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60 - Skydiving, Paragliding and Bungee Jumping Safety and Precautions!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
BEGIN by researching the facilities in your area that offer these kinds of extreme sports adventures.
SKYDIVING;
Speak with the trainer who has to be an experienced and professional skydiver.
Request to see their authorization and certification documents.
You have to inspect the gear you will be wearing and using.
Gear would basically include the garment(s) you would wear and the parachute(s).
In order for a parachute to be of good quality and ready-to-use, it has to be carefully folded, or "packed" to ensure that it will open reliably: Emergency and reserve parachutes are packed by "riggers" who must be trained and certified according to legal standards. Paratroops and sport skydivers are always trained to pack their own primary "main" parachutes. Thus, inspect the company’s parachutes and make sure you check their materials for any problems or malfunctions.
Parachutes can malfunction in several ways. Malfunctions can range from minor problems that can be corrected in-flight and still land safely, to catastrophic malfunctions that will require you to cut away the main parachute using a modern 3-ring release system and the reserve parachute to be deployed to save your life!
Most skydivers are also equipped with small barometric computers known as an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) that will automatically deploy the reserve parachute in case of emergency. Specifically, if a skydiver does not deploy the main parachute to reduce his rate of descent by a preset altitude, the AAD device “reads” the malfunction and automatically releases the reserve parachute.
Approximately one in a thousand main parachutes experience some kind of opening malfunction and must be cut away; although some skydivers have on their records many thousands of jumps and never once had to cut away their parachute!
Most accidents and fatalities in skydiving occur under a fully functional main parachute due to turbulence or inexperience!
Ask, listen, and essentially learn as much as you can from your skydiving trainer(s) before taking off and ultimately jumping off the plane.
Remember To;
-- Eat a light meal, Avoid skydiving on an empty stomach or right after a heavy meal.
-- Get enough rest the night before the jump.
-- Wear loose, comfortable clothing like a collarless t-shirt and track bottoms. Avoid wearing jeans or synthetic garments.
-- Bring snacks: Pack snacks in case there is a weather delay.
-- Arrive at the skydiving facility an hour in advance to complete paperwork and a health checkup.
-- Follow your instructor's instructions
-- Follow the tips and safety measures provided by your instructor.
-- Learn the parachute landing fall (PLF), a safety technique that involves doing a ninja roll when you touch the ground.
-- Consider TANDEM skydiving where you're attached to an experienced instructor, this has a better safety rate than SOLO skydiving!
PARAGLIDING
Learn to paraglide from a fully qualified paragliding instructor.
Don't ever try to self-learn how to paraglide, this could be very dangerous!
Don't buy second-hand equipment, unless it has been seen by your instructor and is deemed suitable.
Paragliders are rated on performance. If you join a registered club you will be taught on a paraglider that has been rated for a beginner.
Equipment you will need apart from a canopy is a harness, flight suit, boots and a helmet.
More advanced pilots may also need navigation instruments and other accessories.
Plan your flight before-hand.
Take the weather into account before launching.
You don't need a hill to paraglide. You can be launched on the flat by towing, using an engine-driven winch. It is important however that you have been trained in the technique of taking off using a tow before attempting it. The tow operator must also have been fully trained.
Use caution if you are attempting to fly in weather conditions you have never flown in before!
Do NOT attempt a level of flight that is beyond your level of experience!
Never attempt fixed rope towing or tethering, this is extremely dangerous!
Use your common sense, don't take unnecessary risks!
Paragliding can be dangerous enough without making rash decisions or judgments.
Always Remember To;
Before every Paragliding flight, pilots should check that their equipment is in good condition and secure. This includes:
-- Fastening their helmet and harness leg straps
-- Ensuring the wing is connected correctly
-- Attaching the speed system
-- Making sure the lines aren't twisted
-- Checking that the reserve parachute is installed properly
-- Inspecting the paraglider for wear and tear
-- Confirming that the weather conditions are suitable for flying
BUNGEE JUMPING
Bungee jumping involves a person diving from a high place while secured from the take-off point with an elastic or bungee cord.
Individuals planning to bungee jump should meet the following criteria to limit health and other risks
Weight-for-height within the target range (note: accurate measurements are recommended for proper fitting of equipment, including weight-bearing cords and body harnesses, if used.)
Absence or adequate control of medical conditions considered prohibitive; FOR the following or related conditions, it is crucial to seek professional counsel with a physician or nurse practitioner:
-Abnormal blood pressure
-Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
-Back or leg disorders
-Breathing disorders
-Circulatory disorders
-Head injuries
-Possible pregnancy (bungee jumping during pregnancy is highly discouraged!)
-Any recent surgery
Plan the jump in advance!
View the service provider's website for information and any certification.
Read reviews and do your research to check if it is a safe, reputable company.
Clothing such as dresses, skirts, and heels are NOT suitable for bungee jumping - Nothing should get in your way or cover your face or view - Trainers or boots are a good idea!
Arrive an hour early and prepare for the jump. Go through the safety briefings, get weighed, relax mentally, talk to the instructors and watch other people jump!
Be in good health and NO alcohol
Know your limits!
In ADDITION to the ankle harnesses securing the bungee to the body, ADD a body harness (as used in rock climbing) to increase safety!
Jump only from a sturdy and stable structure from which to anchor the bungee cord, i.e. steel railings of a bridge or safety fence
Some services - particularly those using a continuous location - place an airbag, webbing, or similar safety "sling" at the bottom of the jump space, to provide a safety space in the unlikely event of a fall!
Wear casual outdoor clothing that does not interfere with proper harnessing without flying fabric or objects (including jewelry and unsecured glasses or even contact lenses) that could cause injury or obstruct vision
Many companies call off jumping during unfavorable weather, due to the inherent dangers of poor visibility and uncontrollable wind patterns raising the risk of injury.
Rain, snow, residual wetness, and ice cause slippery conditions that may impair the reliable operation of the equipment.
The staff operating a jumping service are responsible for ensuring all equipment is in place and functional, and that proper safety procedures are followed.
The staff should be trained, and experienced bungee jumping professionals.
The tie-off location should be secure.
Jump space should be clear of interfering objects, trees, etc.
There should be a policy for checking and re-checking procedures.
Medical services (including first aid) should be readily available on-site!