SAFETY IN NUMBERS-No Better Time to “Make the Leap” as Skydiving Safety Soars

According to the U.S. Parachute Association's just released 2006 Skydiving Review, there's no better time than now to make a first-time jump as skydiving safety in America soars.

[ClickPress, Sat Apr 28 2007] Skydiving: It’s simple, relatively safe and can be positively life changing!

According to a new industry report released by the U.S. Parachute Association (USPA), 2006 was one of the safest on record. And with the peak summer season just ahead, folks are ready to explore the wild blue yonder.

“There’s never been a better time than now to make a jump,” said Chris Needels, executive director of USPA. “Last year tied a 1963 record for skydiving’s fewest accidents.”

Already, over 4 million thrill-seekers across the country report making at least one jump, with men making up 85% of the adventurers. Women in increasing numbers, along with baby boomers, are taking the plunge. USPA reports all age groups are well represented, with almost 20% of skydivers in their 20s or younger.

Fueled in part by the explosion of extreme sports, skydiving as a “must-do” life experience has remained rock-solid over the past few years.

“People of all ages, abilities and walks of life are participating,” says Needels. “And many go on to take up skydiving as their favorite new weekend sport.” He notes that 17% of skydivers are in computer/engineering fields, followed by 12% military, 9% in the building industry and 7% in business management. Students make up 6%, with many colleges/universities working directly with drop zones.

According to the 2006 Skydiving Review (http://www.uspa.org/about/images/memsurvey06.pdf), USPA’s nearly 31,000 members along with first-time jump students made nearly 3 million jumps at over 200 USPA-affiliated drop zones and skydiving schools.

All it takes is a half-hour of ground instruction to make a tandem jump – the most popular option for first-timers. Costs range from $150-$260. Other first-jump methods, such as Accelerated Freefall (AFF; cost $250-$350), allow students to jump solo right away. Most skydiving schools also use video and photos to capture the intense dramatic moments from freefall to landing.

This year USPA celebrates the 50th anniversary of National Skydiving Championships, hosting the sports’ largest most exciting competition at Skydive Chicago, September
8-21, 2007.

About USPA
USPA is America’s premier organization dedicated to the promotion of safe skydiving nationwide, establishing strict safety standards, training policies and programs at over 200 affiliated skydiving schools/centers. The Federal Aviation Administration recognizes and supports USPA's successful leadership role in the self-regulation of skydiving.

Information: 1-800-371-USPA, www.uspa.org .

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