Whether you are looking for a thrill, or an intense competition, there is nothing that can compare to skydiving. However, as one might expect, jumping out of a plane thousands of feet above the ground could be potentially dangerous. It is for that reason that, when jumping, both novices and experts alike must wear the appropriate equipment to ensure that their experience is a safe one.
Approximately thirty skydivers are killed in action each year in the United States, and countless more are injured. While error in judgment and unsafe maneuvers are generally the cause of most accidents, safety equipment or lack thereof still plays a major role. The truth is that, without stringent restrictions regarding the need for safety equipment when skydiving, there would likely be many more injuries and fatalities than is indicated by the available data.
If you are a novice and are considering buying equipment before your first jump, there are a few essentials that you must purchase to ensure your safety. These essentials include two parachutes, the container used to hold them, headgear, and a skydiving bodysuit.
The parachute is, by far, the most important piece of safety equipment needed when skydiving. Many western world countries, including the United States, require skydivers to have two fully functional parachutes on them before going up for a jump. In addition, skydivers are required to have their emergency parachute inspected twice per year.
The necessity of a second parachute is far greater than some may believe. The presence of a second parachute in the container has likely saved thousands of lives. While mechanical failure of the primary parachute is not entirely common, it does happen. Mechanical failure, however, is not the only reason why a skydiver might use their backup parachute. Mid-air collisions between two skydivers often cause parachutes to get tangled, creating a very dangerous situation for both divers involved. The collision generally causes one, if not both, of the parachutes to collapse. It is in such a situation that the second parachute is vital, and ultimately, life-saving.
There are a variety of parachutes available for purchase in today’s market. For novices, a parachute that is fairly large is recommended, as it provides for a safer skydiving experience. Larger parachutes are generally easier to control, and provide for a slower freefall. The majority of parachutes now available in today’s market are rectangular shaped, as they generally allow for softer landings and better overall control while in mid-air.
Because parachute systems are fairly expensive, many new skydivers opt to purchase used equipment. The used equipment market for skydiving gear is substantial, as high quality products can generally be found for pennies on the dollar. With that said, however, it is absolutely essential that used equipment is thoroughly inspected by a qualified individual before a purchase is made so as to avoid the risk of buying a faulty or damaged product.
Another must-have piece of safety equipment for any skydiver is headgear. Like parachutes, there are many variations of headgear available to skydivers. The type of headgear that you choose will very much depend on your skill level, as well as the intentions of your jump. There are three typical kinds of headgear pieces that are commonly purchased.
The standard choice of headgear worn by skydivers is that of the open-face helmet. This kind of helmet does not cover your entire face, but rather serves to protect your skull. A chinstrap is used to keep this piece of headgear attached to your head. Because open-face helmets do not usually feature visors, goggles are needed as an accessory to the helmet. The goggles will protect your eyes from any damage that may come about during the fall.
A second choice, full-face headgear is becoming more popular in recent years. Full-face headgear is widely considered to be the most comfortable helmet worn by skydivers. Not only do these helmets provide a better fit, but they also feature a visor. The visor gives skydivers a better view of their surrounding during the fall than goggles do.
A third kind of helmet is the camera helmet. Camera helmets are ideal for those that would like to record every minute of their skydiving experience. They are also excellent options for skydiving instructors, and those looking to film a jump for commercial purposes. These helmets generally have a very targeted audience, and are not nearly as commonly sold as their open-face and full-face counterparts. With many highly advanced attachment cameras now available for open-face and full-face helmets, camera helmets are becoming less popular than they once were.
The last essential piece of safety equipment needed before taking your first jump is the skydiving body suit. Skydiving body suits are not one-size fits all as some may like to believe. Rather, there are different kinds of body suits available for every kind of skydiving skill level. When choosing a body suit, it is important to ensure that it is form-fitted to your body type and shape. You also need to consider what kind of material you prefer. Certain materials, such as dense spandex, will provide more drag than others, making them the perfect choice for novices.