Skydiving can be a fun activity: between the thrill of it and the adrenaline rush, it is a demanding activity that is not accessible to everyone due to many factors. Regardless of your will, you may be forbidden to practice it even though you admire this entertainment.
However, for skydiving enthusiasts and practitioners, you need to know where this activity is practiced and what arrangements to make. This article provides information on everything you need to know about skydiving
Where to skydive?
Skydiving is an unforgettable moment because it doesn't happen very often. For thrill seekers, it's a hobby like any other. Nevertheless, it is a moment that most people decide to experience. If in some cases you need training, in other cases you can jump freely with the guidance of an instructor.
To help you find a place that suits you, we offer you several places that will leave you with the best memories of your skydive.
The best spots for better skydiving
There are many places to make your jump. Some people prefer places and others do not. The list is not exhaustive and depending on taste, you may have a preference for a skydiving club.
Gap, high alps
From its full name Gap-Tallard, the Gap is a region located in the Hautes-Alpes with a rather pleasant weather all year round. In France, this region is the largest free fall zone and a reference in skydiving. It is a place that makes you have an epic experience.
To make your parachute jump, you take off from the Gap airfield. You will fly over a wonderful landscape consisting of the Dévoluy to the north, the Céüse mountain to the west and the Serre-Ponçon lake to the east. Note that this region is a world famous spot.
Soulac-sur-Mer
Located near Bordeaux, it is a place that offers you an impressive panoramic view. You have a view of the effects of the waves of the sea and the scenery of the beach. Soulac-sur-Mer is attached to the Côte d'Argent. A geographical situation that is very favorable for the beauty of the view.
To make your skydive, you take off from the Runde airfield. When you make your jump, you have a view of the Atlantic Ocean. For those who like to jump, they can enjoy it while it lasts. But for those not used to it, the effects of the adrenaline rush and the impending descent may prevent you from concentrating on the view of the seascape. The special thing about this place is that you can land after your jump with your feet in the sand of the beach.
What is the price of a skydiving jump?
There are several types of skydives. The price of a skydiving jump depends on the type of jump you want to make.
Tandem jump
Tandem skydiving is a jump that allows you to experience skydiving without having to worry about safety issues. Indeed, before the jump, a debriefing is done on the skydiving arsenal followed by the boarding. In this type of jump, it is important to stay close to your instructor and to follow the advice he gives you. You make the jump with him. This means that you are attached to him.
Also called freefall baptism, it is intended for people making their first jump. Its cost is between 230€ and 270€ depending on the altitude.
Accompanied fall progression jump (CAP)
PAC skydiving is an introduction to skydiving that teaches you how to make a jump yourself and deploy your parachute. It is a modern method that allows you to reach autonomy in the practice of freefall jumping in a short time. Your training in the air is ensured by two instructors who will take care of your safety and teach you the right attitudes and postures in freefall. The price of this training is on average 300€ to 500€. Your training lasts a few hours at an altitude of 4000 meters. You make several jumps.
The automatic opening jump
At between 175€ and 200€, the automatic opening parachute jump is the cheapest of the category. Indeed, it consists of an automatic opening of your parachute at low altitude. It is adapted to the first jump alone in parachute. It is a very pleasant experience because of the lesser sensation of falling. As a general rule, you jump at an altitude of 1100 meters.
The Accompanied Progression in Fall (APF) course
The Accompanied Skydive Progression course is a complete course that allows you to make independent skydives. With this course you can jump alone, without the help of an instructor, as soon as your course ends. In contrast to the PAC jump, the course can last several days. The training is divided into several phases. The practical phase and the intense theoretical phase. The theory is important because it teaches you how to stand up in the air and the gestures to have for your safety.
It is possible for you to do a PAC course between 1000€ and 1500€ for a classic course. The A license will cost you about 2000€. Costs may vary depending on the training center
Is there a maximum weight?
Skydiving is an activity that takes place in the open air. However, it is obvious that during a jump, the weight has a direct impact on the fall speed of the skydiver. Gravity and weight have an impact on the fall of the person. The more weight you have, the faster you fall. The less weight you have, the longer your fall time.
Note that when you jump in pairs, i.e. a tandem jump, your fall will be fast. This is why tandem jumps are equipped with canopies to allow for a more stable fall and a slower descent. However, parachute jumps are regulated by weight for safety reasons. There are therefore minimum and maximum weight limits set by recreational establishments that are partners in discovery sports.
Minimum weight limits
The minimum weight requirement for a skydive may vary depending on the instructor. When it comes to tandem skydiving, the minimum weight is 40 kg. This is one of the reasons why children are not allowed to participate in this type of entertainment. On the other hand, the minimum limits may vary depending on several factors, including the physical condition of the person, the weather conditions and his or her state of health.
Maximum weight limits
The purpose of the weight limit for skydiving is to ensure the safety of the passengers. This implies that the instructor will take into account your physical condition, and your health. In some cases, the instructor will take into account the body mass index. However, some skydiving centers do this on a case by case basis. As for the weight limit for a tandem jump, it is 100 kg. It can be 85 kg in some clubs or 110 kg. It is therefore obvious that the weight can vary from one structure to another.
The Body Mass Index is important to be able to skydive. Indeed, the BMI is a correlation between your height and your weight. For example, if you are 5'9" and weigh 75kg you have a better BMI than someone who weighs the same and is much smaller. The low Body Mass Index allows you to have a much less dangerous fall and resistance to friction.
