Learn to Skydive and the First True Parachute Jump?

The first parachute jump in history is a bit debatable. While many seem to think that an extreme sport like parachuting has its roots in recent history, it has, in fact, been around for centuries.

In 852 A.D., Arman Firman, a Muslim holy man, jumped from a tower in Cordoba, Spain. At the time, he was wearing a billowy, large cloak. While in theory this should have slowed him down and allowed him to float gently to the earth (he also believed this to be true), it did little to help his jump. He crashed to the earth at a frightening speed, but lived to tell the tale of the first parachute jump.

A cloak, however, is not a true parachute. Most give credit to Leonardo Da Vinci for creating the first designs of parachutes. Da Vinci spent years studying birds. He truly believed human flight was possible. He, therefore, spent an extensive amount of time trying to create a vehicle that might help man fly. While Da Vinci never tried any of his ideas, he left behind sketches and instructional texts dealing with the first parachute jump.

Over the course of the next few hundred years, others tried to create the first parachute jump, but none succeeded. All were unrecorded events. Andre Jacques Garnerin, in 1797, jumped from a hot air balloon with a chute made of silk. It looked as if he were following Da Vinci's designs. The first parachute jump was a success, but there was little use for the parachute. It was considered only for show.

However, with the creation of airplanes, parachutes became more useful vehicles. By World War II, they were standard issue equipment for pilots as life saving devices. Today, hundreds of people make their first parachute jump each day. Parachuting has become an extreme sport of magnificent popularity. First timers take several hours of training to complete the first parachute jump. They are trained in everything they need to know to make the jump safe including what equipment is used during a jump, how to leave the plane they'll be jumping from, how to us a reserve chute in case the first doesn't open, and how to land. Historically, the first parachute jump is in question, but thousands make their first parachute jump each year.

John Ewing is the author and editor of many reviews published at parachuting guide, an online magazine with information on skydiving, including equipment such as skydiving clothes and powered parachutes. Ewing used to add interesting skydiving equipment articles for beginners and first time jumpers.

Skydive Training Programs - Essential for the Serious Skydiver

If you are serious about skydiving and if you really want to get the best from your jump then a skydive training program is just what you need. Some of the best training programs in America can be found in New Jersey and they are suitable for both beginners and experts alike. The programs are essential if you want to jump on your own and throughout the program you will have a jumpmaster strapped to you teaching you everything that you need to know to prepare yourself.

Some of the Best Skydive Training Centers in New Jersey

Whilst there are a number of skydive training centers around New Jersey, some are better than others. So if you are looking for some of the best New Jersey skydive training programs then you should try out the following:

• The Skydive Jersey Shore

If you decide to try out the skydiving experience at skydive Jersey shore, you can expect to experience sixty seconds of freefalling before gliding back down to the ground for between five and seven minutes. A tandem jumping experience can cost around $195 if you go throughout the week but on a weekend it will cost you $215. You may be able to find deals for groups which are ideal if you want to go skydiving on a family activity. The center also offers you the chance to have your experience captured on DVD. The only real drawback is that you have to be 18 to actually jump so it is not suitable with families with younger children. There is also a weight restriction of 220 pounds.

• Freefall Adventures

You will find the Freefall Adventures center near the Cross Keys airport and the good news is that it is open seven days a week. As with the Skydive Jersey Shore center, you will be able to experience what it is like to freefall for sixty seconds before once again gliding back down to the ground for between five to seven minutes.

Tandem jumps are slightly less expensive here at just $149 and you can even experience an extreme tandem jump. This is basically where you jump out of a turbine helicopter whilst it hovers in the air. If you are a serious skydiver then you will also be interested to know that there is an AFF program where you can work up to jumping on your own.

If you are looking to get to these centers then for the Skydive Jersey Shore center you should take the exit 98 if you are driving, whilst you are on the Garden State Parkway. You then have to go north on route 34 and turn left when you reach the first set of traffic lights which will lead you onto Hurleys Pond road. You only have to drive around 100 yards until you reach the entrance of the airport and then you will see signposts to the Skydive Jersey Shore. If you are not driving then it is possible to get the New Jersey train straight to Belmar and then get a cab which will take you to the center.

If you want to get to the Freefall Adventures Center then you have a number of options if you are driving. From Philadelphia you can either choose to go on the Walt Whitman or the Ben Franklin Bridge onto route 42 and then you will get to Atlantic City Expressway if you keep going. Once there you need to take the exit 41 and continue going right as you drive past the Home Depot. As soon as you reach Tuckahoe Rd you will need to turn left and then go right onto Dahlia Avenue. It is then only a short drive to the center.

John Ewing contributes adding long articles on New Jersey sky views for http://www.skydiving-parachuting-guide.com . Find more publications about skydive at his website.

Skydive for Unbeatable Views, Thrills, and Excitement

Skydiving is a hobby that's enjoyed by people of all ages. A favorite of those with a penchant for thrills, this hobby can be a little costly, but for those in love with its draw, nothing compares with a clean jump for fun, excitement and pure adrenaline rush. The fun of it all is what keeps people coming back.

There are those, of course, who say "Why jump out of a perfectly operable plane?" Skydive lovers will respond: "because it's there." The views, the thrills and the sheer excitement combine to make this sport one that's loved by people the world over. Jumpers can virtually be of any age as long as their physical condition doesn't impede them from taking part in this thrill-seeking sport.

First time jumpers will find the experience is like no other. Just imagine standing thousands of feet above the earth's surface and jumping to the depths below. Freefalling through the sky as the view below is taken in in all its glory. Nothing, absolutely, nothing compares.

For those with a desire to skydive, there are plenty of locations the world over willing to take first-timers and even fiftieth-timers on tandem jumps or offer training for solo jumps. From Florida and California to Colorado, Europe and beyond, any place there's a small airport, there's likely to be a skydiving opportunity available.

First timers will find that most jump locations require them to go tandem at least for a while. Specialized classes generally are required for those who want to jump. The on the ground training will generally be offered at no charge for those who want to jump. If the schooling scares them off, there's no charge.

The courses cover the basics involved in jumping and prepare those new at skydiving for what to expect. Since most beginners' jumps are tandem, though, the student shouldn't have to worry about needing to know it all as an expert. Tandem jumps are assisted by experienced divers who handle all the necessary maneuvering so the "newbie" can kick back and enjoy the view - provided his or her eyes are open!

So, what's the appeal of jumping from a plane? The view, of course! Sky dive locations in places such as Las Vegas, for example, give participants a view of the earth from several miles above the ground below. Imagine being able to take in the Strip, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Colorado River all at once! Nothing quite compares.

It might not be for everyone, but those who love to skydive say they do it for the thrills, the freedom and the views. Few things can come close to the thrill of a freefall from several miles up while the eyes take in sights only the birds are generally privy to. The sport in and of itself is loved by thousands the world over of all ages. Getting started, too, isn't as expensive as it might seem and generally there's no risk for those who just want to "check it out" before they commit.

More Resources

Skydiving
http://www.skydivingthrills.com
Scuba gear

http://www.scubagearhq.com