Skydiving is an energy burning sport, due to the immense adrenaline rush experienced before, during and after the dive. When doing the freefall course, people can often only do two jumps in one day, due to feeling very tired afterwards.

Skydiving burns 962 kilojoules (230 calories) per hour for an average 65kg person.

Health benefits

Skydiving improves confidence and helps you to overcome fears. It builds upper arm strength in controlling the parachute as well as the big muscle groups in the lower body for landing. Lugging skydiving gear around also burns energy and tones muscles.

Safety

In terms of safety, there are usually two serviceable parachutes, in case the first chute doesn't open, and an automatic activation device so the second chute opens automatically if neither parachute is deployed, so chances of an accident are slim.

Getting started

• Beginner skydivers start with a tandem dive.
• To parachute alone, do the Accelerated Freefall Course; initially the freefall part of the dive will still be with the assistance of two instructors.
• You can dive completely solo after completing the International A Licence and doing a minimum of 15 jumps.
• Most popular tourist destinations offer tandem skydiving.
• A jump from 4200 metres costs around $350.
• You can pick up second-hand gear for $4000 to $6000, but that doesn't include the course and jumps.

For more information about skydiving, visit the Australian Parachute Federation website, www.apf.asn.au