What are people who skydive called: The Definitive Guide to Skydiving Terminology
When you see someone leaping out of an airplane and gracefully descending under a parachute, you might wonder, "What are people who skydive called?" The answer is surprisingly straightforward, but diving a little deeper reveals a rich vocabulary and fascinating world. For the average American reader, understanding these terms can enhance your appreciation for this thrilling sport.
The Most Common Term: Skydiving and Skydiver
The most direct and commonly used term for someone who participates in skydiving is simply a skydiver.
This term encompasses everyone from a first-time tandem jumper to a seasoned professional competing in canopy piloting events. It's the universal label for an individual who intentionally jumps from an aircraft and uses a parachute to descend safely to the ground.
Different Roles and Levels within Skydiving
While "skydiver" is the umbrella term, the skydiving community often uses more specific language to describe different roles, experience levels, and disciplines. Here's a breakdown:
- Tandem Student: This is someone experiencing skydiving for the first time, securely attached to an experienced instructor. They are technically skydiving but are often referred to as "students" or "tandem passengers."
- AFF Student: Standing for Accelerated Freefall, an AFF student is someone undergoing training to become a licensed skydiver. They learn to skydive with the direct assistance of instructors who accompany them in freefall.
- Licensed Skydiver: Once a skydiver has completed their training and passed specific requirements, they earn a license. These licenses are issued by organizations like the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and indicate a level of proficiency.
- Experienced Skydiver: This is a general term for anyone who has accumulated a significant number of jumps and possesses advanced skills and knowledge.
- Instructor: A highly experienced skydiver who has undergone additional training and certification to teach others how to skydive. There are different ratings for instructors, such as Tandem Instructor and AFF Instructor.
- Videographer/Photographer: Many skydivers also specialize in capturing the experience on camera, often jumping alongside others to document their freefall and landing.
Beyond the Jump: Disciplines within Skydiving
Skydiving is not a monolithic sport; it has evolved into various disciplines, and participants might be known by their specialization:
- Formation Skydivers: These skydivers work together in freefall to create geometric formations. They are often referred to by their team names or simply as "formation skydivers."
- Freeflyers: This discipline involves more dynamic, three-dimensional movement in freefall, including stunts and body flying.
- Canopy Pilots: These are skydivers who specialize in maneuvering their parachutes (canopies) after deployment, often at high speeds and with incredible precision.
- Wingsuiters: Perhaps the most visually striking discipline, wingsuiters wear specialized suits that increase surface area, allowing them to glide horizontally for extended periods before deploying their parachutes. They are often called "wingsuit pilots" or "flyers."
The Lingo of the Dropzone
On the dropzone (the area where skydiving operations take place), you'll hear a variety of terms. While most people are called skydivers, the context often clarifies their role or experience:
"We've got a few new tandem students going up today."
"That veteran skydiver has over 10,000 jumps!"
"Watch out for the canopy pilots coming in for a landing; they move fast."
So, to directly answer "What are people who skydive called?", the most accurate and widely understood term is skydiver. However, understanding the nuances of the sport reveals a more detailed vocabulary that reflects the diverse and exciting world of aerial adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Skydiving Terminology
How do I become a skydiver?
To become a certified skydiver, you'll typically start with a tandem jump to experience freefall. After that, you'll enroll in a training program like Accelerated Freefall (AFF) or Static Line, where you'll learn the theory and practical skills needed to safely jump solo. You'll progress through different levels, accumulating jump numbers and mastering maneuvers until you earn your skydiving license.
Why do people skydive?
People skydive for a multitude of reasons, often citing the incredible adrenaline rush, the unparalleled sense of freedom, and the breathtaking views from thousands of feet in the air. For many, it's a way to overcome fears, challenge themselves, and experience life from a completely new perspective. Others are drawn to the camaraderie and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a challenging sport.
What's the difference between a skydiver and a paratrooper?
While both involve jumping from aircraft with parachutes, the purpose is entirely different. A skydiver jumps for sport, recreation, or competition. A paratrooper is a military member who jumps as part of a combat mission, often deploying with specialized equipment designed for tactical insertion into enemy territory. Paratroopers typically jump from lower altitudes and use different types of parachutes than recreational skydivers.
