of your hands. From that moment on you just enjoy the view or panic.” (Quote Garden (#3)) A piece of equipment to go along with the parachute is an AAD or automatic activation device. This device works by measuring speed and altitude to automatically open the parachute if the skydiver is rendered incapable to do so. Skydivers also need a jumpsuit. Skydivers are often exposed to high winds, hail, and freezing temps. A good jumpsuit will keep a skydiver safe and warm. Another important piece of equipment is the Altimeter. This device allows the skydiver to open his parachute at a specific altitude. Finally, some of the more specialized equipment that speed skydivers need is protective gear, including, extra padding, and spinal protectors.


The casualty rate in skydiving is 0.000008% so it is a rather safe sport. However, there are 19 confirmed deaths from skydiving in 2012 alone. A quote from Charles W. Purcell is  “Out of 10,000 feet of fall, always remember that the last half inch hurts the most.” (Quote Garden (#4)) It is fun until that final few seconds and then skydivers have to focus. Divers have to tuck-and-roll to not break any bones or worse. One of my favorite quotes on the topic of skydiving is "All people who live, die. But, not all people who die have lived." (Drop zone (#5))


In skydiving, givers can reach up to 12 Gs upon opening the chute, but only if it opens to fast.. A typical roller coaster ride only gets 5 Gs. G-force at high levels can be damaging to the human body. Therefore some skydivers actually go through some G-Force training before they jump. A quote from an unknown author is “You may never get rid of the butterflies, but you can teach them how to fly in formation.” - (QuoteGarden (#6)) “May G-force be with you” (White Rabbit (#7))


All of those things, the equipment, low casualty rate, and fun with G-forces make skydivers enjoy skydiving. A quote from Lori Steffen is “When you are skydiving, you focus on that skydive and nothing else.” (nolimitsskydiving.com(#8)) Skydiving can be a stress reliever. It can allow the skydiver to forget about the stresses of life, even just for a few minutes. Skydivers enjoy what they do, most of the time, and enjoy the adrenaline and satisfaction you get from a successful jump.

Edited by Blackdrakon30
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- A few adjustments to sentence structure (commas, etc.)

 

Approved

 

 

 

Welcome back to AWC, I haven't seen you around here for a while.  :P

Edited by Blackdrakon30

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- A few adjustments to sentence structure (commas, etc.)

 

Approved

 

 


 

Welcome back to AWC, I haven't seen you around here for a while.  :P

Thank you.

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