## How Fast Are You Moving When You Skydive?
Skydiving is an exhilarating experience that can leave you feeling on top of the world. But how fast are you actually moving when you’re freefalling through the air?
### Terminal Velocity
The speed at which you fall during a skydive is known as terminal velocity. This is the speed at which the force of gravity pulling you down is equal to the force of air resistance pushing you up.
The terminal velocity of a skydiver depends on a number of factors, including:
Body position: A skydiver in a head-down position will fall faster than a skydiver in a spread-eagle position.
Weight: A heavier skydiver will fall faster than a lighter skydiver.
Altitude: The air is less dense at higher altitudes, so a skydiver will fall faster at higher altitudes.
On average, a skydiver in a head-down position will reach a terminal velocity of about 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour).
### Freefall
The first part of a skydive is called freefall. This is when you’re falling through the air without deploying your parachute. Freefall typically lasts for about 60 seconds.
During freefall, you’ll experience a feeling of weightlessness as you accelerate towards the ground. You’ll also feel the wind rushing past your body.
### Parachute Deployment
At about 1,500 feet (457 meters) above the ground, you’ll deploy your parachute. This will slow your descent and allow you to land safely.
The speed at which you descend after deploying your parachute will depend on the type of parachute you’re using. A round parachute will descend more slowly than a square parachute.
On average, a skydiver using a round parachute will descend at about 10 miles per hour (16 kilometers per hour).
### Landing
The final part of a skydive is the landing. This is when you touch down on the ground.
The speed at which you land will depend on the type of parachute you’re using and the wind conditions. On average, a skydiver will land at about 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour).
### Safety
Skydiving is a safe sport, but there are some risks involved. It’s important to be aware of these risks before you go skydiving.
Some of the risks of skydiving include:
Equipment failure: Your parachute could fail to open, or it could open too late.
Collisions: You could collide with another skydiver or an object in the air.
Weather conditions: Bad weather can make skydiving dangerous.
Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can make skydiving dangerous.
If you’re considering skydiving, it’s important to talk to a qualified instructor about the risks involved. You should also make sure that you’re in good health and that you have the proper training.
### Conclusion
Skydiving is an amazing experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Just be sure to be aware of the risks before you go.