Most people have not even heard about the concept of parachutes as a hobby. The general perception is that parachuting is something associated with jumping from airplanes in emergencies or for training purposes. However, this is not so. Parachuting as a hobby involves jumping from high altitudes with the help of a parachute and going through skydiving, again and again, to get accustomed to the sensation. This article throws light on everything you need to know about this adrenaline-pumping activity.
What is Parachuting?
If you want to know what parachuting is, you should know that it is an activity where the person jumps with a parachute. Of course, these parachutes are deployed at a very high altitude, so there is little or no risk of you getting injured when the parachute doesn’t open. Interestingly, parachuting is an activity that is not restricted to just skydivers. Parachuting as a hobby involves jumping from high altitudes with the help of a parachute and going through skydiving, again and again, to get accustomed to the sensation. You can get the experience of jumping from many thousands of feet in the air and then opening your parachute at the last minute, and then using it to descend at a much slower pace. You can do this either by renting a parachute or buying one with which you can go skydiving at an airport near your home.
Why parachute as a hobby?
There are many advantages of parachuting as a hobby. To start with, it is quite an inexpensive hobby, and you don’t need any special skills to be able to do it. Furthermore, you can do it from almost any age, with very few health restrictions. You can do it alone or in groups. You can do it with your family or friends. It is also a great way to meet new people. You can do it any time of the year, and you can do it in any part of the world. You don’t even have to travel to another country for it. You can also do it in any weather condition.
How to parachute as a hobby?
The first step to parachuting as a hobby is finding a place to jump from a plane. You can do this either by approaching a skydiving club near your home or by finding a drop zone online. Choose an instructor and book an appointment. It is important to select an instructor who has experience in parachute jumping. You can conduct a quick internet search to get more information about various instructors near you. If you are confused about jumping near your home, you can do this anywhere in the world.
How much does it cost to parachute as a hobby?
The cost of parachuting as a hobby can vary depending on where you do it and how often you do it. Most skydiving clubs charge somewhere between $70-$100 for a jump. This is for the jump only and does not include the cost of transportation to and from the drop zone. Most drop zones charge from $110-$180 for a jump, and this includes both the jump and transportation.
Things to know before starting
As you are about to start this thrilling hobby, keep the following things in mind. You will need to be fit, so make sure that you get a medical checkup before you start. This is especially important if you are over 40 or have a medical condition. You will have to sign a few papers before you jump. You will have to be over 18 years of age, and you will have to sign a waiver stating that you are doing this at your own risk. If you are jumping near your home, you can drive your car to the drop zone. If you are jumping at a drop zone in another city, you will have to make transportation arrangements. You will have to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Keep in mind that parachuting is a very risky activity. So, make sure that you follow all the instructions and guidelines strictly.
Final words: Is parachuting a hobby for you?
If you love to take risks and are looking for an adventurous hobby, then there is nothing better than parachuting. However, you have to keep in mind that this is a risky activity and should be done only if you can handle the pressure and the responsibility that comes with it. If you are interested in parachuting as a hobby, then make sure that you have enough time to pursue this. This is because it takes several jumps to get accustomed to the feeling of falling and it's very likely you will want to progress to freefalling skydiving.