There are adventure airsports out there that allow us to fly, glide and even plummet through the air such as hang gliding, paragliding and even sky diving but there is no doubt about it, Wingsuit Flying is the ultimate flying experience for those looking to feel as though they are flying themselves.
Wingsuit facts
The wingsuit, also known as a birdman, is an innovative jumpsuit that, by creating a greater surface area of the body, allows adrenaline junkies to glide through the air at a slower speed than if they were free falling. The jumpsuit is designed with fabric between the arms and legs which, as with aeroplane wings, creates a lift which permits a horizontal descent instead of a free fall. As the suit has webs that open out, it creates an airfoil and gives the flyer the shape of a flying squirrel.
Wingsuit pilots also wear a parachute for landing and land in the same style as a BASE jumper or skydiver would. As they approach the ground, they open the chute and then proceed to open the webs between the body and arms and legs. The jumps involved in wingsuits
There are two main methods of jumping: the first one being from an aeroplane and the second from a firm structure like a building (where BASE jumpers would jump) or cliffs. The effect of the fast moving air when jumping from a plane requires a different technique which is somewhat complicated. The jumper must stretch out at the precise moment to avoid hitting the aircraft, while when jumping from a base like a cliff or building, the birdman does this later so as to achieve a speed which will enable him or her to glide with the lift effect that's created.
Wingsuit jumps
There are two main methods of jumping: the first one being from an aeroplane and the second from a firm structure like a building (where BASE jumpers would jump) or cliffs. The effect of the fast moving air when jumping from a plane requires a different technique which is somewhat complicated. The jumper must stretch out at the precise moment to avoid hitting the aircraft, while when jumping from a base like a cliff or building, the birdman does this later so as to achieve a speed which will enable him or her to glide with the lift effect that's created.
The effect the wingsuit has on the fall is roughly 2.5 which means that for every foot lost in height, the wingsuit operator gains 2.5 horizontal feet. One of the most fascinating and exciting traits of this adrenaline sport is that the speed can be controlled by changing body positions - shifting the angle, bending or stretching the limbs or the torso and changing the tension on the webbed fabric. The danger of this activity lies in falling into a bad position which can lead to a spin that´s tricky to get out of.
Getting involved
Those interested in Wingsuit flying should look into a company with instructors as most countries have strict regulations and the training is quite extensive and more complicated than that of sky diving. There aren't any international regulatory bodies or restrictions, but in the United States, first timer wingsuit pilots are required to have over 200 free fall jumps under their belt. The most common providers of training are the actual manufacturers of the wingsuits, a piece of equipment that, along with the mandatory parachute, will set you back a bit financially speaking .
This extreme sport is done all over the world but some of the most exceptionally beautiful (and astounding) jumps take place off cliffs, especially in Norway, where many videos of this extreme sport are filmed. For all of those with the disposable dosh, time and quest for adrenaline, this is the ultimate extreme sport which brings humans just that bit closer to defying the rules and laws of nature!