The weight of the passenger determines his resistance and stability during the fall. The BMI is in this element that allows the clubs to be fixed on the conduct to hold. The safety of the skydiver and the instructor is at stake. A written indication is present in the skydiving clubs to indicate the constraints related to the weight and size of the passenger.
From and until what age?
Skydiving is a thrilling activity that may be of interest to many people. One might wonder how old you have to be to do it. Indeed, you should know that if there is no age limit for skydiving, there is a minimum age to do it: only from 15 years old. This age is required because of the minimum weight needed for a jump. The weight is 40 kg, so it is logical that not all children at this age weigh that much.
Also, note that the lack of a maximum age limit does not allow everyone to do this activity. If you have a heart condition or epilepsy, you will not be able to do it. It is therefore recommended that those who are able to do this experience request a medical certificate. The certificate is mandatory for children between 15 and 18 years old. They will also need a parental authorization signed by both parents. This is a sine qua non condition.
How to dress for a skydiving jump?
Skydiving is a high altitude activity. It is advisable to dress warmly because the temperature can be negative. But in general, you can adapt your clothing to the temperature of the ground. If it is warm, you can wear casual clothes: shorts and a t-shirt. When it's cold, remember to cover up properly and wear gloves if possible. Because you can quickly catch a cold.
Some skydivers prefer to admire the atmosphere while feeling the wind passing through the hair or feet. This is not a problem. The ideal is to wear clothes that do not disturb you during your jump. For example, you can wear a sports outfit. During your jump, your instructor will be able to give you the necessary clothing guidelines to perform your jump with ease.
Are there any contraindications?
Skydiving requires certain essential parameters to ensure your safety. This includes contraindications. Indeed, there are several types of contraindications for skydiving. Some are permanent and others are not. Jumping is contraindicated for pregnant women, people with prostheses and people who have suffered fractures, etc.
You are not allowed to free fall if you have heart problems, epilepsy and high blood pressure. Also if you have lung disease or asthma, chronic or acute ear disease, neurological disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism, head trauma, surgical sequelae, severe obesity or other illnesses requiring heavy medical treatment.
It is advisable to have a medical check-up and to ask your doctor's advice before booking a skydive.
Skydiving schools
There are a variety of skydiving schools. The French Skydiving Federation has listed all the skydiving schools available on the French territory. These schools have been classified by leagues of which we will mention a few:
The Auvergne Rhone-Alpes skydiving league
There are several skydiving clubs here:
- CSA-E.P.A 749
- C.D.P. OF THE LOIRE
- ASPL/CEP OF SAINT ETIENNE SAINT GALMIER
- PARA CLUB ROANNAIS
- PARA CLUB DU PUY
- CLERMONT PARACHUTING
- CSA OF VALBONNE
- PARA CLUB AURILLAC
- GRENOBLE SKYDIVING SCHOOL CENTER
- CD DE PARACHUTISME DE L'ISERE
- ASSOCIATION AIR LIBRE
- SARL SAVOIE PARACHUTISME
- C.D.P. OF HAUTE SAVOIE
- ANNECY SLOPE FLIGHT
- VIRAGE ANNECY CLUB PARAGLIDING SCHOOL
- CSA 27E BCA
- DOME ZONE
- CD DE PARACHUTISME DU RHONE
- LYON-CORBAS SKYDIVING SCHOOL
- CSA OF THE MILITARY SCHOOL OF HIGH MOUNTAIN
The Bourgogne-Franche-Comte skydiving league
There are also several schools in this area. These are:
- 511TH TRAIN RG CSA
- EP NORD FRANCHE COMTE
- BESANCON FRANCHE-COMTE SKYDIVING SCHOOL
- MONTBELIARD SKYDIVING
- CHALON PARACHUTING
- SPORTS AND LEISURE CLUB OF AUTUN MILITARY SCHOOL
- PARIS JUMP
- MILITARY CSA OF BESANCON
- BFC SKYDIVING
- SARL CENTER DE PARACHUTISME PARIS NEVERS
- CD OF PARACHUTING SAONE ET LOIRE
- PARA CLUB ASCENSIONNEL CHAROLAIS BRIONNAIS ST YAN
- EURL ANGEL PARACHUTISME
Learn to skydive
Find an address to make your first skydive
So, now that you've been reassured, are you tempted by a first parachute jump? If so, contact as soon as possible Adrenactivea website specialized in booking sessions for high sensations sports, including of course skydiving. Thanks to this site, which lists a large number of good plans to go for a first parachute jump - or a second one... - anywhere on the metropolitan territory, you will inevitably find a way to go and taste these strong sensations. It is also on this website that you will be able to reserve a place for an initiation to skydivingYou can even have your photo taken or even a video taken as a souvenir of your first jump, as you would like to offer it to a loved one for their birthday. There is even the possibility, when you make your very first jump, to have your picture taken or even a video as a souvenir. So all you have to do is choose the date and the place!
Skydiving: a wonderful gift
It is important to know that skydiving is a gift for thrill seekers and if the person who will soon blow out his candles is of this kind, there is no need to hesitate a single second; you must offer him a parachute jump absolutely! You'll see that you won't regret it, because she'll be over the moon when she opens the envelope containing the invitation to board a plane. The thrill she'll feel and the experience she'll tell you about will be worth the choice you've made for her. offer a parachute jump. Happiness comes in small packages, so if you are looking for an idea that will really please someone you love, you should choose this gift idea of skydiving.
