Extreme Skydive Games
Author: John Ewing

The sport of skydiving, already adventurous in its own right,
boasts several parachute games and competitions that test the
skill and expertise of pros and daredevils alike.

Skydiving may not be traditional Olympic sport, but
participants interested in parachute games can find contests
and competitions held annually in various parts of the world.
The International World Games Association, which is recognized
by the International Olympic Committee, sponsors skydiving
competitions.

The 2005 World Games, which were held in Duisburg, Germany,
included many parachuting events. Participants competed in
canopy piloting, formation skydiving, freeflying, freestyle
stunts, and accuracy landing events. Just as in the traditional
Olympic games, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to
the individuals or teams placing first, second, and third in
these skydiving games. Skydiving has also been included in the
x-games, which hosts competitions for "extreme sports."

Speed skydiving is one type of "extreme" parachute games in
which jumpers exit an aircraft at 13,000 feet and then
accelerate in a vertical, head-first position into a measuring
zone, which begins at 8,850 feet and extends to 5,570 feet.
Altimeters attached to the racing skydivers measure average
speeds across the measuring zone.

Skysurfing and BASE jumping are two skydiving games that are
gaining in popularity. Skysurfing, which can be extremely
dangerous – especially for inexperienced skydivers – involves
the use of a small board (similar to a snowboard) attached to
the jumper's feet. With this board, skysurfers can try radical
maneuvers not otherwise possible. Participants can kick the
board loose just prior to landing; some experienced skysurfers
are able to land with the board still attached to their feet
and glide to a stop. Only very experienced skydivers should
choose to participate in skysurfing and should only do so after
speaking with people who have tried skysurfing. Classes and
instructional videos are available from some skysurfers and
from board manufacturers.

"BASE" stands for Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), and
Earth (cliffs) – fixed objects that skydivers jump from rather
than from aircraft. BASE jumping is one parachute game that
relatively inexperienced skydivers may try; however, there are
some limitations. First, finding a place where BASE jumping is
legal can be difficult. Second, although extensive skydiving
experience is not necessary, BASE jumpers must ensure that they
are skilled in parachute packing and canopy control and should
have sharp reflexes and good body-position awareness.


About The Author: John Ewing enjoys writing for
http://www.skydiving-parachuting-guide.com . With tips for
first time jumpers and Skydive lessons at
http://www.skydiving-parachuting-guide.com/learn-how-to-skydive.html