Everything you need to know about skysurfing

Nowadays, skiing is so popular that new disciplines are being invented. For example, one of the newest sports is called skysurfing. This discipline is a perfect combination between parachuting and skiing since it is requires performing various stunts in the air. Let us take a closer look at this fascinating discipline.

General information

This sport does not have a lasting history. Nevertheless, many sportsmen are in for it. People who practice it are called skiers. The difference between ordinary skiing is that they do not use skis. What they opt for is a board similar to the ones used for snowboarding. Their moves are completely different from those of people who practice ordinary parachuting, which is why this sport is recognized as a completely different discipline.

This discipline is popular among filmmakers. They often include scenes, in which skiers perform unbelievable stunts, in their movies to create the effect of rapidity and extreme. Usually such scenes are shot by a team of two people: a skier and a camera man. Skysurfing is an unpredictable sport that does not suit everyone. To prevent skiers from being injured, a special mechanism allows skiers to take the board off.

Peculiarities

As it was said previously, two people are involved in skysurfing. One of them performs the stunts, while the other makes sure that the stunts are being recorded. The board is attached to the boots by special attachments. They are firm enough to prevent it from falling, yet, they make it possible to take it off in case of necessity. The judges evaluate the jump by watching the video.

There are no limits concerning the highest point of the jump. Since this discipline usually takes place in snowy landscapes where the temperature is by no means high, sportsmen do not jump from more than five kilometers. Nevertheless, there is the limit concerning the minimum height of the jump. The minimum height must be 3.5 kilometers. The duration of free falling is 2.5 kilometers, and it lasts for 50 seconds. This is how much time a skier has to perform at the top of his abilities. Then the skier is to open the parachute at the height of approximately one kilometer. To sum up, the jump lasts for 250 seconds, which is a little bit more than four minutes.

Judging

Not only the jump, but also the work of the camera man is evaluated. This is why it is important for both team members to work together. The judges evaluate three aspects: the technique of the jump, the complexity of the stunts, and artistry. In less than one minute, the skier must perform at the top of his or her abilities and demonstrate various stunts. For example, it is possible to incorporate a ½ or 1/1 backward or forward somersault. Another interesting element is the “helicopter”, which involves rotating about one’s own axis in a horizontal position. Another position for the “helicopter” is rotating in a vertical position with the head down. There can be side somersaults as well. Finally, another group of elements includes vertical falling with the head down. Some of the elements are more difficult than others, but all of them are stunning.

Training

Since skysurfing is a type f parachuting sport, training includes learning how to jump with a parachute. In addition, it is important to be able to perform acrobatic stunts. If you want to start skysurfing, you need to make sure that you know the technique of parachuting. It is great if you already have a lot of experience. If not, it is high time you picked up a parachuting class. Having gained some basic skills, you will have to get used to free falling. It is an inevitable aspect of skysurfing, since all elements are performed in this position. Start with the basics: learn how to “stand” and “sit” in the air. In addition, it is necessary to be able to hold your body in the air in a horizontal position for several seconds.

A beginner’s board is usually made of thick plastic or 12 mm’s plywood. Its length is 80 centimeters. This board can be used for the first jumps. As soon as you have successfully landed 15 jumps, you will have to switch to a longer board. Then you will finally start using to a standard board. Usually its length reaches the chest of a sportsman. Another important aspect is to learn how to take the board off and open the parachute in emergency cases. The most dangerous situation is when the skiers starts rotating in the air. In this case, it is necessary to take the board off. It is not allowed to open the parachute while rotating because in this case, the sportsman is likely to be entangled.

Having learnt to do the stunts on your own, you will have to find a partner and pay attention to working as a team.

Competitions

Skysurfing originated from parachuting sports in France, in 1980s. It rapidly gained popularity in Europe and Northern America. In 1992, French federation of parachuting sports officially recognized this sport and included it in the list f parachuting disciplines. In terms of the 1992’s freestyle championship, skysurfing took place for the first type. Although it was the debut of this sport, more than 20 teams from 11 countries took part in it.

In 1993, this discipline became extremely successful. Skysurfing became an independent discipline, and the first World Championship was organized. There were more than 40 teams. International team consisting of an American and a Frenchman won the tournament. Such a team was not an exception: actually, many teams were international and symbolized the surfers’ freedom.

In 1994, teams consisting of women took part in the second World Championship for the first time. In 1995, a unique team won the championship. Joe Jennies and Rob Harris were a perfect team and always managed to turn the competition into an artistic performance. Together they demonstrated outstanding abilities. In 1996, the very first commercial competitions were held and attracted even more participants.

In 2000, this discipline lost its popularity. Although World Championships were arranged till 2007, they did not attract too many teams. In fact, in 2007, only three teams took part in the championship. It happened on three counts. First of all, the organizers of commercial tournaments rejected sponsoring them. Secondly, by this time, the governing body of the discipline had changed. They wanted to set some standards and limits, which was totally against the nature of this discipline. In addition, they did not allow international teams to take part in the competitions, which is why some sportsmen had to retire due to the fact that they could not find a partner. Finally, the criteria were changed, too. This led to reducing the variety of stunts and elements.

All in all, skysurfing is a fascinating mix between parachuting and skiing. Although this discipline started losing its popularity in 2000s, many people still practice it.