Skydiving is an exhilarating sport that combines the thrill of freefall with the beauty of soaring through the sky. But before you can experience the rush, one crucial aspect demands attention: what you wear. The right clothing isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety, performance, and ensuring a memorable jump. Moreover, the proper attire can significantly impact your confidence and ease during the entire skydiving process. Additionally, the appropriate clothing can protect you from the harsh elements at high altitudes, such as strong winds and rapidly changing temperatures. This article will guide you through every piece of attire you need for a successful skydive.
Headgear: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset
Helmets
The helmet is the first line of defense for your head during a skydive. Modern skydiving helmets are designed to absorb impact in case of an accident while providing a clear field of vision. They come in two main types: full-face and open-face. Full-face helmets offer the highest level of protection, covering your entire head and face. They shield your face from the intense wind during freefall, which can reach speeds of up to 120 mph (193 km/h). These helmets are popular among experienced skydivers who perform complex maneuvers or participate in competitive events.
Open-face helmets, on the other hand, leave your face exposed. They are lighter and provide a more natural feel, allowing you to feel the wind on your face. However, they offer less protection to the face. Open-face helmets are often preferred by beginners or those who want a more “bare – bones” skydiving experience.
Most skydiving helmets also come with features like adjustable chin straps for a snug fit, visors to protect your eyes from the sun and debris, and ventilation holes to prevent overheating.
Goggles
Even if you choose an open – face helmet, or if your full – face helmet has a clear visor, goggles are essential. During freefall, the wind can make it nearly impossible to keep your eyes open without goggles. They protect your eyes from dust, insects, and the harsh wind, ensuring you can enjoy the incredible view during your descent.
Goggles should fit snugly around your eyes, creating a seal to prevent wind from getting in. They often have anti-fog coatings to keep your vision clear, especially important when transitioning from the cold upper atmosphere to the warmer air closer to the ground. Some goggles also come with UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Upper Body: Clothing for Comfort and Function
Jumpsuits
The jumpsuit is the most recognizable piece of skydiving attire. Made from durable, lightweight materials like nylon or polyester, jumpsuits are designed to be aerodynamic and provide a certain level of protection. There are different types of jumpsuits for various levels of skydivers. For beginners, tandem jumpsuits are commonly used. Tandem jumpsuits are designed to accommodate both the student and the instructor. They usually have large, comfortable pockets where the instructor can keep important items like altimeters and radios.
For solo skydivers, freefly jumpsuits are popular. These jumpsuits are form-fitting to reduce drag during freefall, allowing for greater control and maneuverability. They often have additional features like webbing on the arms and legs, which can be used to link up with other skydivers during formation skydiving. Jumpsuits also come with zippers or Velcro closures for easy on and off. Some have reinforced areas at the knees and elbows for added durability, as these areas are more likely to come into contact with the ground during landing.
Jackets
In cooler weather or at higher altitudes, a jacket is necessary. Skydiving jackets are typically insulated but still lightweight. They are designed to keep you warm without adding too much bulk, which could affect your movement and aerodynamics. Insulated jackets may use materials like synthetic down or Thinsulate. These materials provide excellent warmth while being compressible, so the jacket can be easily packed away when not in use. Some jackets also have windproof and water-resistant outer layers to protect against the elements. For tandem jumps, the instructor may wear a specialized harness jacket. This jacket has built-in harnesses and attachment points, making it easier to connect the student and instructor securely.
Lower Body: Stability and Protection
Pants
Skydiving pants are similar to jumpsuits in terms of material. They are usually made from nylon or polyester to be lightweight and durable. The pants should fit well, not too tight to restrict movement but not too loose that they flap in the wind, which can cause drag. Some skydiving pants have additional features like reinforced seats and knees. Since landing often involves contact with the ground, these reinforced areas help prevent tears and wear. Just like jumpsuits, pants may have zippers or Velcro closures at the ankles to make them easier to put on and take off, especially when wearing boots. For cold – weather skydiving, thermal – lined pants can be worn underneath the regular skydiving pants. These thermal layers provide extra warmth without sacrificing the necessary flexibility and aerodynamics.
Boots
The right boots are crucial for a safe landing. Skydiving boots are typically made from leather or synthetic materials that are sturdy and provide good ankle support. They have thick, grippy soles to help you maintain stability when touching down on the ground. Boots should fit snugly but not too tightly. They need to allow for some movement of the toes, as you’ll need to use your feet to control your landing. Some boots have high tops that extend above the ankle, offering even more support and protection. In addition to the main boots, some skydivers also use booties. Booties are thin, lightweight covers that can be worn over regular shoes. They are a more affordable option for beginners who don’t want to invest in full – fledged skydiving boots right away, but they still provide some protection and help with aerodynamics.
Hands and Feet: Additional Protection
Gloves
Gloves are essential for protecting your hands during a skydive. The wind during freefall can be extremely strong, and without gloves, your hands can quickly become numb and lose dexterity. Skydiving gloves come in different thicknesses and materials. For warm weather jumps, thin leather or synthetic gloves are sufficient. They provide a good grip on the parachute toggles and protect your hands from the wind without making them too hot. In colder conditions, insulated gloves are necessary. These gloves use materials like neoprene or fleece to keep your hands warm while still allowing you to operate the parachute controls effectively. Some gloves also have touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which can be useful if you want to use a camera or other electronic devices during your jump.
Socks
Although often overlooked, the right socks can make a big difference in your skydiving experience. Thick, moisture-wicking socks are ideal. They help prevent blisters by reducing friction inside your boots, and they keep your feet dry by absorbing sweat. Cotton socks are not recommended, as they tend to retain moisture and can lead to discomfort and blisters. Instead, look for socks made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, or natural materials like merino wool, which have excellent moisture – wicking properties.
Accessories: The Little Things That Matter
Altimeters
An altimeter is a crucial piece of equipment that tells you your altitude during the jump. While not strictly “clothing,” it is usually worn on the body. There are two main types of altimeters: mechanical and digital. Mechanical altimeters use a barometric pressure sensor to measure altitude. They are simple, reliable, and don’t require batteries. Digital altimeters, on the other hand, offer more features like audible alarms that can alert you when you reach a certain altitude. They are often worn on the wrist like a watch or attached to the harness.
Harnesses
The harness is what connects you to the parachute system. It consists of straps that go around your shoulders, waist, and legs. Harnesses are designed to distribute the weight of the parachute and your body evenly, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride. For tandem jumps, the harness system is more complex, as it has to accommodate two people. It has multiple attachment points and adjustable straps to ensure a perfect fit for both the student and the instructor. Solo harnesses are more streamlined, but they still offer a high level of adjustability and safety features.
Emergency Equipment: In addition to the main parachute, most skydivers also carry emergency equipment such as a reserve parachute. The reserve parachute is packed in a container that is attached to the harness. There are also other emergency devices like cutaways, which allow you to jettison a malfunctioning main parachute in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Choosing the right clothing and equipment for skydiving is a critical step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. From the helmet that protects your head to the socks that keep your feet comfortable, every piece of attire serves a specific purpose. Whether you’re a beginner going on a tandem jump or an experienced solo skydiver, understanding the importance of proper skydiving attire is essential. By investing in high-quality gear and wearing the right clothes, you can focus on the thrill of the jump and create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, in skydiving, what you wear can make all the difference between a great jump and a potentially dangerous one.