skyggelegging

Skyggelegging, commonly known as skydiving in English, is the sport and activity of exiting an aircraft and descending to the ground with a parachute. Participants may perform controlled freefall maneuvers, participate in formation skydiving, or simply glide to a landing. It is pursued as recreation, sport, and, in some contexts, military or stunt training.

Equipment and training: The gear includes a parachute system with a main canopy and a reserve, a harness, an altimeter, helmet, and goggles. In many cases an automatic activation device (AAD) is fitted. The canopy is packed by a certified rigger and checked regularly. Training typically begins with ground instruction and introductory jumps under supervision; common routes include tandem progression for beginners or solo progression through AFF or static-line courses.

Safety and regulation: Skydiving is governed by national and international associations that set safety standards. Licensing or certification is often required for solo jumps, and drop zones enforce weather minimums, equipment checks, and emergency procedures. Wearing appropriate gear and following procedures reduces risk, though the sport carries inherent hazards from landing injuries to midair incidents.

History: Early parachuting experiments date to the 18th and 19th centuries, but the modern sport developed after World War II with improved equipment, training, and organization. The rise of drop zones, licensing systems, and competitive disciplines helped establish skyggelegging as a global activity, with clubs, events, and records worldwide.

Today, skyggelegging encompasses disciplines such as formation skydiving, freeflying, canopy piloting, and BASE jumping in some contexts. It is practiced at dedicated drop zones and clubs around the world, with safety culture and training emphasized for newcomers.