Although both the ancient Chinese and Leonardo de Vinci are recognized as having conceived the idea of parachuting, it wasn’t until 1797 that the first parachute jump was made by a Frenchman, André Jacques Garnerín, using a basket underneath a silk parachute that was ejected from a gas filled balloon. The kind of parachute jump more familiar to 21st century eyes, carried out with the aid of a limp parachute without a basket, was first discovered by an American, Tom Baldwin, in 1897. Despite attempts to get parachuting recognized as a sport by the Air Sports Federation in the 1930’s, its association with “barnstorming” and bombing crusades gave it a bad name until 1950 when it was finally recognized as an aeronautical sport. The first world championships were held in Yugoslavia in 1951 and today skydiving is the largest internationally recognized sport in the Air Sports Federation.

But exactly what type of person wants to throw them self out of plane?

According to Internet tests, a “skydiver personality” is: Open minded, extroverted, independent, flexible, self confident, action-crazed, fun, interesting, irresistible and ambitious. Unsurprisingly, however, skydivers view their sport as a means of combating stress. According to David Brussan, a regular skydiver, the secret of skydiving is the total focus it provides: “I think on the way down, but only about what I’m doing. I can’t recall a single jump during which I’ve thought about anything other than skydiving. That’s it. You don’t dwell on what just happened. You think about what’s about to happen only enough to make it happen. You think about where you are and what you’re doing and that’s it. I know skydiving, helps me relax. And that relaxation comes from the focus. My job is stressful. I love my work and am devoted to it. But the fact that I can do something that so completely shifts my focus is very rejuvenating.” In this sense, skydiving provides quick relief from the physiological strain that is such an ingrained part of modern living. It can be likened to meditation processes such as Buddhism that teaches spiritual tranquility found through focus.

Extreme sports centers

So if you love taking risks or you are simply stressed to the limit then your moment has arrived. Situated 120 km north of Barcelona near the Pyrenees in the coastal town of Empuriabrava, there are various centers offers a variety of skydiving courses ranging from beginners instruction to advanced skydiving qualifications. All courses are run by officially qualified and experienced teachers.

Tandem Jumps

For those of you looking for a one day thrill, who have not yet experienced the pleasure of jumping head first from a height of 12.000 feet, the best way out of the plane is strapped to the chest of a qualified tandem instructor. After some initial ground training, you will be accompanied on the 45 second free fall by a cameraman who will film the magical moment for holiday keepsakes. Prices range from 220 € – 340 € depending upon whether you want just the jump, or photos and/or video. If you book a jump during weekdays (Mon-Fri) you’ll be able to take advantage of a 37 € discount.

Introduction to Freefall (IFF)

If one death fall just simply doesn’t quench your thirst for action, you can adventure further a field and sign up for the Introduction to Freefall Course (IFF). At a price of 520 €, this is a two day course that includes a training session with a tandem jump followed by a Level 1 skydive with two Instructors. The second jump will focus on body position; altitude awareness and being able to pull your own ripcord.AFF Level

Accelerated Freefall (AFF)

If you are looking to become a qualified Skydiver so that you can practice the sport in any Drop Zone around the world, then the Accelerated Freefall Course (AFF) is for you. A ten day training course, run by the British Parachuting Association BPA, that comprises a total of eight graded jumps and 10 supervised jumps is available at a cost of 1.630 €. The initial two jumps will be with two instructors and will concentrate on movement and body position. The jumps from here on are freefall maneuvers with instructor’s supervision, leading up to the final assessed jump that will be solo. Following your graduation as an official skydiver you will have the opportunity to do ten consolidation jumps on your own, to practice all the skills you have learnt.

For more info:

To find out more information about the skydiving courses available check out the Extreme Sports Café website at http://www.extremesportscafe.com