Imagine soaring through the sky like a bird, seemingly defying the laws of gravity and relishing in the ultimate freedom. No, it’s not just a dream – it is wingsuit flying. More than just a sport, it’s an exhilarating experience that gives humans the closest feeling to actual flight.
What is Wingsuit Flying?
At its core, wingsuit flying is the sport of jumping from a high-altitude point — be it a mountain cliff or an aircraft — and gliding through the air using a special jumpsuit, aptly named a wingsuit. This suit has fabric under the arms and between the legs that inflate when air is forced into them during the jump, creating lift and allowing for controlled flight.
The Evolution of Wingsuit Flying
Wingsuit flying isn’t a modern concept – the idea has been around for centuries, but the technology and safety measures were not up to par until recent decades. The first recorded attempt was by a Frenchman, Franz Reichelt, in 1912 who jumped off the Eiffel tower in an early prototype of a wingsuit, a leap that ended tragically.
Fast forward to today, wingsuit flying has evolved from a risky dream into a relatively safe, highly regulated extreme sport thanks to advancements in design, materials, and training methods.
How does Wingsuit Flying Work?
The Technique of Wingsuit Flying
Wingsuit flying requires thorough training, experience and a deep understanding of aerodynamics. The wingsuit flyers or ‘birdmen’ exit from an aircraft or BASE jump from a cliff and spread their limbs to shape the wingsuit into an airfoil.
This allows them to glide through the sky for several minutes while experiencing speeds of up to 200mph. Unlike skydiving, wingsuiters can control their direction and speed through shifting their body position. To land safely, they deploy a parachute as they near the ground.
Why do People Enjoy Wingsuit Flying?
The allure of wingsuit flying is the unparalleled thrill it offers. It is a unique experience that lets humans get as close as possible to actual unaided flight.
The chance to see the world from a bird’s eye view, to push boundaries, and to experience the feeling of immense freedom is what entices daredevils into this extreme sport. However, it is essential to remember that despite the thrill, wingsuit flying is not without risk, and safety precautions must be taken seriously.
The Art and the Risk: Is Wingsuit flying Safe?
Although wingsuit flying’s safety standards have significantly improved over the years, it is still considered one of the most dangerous sports. In addition to the inherent risks of flying at high speeds close to the ground, there are potential hazards like mid-air collisions, failure to open the parachute in time, and miscalculations that could lead to catastrophic consequences.
This is why comprehensive training, including skydiving experience, is mandatory before venturing into wingsuit flying. This is not a sport to be taken lightly, but rather approached with respect, preparation, and a constant commitment to safety.
Is Wingsuit Flying in Your Future?
Ultimately, the decision to embrace the risks for the sake of the thrill is a personal one. Wingsuit flying offers an experience like no other, a chance to fulfill the age-old human dream of flight. But those who choose to engage in this sport must do so knowing the risks and responsibilities. After all, the sky may be the limit, but safety should never be compromised in the pursuit of adrenaline.
So, Will You Take the Leap into Wingsuit Flying?
If the idea of soaring like a bird, feeling the rush of wind against your body, and experiencing an unmatched sense of freedom entices you, wingsuit flying might be your next adventure. Remember to prioritize safety, get the proper training, and always respect the sport and its inherent risks. And who knows, maybe the next time someone asks, “what is wingsuit flying?” you’ll be able to answer from personal, exhilarating experience.
