Leaping Through Time

Technically, the first parachute jumps took place in China 2000 years ago. Modern parachuting started early in the 20th Century, with skydiving becoming a fledgling sport in the shadow of World War II. This aerial chronology highlights the steady advancements of the sport’s equipment, safety devices, training techniques, athletic performances, and extreme experiences.

Peppered throughout this timeline, colorful personalities are introduced who devoted their lives to transforming daredevil antics into a respectable sport – well, as respectable as possible, considering the enthusiasts were jumping out of perfectly good airplanes.

Skydive Experience is a community-based project that strives to be as accurate as it is captivating. Corrections to these dates and facts are welcome, and providing additional media content that enhances this timeline is encouraged. Please contact us if you wish to contribute to the development of the Skydive Experience timeline.