The Parachute Experience

What is the parachute? Nothing more than a thin, lightweight fabric, supported by tapes and suspension lines and attached to ones body by special strong shoulder and waist straps, called risers. Why should one wear a parachute? Obviously, in order to avoid sudden death. This is not a game people. Parachutes have saved lives and if you are one of those daredevils, who wish to begin another interesting hobby like skydiving, you better research, read and learn whatever you need to know about your next best friend, the durable, flexible parachute.

The simpler version of parachute is the round one. Mainly used for their dragging features, in military, emergency units, and cargo applications, round parachutes are large mushroom-shaped canopies that prevent a body or object from falling on to the earths surface due to gravity. By extending the area of an object, these life-saving devices lower the velocity of a falling object or human being and thus, are greatly admired. Their contemporary version is much more stable than in the past and permits the person falling to navigate it towards the desired landing area.

Round parachutes steering qualities, however, are not as advanced as that of the ram-air parachutes. These contemporary parachutes are self-inflating, hence the name ram-air, also known as parafoils. Having two layers of fabric, they allow much greater lift and range and are easier to handle. The two layers are used because the space created between the two fabrics fills with high pressure air and thus, resemble more the structure of a balloon; with navigation abilities of course.

Other variations of the round parachute are the pull down apex parachute, the Para-Commander-type canopy, or the ribbon and ring parachutes. All offer different navigational experience to the one using them and are preferred in different circumstances and occasions.

But, whichever your excuse or desire may be, it is absolutely essential to be adequately and professionally trained before attempting to use a parachute. It is a horrifying experience to jump off a plain and not knowing which cord to pull in order to release your parachute and slide through the air instead of falling down. Research extensively the schools and trainers profiles before signing with a team of parachute users and if you are not absolutely sure you want to try this for yourself, do not follow someone elses lead. Learn as much as you can about parachutes and specifically for the one you are planning to use and never, ever, follow a non-experienced skydiver, just because its going to be a fun experience. Remember that you are risking your life, thus be proactive and you will be safe.