Record Set For USPA Membership, According To Association

For the sixth year in a row, the U.S. Parachute Association is reporting record growth, indicating that more and more people are not only jumping for the first time, but are taking up the sport as a hobby and a passion.

In 2017, USPA membership again set record highs, ending the year with more than 39,000 members. Last year, more than a half million people experienced the thrill of a lifetime, taking the leap for the first time. These first-timers and USPA members combined to make more than 3.2 million skydives at more than 220 USPA-affiliated skydiving schools and centers across the country.

USPA also welcomed 6,500 new members and issued more than 4,000 basic skydiving licenses, proving that more first-timers are coming back to pursue the sport and become certified solo jumpers.

Veteran skydivers also reached new heights, setting multiple world records throughout the year. These included both the largest freefall and canopy formations at night, as well as the largest all-female formation while flying in an upright position. Additionally, a team of 220 skydivers set a world record by completing multiple formations on the same skydive.

Even as the sport shows increased growth, accident numbers continue to remain comparatively low. In 2017, 24 people died in the U.S. while skydiving, or roughly one fatality per 133,333 jumps—among the lowest rate in the sport’s history.

Skydiving continues to improve its safety record due in large part to safer equipment, diligent training and dedicated skydiving centers and instructors. USPA institutes safety standards, certifies skydiving instructors and establishes training programs for new skydivers, constantly working to make the sport safer. In addition, this year USPA will hold its 22nd annual Safety Day—scheduled for March 10—where drop zones across the country offer safety seminars and refresher training.

And this May, USPA will hold its third annual Learn to Skydive Month, where drop zones around the country will offer free first-jump ground courses, inviting people to learn more about the sport and maybe even take the leap for the first time.

“As skydiving continues to increase in popularity, USPA is proud of our safety record, as well as the incredible accomplishments of those skydivers who continue to excel and push the limits of our sport,” says USPA Executive Director Ed Scott. “We’re excited for another year of growth and introducing people to the wonderful world of skydiving.”

(Source: USPA news release. Images from provided videos)

FMI: www.uspa.org