Skydiving is an extreme sport that involves jumping from an aircraft at high altitude and using a parachute to brake the fall and land safely on the ground. The sport attracts those seeking adrenaline and adventure, and it’s an activity that offers both physical excitement and psychological challenge.
History
The history of skydiving extends from early military applications to becoming a global sport.
During World War II, parachute technology improved significantly, giving post-war civilian jumpers access to superior equipment. Leslie Irvin, who made the first conscious freefall jump in 1919, laid the foundation for modern skydiving.
In the 1930s, skydiving began gaining popularity as a sport, and in 1952 it was internationally recognized as such. Today, the sport is safer and more accessible to the public thanks to technological advances such as automatic activation devices, which have contributed to increased safety and interest.
Making a skydive
Skydiving offers a mix of adrenaline and community – perfect for adventure seekers. This extreme sport involves jumping from thousands of meters up in the air, where jumpers experience the freedom of floating through the sky before safely landing with the help of a parachute. However, before taking the step into thin air, extensive preparation is required. Candidates must undergo a course covering everything from safety and equipment handling to emergency procedures, with the option to start with a tandem jump to get a feel for it.
With today’s advanced equipment, which includes dual parachutes, automatic activation devices and other redundancy’s – the sport is safer than ever. Jumping isn’t just for the thrill; it also provides an amazing view and opportunity to challenge oneself, both physically and mentally.
The strong community within skydiving emerges from shared experiences and the mutual trust required for the sport. Many are drawn to the sport to overcome fears, for the beauty of freefall, or to engage in a lifestyle characterized by fellowship and belonging.
Events and camps reinforce the social aspect of the sport, where jumpers gather to develop together and share joys. With jumps from up to 4000 meters and speeds around 200 km/h, each jump is a unique experience. So, why not take the step and experience the ultimate freedom in skydiving?
Tandem skydiving
Tandem jumping is an exciting introduction to skydiving that allows beginners to experience the adrenaline rush without first having to get a skydiving license. Equipped with an experienced instructor strapped to your back, you can feel secure knowing someone with knowledge is handling the jump while you enjoy the breathtaking view and sense of freedom.
Doing a tandem jump is a fantastic way to try skydiving and often lead to a lifelong love of the sport. Whether it’s to cross off an item on your bucket list or start a new hobby – tandem jumping is an experience that’s hard to forget!
How much does it cost to skydive?
A tandem jump in the Stockholm area is between 2,500 and 4,000 SEK. Licensed skydivers in Sweden jump for around 260 SEK per jump, but abroad it can be up to 400-500 SEK per jump. Check out Skydive Stockholm’s price list here »
