In a standard belly-to-earth position (the most stable for beginners), freefall speed is typically around 120 mph (190 km/h).

This can vary depending on:

• Body position – Head-down skydivers can exceed 150–180 mph.

• Body size and weight – Heavier jumpers fall slightly faster.

• Equipment – Suit type and surface area affect air resistance.

Freefall lasts about 40–60 seconds from 12,000–15,000 feet depending on your exit altitude and deployment height.

Most recreational jumps take place between 10,000 and 15,000 feet (3,000–4,500 metres) AGL (above ground level).

• Tandem jumps are often from 10,000–15,000 ft.

• AFF students may jump from 10,000–12,000 ft for better altitude awareness training.

• Experienced skydivers might choose lower exit points for hop-n-pops (immediate deployments), usually around 3,500–5,000 ft.

Parachute deployment generally occurs at around 5,000 feet for tandem jumps and 3,000–4,000 feet for solo jumpers.

Skydivers use an altimeter (wrist-mounted or audible) to track altitude, and many have Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) that deploy the reserve parachute automatically if you haven’t opened your main by a preset altitude.

All modern skydiving rigs are equipped with:

• Main parachute – Deployed manually.

• Reserve parachute – A secondary, independently packed parachute.

• 3-ring release system – Allows the jumper to release a malfunctioning main canopy.

• AAD (Automatic Activation Device) – Monitors descent rate and altitude, and deploys the reserve if necessary.

Reserve parachutes are inspected and repacked every 6 months by certified riggers.

Skydivers use ram-air canopies, which are rectangular and steerable (like a glider).

There are two types:

• Main canopy – Usually larger for students or tandem and smaller, more agile ones for experienced jumpers.

• Reserve canopy – Typically larger and more stable to ensure safe deployment and landing.

The size and performance of a canopy are matched to the jumper’s weight, experience, and landing environment.

• Tandem skydiving:

  • You’re harnessed to an instructor.

  • The instructor handles exit, freefall, parachute deployment, and landing.

  • It requires only a short briefing and is ideal for first-time jumpers.

• Solo skydiving (AFF or static line):

  • You jump alone with guidance from instructors (in freefall or on the ground).

  • You’re responsible for deploying your own canopy.

  • Requires ground training, progression through jump levels, and practical exams.

In the UK, skydivers train under British Skydiving and work through these stages:

• AFF (Accelerated Freefall):

  • Level 1: Jump with 2 instructors holding you

  • Levels 2–7: Progressively gain control in freefall and under canopy

  • Followed by 10+ consolidation jumps

• Static Line Progression:

  • First jump uses automatic parachute deployment

  • Progresses to freefall in small increments

After this, you apply for your Category 8 / A Licence, allowing you to jump solo at UK drop zones.

• Belly-to-earth (box position) – Stable and easy to control. Standard for training and tandem jumps.

• Sit-fly – Head-up position for vertical formations. Requires better control and faster fall rate.

• Head-down – Advanced position with highest fall speeds. Used in freefly and dynamic skydiving.

• Tracking – Arms by your side, body streamlined to move horizontally in freefall.

Body position affects stability, speed, and direction. Learning to control your fall rate and orientation is key to progression.

Modern ram-air parachutes are steerable using two brake toggles:

• Pulling both slows you down and flares for landing.

• Pulling one turns the canopy in that direction.

• Canopies are flown in a standard landing pattern with downwind, base, and final legs like a glider.

Advanced skydivers use high-performance landings (swooping), which require precise canopy control and faster descent speeds.

Not at first. British Skydiving (and other federations) require you to have:

• A minimum of 200 logged jumps

• A consistent history of stable deployments

• Proven ability to manage emergencies while distracted

Cameras can snag lines or create tunnel vision during high-speed deployment, so safety and experience come first.