Skydiving is an activity that pushes human limits, both mentally and physically. One of the most exciting aspects of the sport is the feeling of freefall, where gravity takes hold, and the wind rushes around you as you plummet toward the Earth. But the speed at which a skydiver falls isn't always the same---it varies based on a number of factors, including the skill and experience of the skydiver, the body position during freefall, and the equipment used.
In this article, we will break down the differences in freefall speeds between beginners and expert skydivers, shedding light on the science behind it and the factors that influence these speeds.
1. The Basics of Freefall
Freefall is the period during a skydive when the parachute has not yet been deployed, and the skydiver is accelerating towards the ground due to gravity. The average acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s²), which means an object in freefall speeds up by 9.8 meters every second.
However, as a skydiver accelerates towards Earth, air resistance plays a key role in slowing them down. Once the skydiver reaches a certain speed, they stop accelerating and instead reach a constant speed known as the terminal velocity.
Terminal velocity is the point at which the force of gravity pulling a skydiver downwards is balanced by the air resistance pushing upwards, resulting in a stable falling speed.
2. Beginner Skydivers: Slower Freefall Speeds
For a beginner skydiver, freefall speeds are generally slower, and several factors contribute to this:
2.1. Body Position
The body position of a skydiver plays a significant role in determining freefall speed. A beginner typically jumps in a belly-to-earth position (also called the "spread-eagle" position), where the skydiver lies flat with arms and legs spread out to create more drag. This body posture increases air resistance and reduces the overall speed of the fall.
In this position, a beginner skydiver generally falls at a speed of around 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour) , or roughly 54 meters per second . This is often referred to as the "standard" freefall speed for a tandem jump or someone making their first solo jump with an instructor.
2.2. The Impact of Fear and Nervousness
For first‑time skydivers, nervousness and fear can also impact body posture. These emotions can cause beginners to tense up and may result in a less stable position during freefall, which might lead to slight fluctuations in their falling speed. Typically, the less relaxed a beginner is, the more resistance they encounter, which can further slow their descent.
3. Expert Skydivers: Faster Freefall Speeds
As skydivers gain experience and learn to control their bodies more effectively, they can adjust their falling positions to reduce drag and increase their falling speed. An expert skydiver can manipulate their body position and use more advanced techniques to increase freefall speeds.
3.1. Body Position and Control
Expert skydivers are much more skilled at controlling their bodies and will use various positions to adjust their speed during freefall. Some common positions and techniques that increase falling speeds include:
- Head‑down position -- diving vertically towards the Earth with the head leading the way and the body in a streamlined form, dramatically reducing air resistance.
- Arrow or "Tracking" position -- a streamlined dive with arms and legs tucked in, used to speed up the fall and generate horizontal movement.
3.2. Faster Speeds: Terminal Velocity and Beyond
For expert skydivers in a head‑down position, freefall speeds can reach up to 180 to 200 miles per hour (290 to 320 kilometers per hour) or more. In some cases, speed records have been set at 300 miles per hour (480 kilometers per hour) or beyond, depending on the dive. These higher speeds are possible because experienced jumpers are able to minimize drag and maximize their acceleration due to gravity.
Once a skydiver reaches terminal velocity, they continue to fall at that steady speed until deploying the parachute . However, the speed at which they reach terminal velocity can be much faster for an expert, especially if they're diving head‑first or in a similar high‑speed position.
4. Factors Affecting Freefall Speed
While skill level and body position are the two most significant factors influencing freefall speed, there are several other considerations that affect how fast a skydiver will fall.
4.1. Altitude and Air Density
Freefall speed is also influenced by altitude, because the density of air decreases as you ascend. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, and the skydiver may reach terminal velocity at a higher speed than at lower altitudes. As a result, higher‑altitude jumps often result in slightly faster freefall speeds, even for beginners.
4.2. Equipment
The type of equipment used can also play a role in freefall speed. Modern parachute designs and materials reduce drag and make jumps faster overall. The type of jumpsuit worn can also impact the falling speed---looser suits create more resistance, while tighter, performance‑oriented suits allow for faster falls.
4.3. Weight
Weight is another factor that influences freefall speed. Heavier skydivers may reach terminal velocity more quickly than lighter individuals. This is due to the force of gravity acting more strongly on heavier individuals, though air resistance will still play a significant role in decelerating them.
5. The Thrill of the Fall: A Summary
The difference in freefall speeds between beginners and expert skydivers is substantial. Beginners typically experience a freefall speed of around 120 miles per hour (193 km/h) , while experts can reach speeds of 180 to 200 miles per hour (290 to 320 km/h) or even higher in specialized positions. Several factors---body position, skill level, equipment, altitude, and weight---combine to determine the speed at which a skydiver falls.
Whether you're a beginner enjoying your first tandem jump or an expert pushing the boundaries of speed in a head‑down dive, the sensation of freefall remains one of the most exhilarating aspects of skydiving. For most, the thrill of the fall is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience, but for those who choose to pursue the sport, the speeds and the sense of freedom only get more exhilarating as they gain experience.