Skydiving: the Skydiving History

Skydiving is a well loved sport, especially for the extreme goers out there. However, it may seem that skydiving is something new as a sport, but in reality, it has a very rich and colourful history that can be very interesting to know, whether you are a fan of the sport or simply curious about it.

Milestones And More

Although most of skydiving milestones happened during the 20th century, its history actually goes back further more. Originally, parachuting started around the 1100s in China, which is about a thousand years ago. Although there were no airplanes during that time, people would find natural formations in which they can leap off and float safely towards the ground below. Additionally, Da Vinci actually made a design that shows a wooden frame parachute that has a pyramid shape. This is just one of the proofs that parachuting is actually way older than most people think.

Skydiving Sport History

If you'll be talking about the sport of skydiving, this matter would have a much recent history in the making. The very first person who did this daring act was Jacques Garnerin. He didn't jump from an airplane though. What he did was jump off from balloons, around late 18th century. He also performed fanciful displays when he did so. After he executed his jumps, he would then make use of a parachute to have a safe landing.

When Women Came In

Women had a part in skydiving history too. However, it was not until the 19th century that they started having participation in the sport. One of the most famous women in skydiving history is Kathe Paulus. She parachuted in Germany during the end of the 19th century and became very well known for this skill of hers.

Airplane Generation

Ever since the airplane was invented, the skydiving history became even more colourful than ever. Indeed, it took a great leap of faith, literally and metaphorically! With the evolution of the airplane, the more did skydiving evolved and became even more daring. Now, daredevils had the opportunity to parachute from a fast-moving mechanical device, which caused even more spectacular and breathtaking skydiving routines.

The first woman to ever jump off from an airplane is Tiny Broadwick. She did this daring stunt back in 1913. Additionally, she is also the first woman to do a free fall jump from an airplane, which she did in 1914.

Skydiving: It's Official!

One interesting fact about skydiving is that it wasn't called skydiving before. The term skydiving was only coined in the mid-1950's and used for Raymond Young. This was the first time when it was actually declared as skydiving. Before it was termed as such, "skydiving" was simply called as "parachuting" by many.

From Novelty To Sport

Before, skydiving was considered to be more of a novelty act than a sport. It was only during the period after World War II that this art became an actual sport that a lot of people could engage in, just like basketball. This transition was due to the fact that skydiving and parachuting was commonly done as a tactical move by many countries throughout the war.

In fact, pilots during World War I were even told to crash their planes into enemy territory rather than bailing out and were just given parachutes for survival. Ever since the 1st successful bailout in 1922 of an airplane, parachuting became a popular method of bailing out for pilots.

After the Second World War, it became a mainstream hobby for many. This is because the soldiers who came back enjoyed this activity and even have the courage to do a freefall. They held some competitions which then became a popular sport for civilians too. It was in 1957 that the first skydiving schools appeared and up until now, more people are having the courage to face this extreme sport.