Parachuting Travel Insurance

To get a quote by telephone or email, please call us on 0844 848 1500 or chris@jsinsurance.co.uk

Parachuting

Parachuting, or skydiving, involves jumping out of an aircraft (usually an aeroplane, helicopter or balloon), or off the top of a tall structure.

A person travels at approximately 4000 metres (around 12000 feet) altitude, and free-falls for a period of time before deploying a parachute to slow down the landing to safe speeds.

Skydiving can be performed competitively and as a recreational activity.

Skydiving takes place all over the world, and popular areas include:

• Wellington, New Zealand
• Gold Coast, Australia
• California, USA
• Utah, USA
• Peak District, UK

Many people make their first jump with a trained experienced instructor in the form of a tandem skydive.

During the tandem jump the instructor is responsible for the whole experience from the jump to the landing, including maintaining a stable freefall position and activating and controlling the parachute.

Tandem skydiving is one of the safest ways to skydive and a good way to learn the basics.

For people who are looking to make their holiday unforgettable by experiencing the thrill and adventure of sky diving there are numerous companies all around the world offering the opportunity.

The dangers associated with skydiving usually result from either a mistake in judgement or procedures.

Several safety measures are taken to make skydiving as safe as possible.

Regular checks should be made to ensure that all equipment is still fit to use and will not malfunction. Back up parachutes in particular should be checked regularly by a certified skydiving instructor.

More common, minor injuries include:

• Bruises
• Cuts
• Sprains
• Strains

Usually injuries occur due to misjudgement on the part of the skydiver.

Awkward landings can result in twisted ankles or even broken legs.

More serious injuries include concussion and blunt trauma.

There are fatalities from skydiving, though these account for about 1 in 100,000 jumps.

Parachuting in bad weather such as rain, high wind and dust storms will increase the risk posed by jumping.

Most jump sites will suspend all activities in such conditions. Make sure to check before you travel if the weather is bad and if the jumps will be operating as planned.

Useful Websites: Skydiving Wikipedia - UK Skydiving - Skyline Parachuting - Skydive Strathallan

To get a quote by telephone or email, please call us on 0844 848 1500 or chris@jsinsurance.co.uk