sky diving

Sport that consists of jumping out of an airplane, falling freely for a certain period while performing various maneuvers and then opening a parachute.

reserve parachute

Extra parachute used in the event the main one malfunctions; an automatic activation device deploys it when a predetermined safe altitude is reached.

boot

Reinforced shoe used for sky diving that provides good ankle support for the landing.

one-piece coverall

Overalls designed to protect the sky diver against cold and reduce the danger of snagging on equipment.

main parachute

The parachute deployed by the sky diver when in the air; if a problem arises, the reserve parachute can be deployed.

goggles

Equipment that protects the eyes against cold and wind and provides good visibility during the jump.

helmet

Hard-shelled piece of equipment that protects the head against impact and the cold.

harness

Arrangement of straps that connects the sky diver to the suspension lines of the main and reserve canopies; it is stowed in a pack before departure.

altimeter

Device that indicates the sky diver’s altitude to help with the decision of when to open the parachute.