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Speed Skydiving
Speed skydiving also known as speed parachuting, is the action of performing acrobatics during freefall, in a head-down position, then pulling the ripcord of a parachute. It represents the fastest non-motorized sport on Earth.

Global Speed Skydiving Database World Records
Male and Female

Goal
The ultimate goal of speed skydiving is to exceed the calculated terminal velocity by achieving and maintaining a high free fall speed. Terminal velocity is often reported to be approximately 60 m/s for a typical skydiver in freefall, this is equivalent to 216 km/hr.

Speed and Terminal Velocity
The terminal velocity of a falling body occurs during free fall when a falling body experiences zero acceleration. This is caused by the retarding force known as air resistance. Other factors affecting the terminal velocity:


 * weight of the free-falling body – heavier objects generally have a greater terminal velocity


 * orientation at which a body falls – larger surface area will slow an object down


 * equipment – special helmets and slick body suits reduce drag

Rules
The International Speed Skydiving Association rules have altered over the years to accommodate the changes necessary. Some speed skydiving jargon involved is:

The Measurement Zone: represented by a vertical km where speed measurements are taken. It starts at 2,700 m and ends at 1,700 m above the ground

The Speed Measuring Device: measurements are done by two free fall computers (Pro-Tracks) placed on the lateral webbing or in a line from it on the competitors rig.

Speed Measurement: Speed is measured as the average speed over the measurement zone using 2 Pro-Tracks. The 2 readings are averaged.

Qualification Jump: Minimum qualification speed for men is 300 km/h and for women it is 250 km/h (avg. over the Measurement zone). The result of this jump is not used in the competition itself

Qualified Competitor: One who has met or exceeded the speed requirements or someone who has participated in a speed skydiving competition previously

Qualified Meet: No special conditions.

Out of Boundaries(OB): When speed difference between 2 Pro-Tracks is greater than 30 km/h

Qualified Jump: Exit altitude is between 13,000 and 14,000 ft.

Meet Result: The average of the best competition jumps depending on the number of rounds completed

The competition is held over a course of 3-4 days. Every competition consists of 6 individual rounds. The best 3 rounds are considered for the meet result (average speed). Out of bounds runs will result in a zero and there is no limitation to how many OBs a competitor can have, although they will affect the average result.

The judges in speed skydiving competitions are the speed measuring devices. Although ISSA race commission will check each competitor to ensure their “gear” is acceptable. Anything found dangerous is prohibited as well as the use of weights. The Race Commission will be elected before every meet and should be composed of a representative of every country competing. Their ultimate job is to ensure that both the competition and competitors follow the rules. They have no authority to change any rules either, and refer to the FAI/PC Sporting Code. There is also a Download Team responsible for measuring the Device handling, data download, and documentation of the use of the devices.

Weather
Weather can have an extraordinary affect on a competition as well as individual divers. In the event of bad weather or air traffic circumstances, the exit altitude is lowered. In addition, thick cloud conditions may cause a delay in the jump time altogether. At jump points such as Mt. Everest, the thin air and sub-zero temperatures cause jumpers to utilize breathing equipment, extra-thick parachutes, and special suits.