Wingsuit flying is an extreme sport that has recently gained traction among adrenaline junkies around the world. This unique and terrifying experience allows you to soar through the sky like a bird, experiencing the thrill of flight in its rawest form. However, this adrenaline-packed adventure comes with a hefty price tag. So, what’s the real cost of wingsuit flying? In this article, we’ll delve into a comprehensive breakdown of wingsuit flying price.
What Factors Affect the Price of Wingsuit Flying?
Several factors contribute to the cost of wingsuit flying, and it’s important to be aware of these before you decide to take the plunge.
The Cost of Training
Firstly, wingsuit flying is not a sport you can simply jump into without training. In fact, getting certified to fly a wingsuit requires extensive skydiving experience. The United States Parachute Association (USPA) recommends that you have at least 200 freefall skydives under your belt before you even attempt to fly in a wingsuit. Skydiving itself is a costly endeavor, with prices typically ranging from $200 to $300 per jump, including rental equipment.
The Price of Wingsuiting Gears
Aside from the cost of skydiving, a substantial portion of the price of wingsuit flying comes from the gear. A high-quality wingsuit alone can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500. Additional necessary equipment includes a parachute, a helmet, altimeter, and goggles, which together can add another $3,000 to $5,000 to the overall cost. A helmet camera, while not mandatory, is often used by wingsuit flyers, which adds another $300 to $400 to the total.
Other Related Costs
Another considerable cost is the event or drop zone fees. Depending on the location and altitude of the drop zone, these fees vary from $25 to $60 per jump. Travel and accommodation expenses need to be factored in if you’re planning to wingsuit fly at exotic locations around the world.
Is It Worth the Investment?
With the cumulative cost potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars, you might be wondering, is wingsuit flying really worth the price tag?
The answer, of course, is subjective and depends on individual tastes. If you’re someone who craves thrill, adventure, and the ultimate freedom of flying like a bird, then wingsuit flying might well be worth every penny.
The Value of Safety
One thing to remember is that a significant portion of the cost goes into ensuring safety. Wingsuit flying is an extreme sport with considerable risk. The high cost of training and high-end equipment is part of a strong emphasis on safety and helps ensure that every flight you take is as safe as possible.
The Priceless Experience
The feeling of soaring through the sky, of ultimate freedom and thrill, is something that’s hard to put a price tag on. Many wingsuit flyers say that the experience is utterly life-changing and affirm that the adrenaline rush and unique perspective provided by wingsuit flying are well worth the cost.
In conclusion, the price of wingsuit flying is indeed high. But it also offers an unparalleled experience, the thrill of a lifetime, and enough bragging rights to last several lifetimes! So, if you’re financially prepared and crave the thrill and freedom that comes with this extreme sport, wingsuit flying could be worth every cent!
