History
The ancient Chinese and Leonardo da Vinci are both credited with conceiving the idea of a parachute but it was in France in the 18th century that the first parachutes were made and used.

Facilities and Equipment Required
Equipment is usually hired from clubs/centres or inclusive to a course fee - main and reserve parachutes, harness/container bag, altimeter, helmet, goggles, jumpsuit and automatic activation device.  You must be aged 16 years or older, with parent's/guardian's written consent if aged under 18.

The three types of first jump are:

1. Static Line:   Requires at least six hours ground training. The parachute opens automatically when you leave the aircraft at around 3,200 feet.
2. Tandem:  You jump in dual harness with an experienced instructor.   May be open to disabled people, subject to a Doctor's medical declaration.
3. Accelerated Freefall: Intensive and more expensive training, allowing rapid progression in freefall.  First descent is from 12,000 feet accompanied by two instructors.

Benefits of Participating
Enjoyment, exhilaration and limitless challenge are available even to the absolute beginner, whilst at its highest level, skydiving is a highly competitive sport.    The majority of skydiving is done for fun and there is also an exciting social side, with the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.

Variations
Skydiving comprises both solo and team disciplines which include style and accuracy, freefall and freefly, formation skydiving and canopy formation.   Competitions are held at various levels from regional to world championships.