World's Most Extreme: Wingsuit flying

Wingsuit flying, also known as wingsuiting or wingsuit skydiving, is an extreme sport that involves gliding through the air using a specialized jumpsuit called a wingsuit. The wingsuit has fabric between the legs and under the arms, creating wing-like or webbed surfaces that allow for controlled flight.

Photo source: Richard Schneider from Los Angeles, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Wingsuit pilots typically jump from high altitudes, such as from an airplane or a cliff or building. Once in freefall, they deploy their wingsuit and use body movements to steer and control their flight path. Unlike traditional skydiving, where the descent is primarily vertical, wingsuit flying allows for significant horizontal movement. Pilots can travel several miles horizontally and control their descent rate to glide through the air. After enjoying the flight, wingsuit pilots deploy their parachutes at a safe altitude to ensure a controlled landing. The parachute is typically deployed at a higher altitude than in regular skydiving to account for the wingsuit’s additional complexity.

Feel the adrenaline rush of this sport when wearing a TWELF-X watch. Knowing the time helps in planning and coordinating jumps, ensuring you stick to the schedule for pre-jump preparations, flight duration, and parachute deployment. In an emergency, having accurate timing can be crucial. Knowing how much time has passed since exiting the aircraft or when the last safety check was performed can aid in decision-making. So take your TWELF-X watch with you before you leap off.

Wingsuit flying offers a unique and exhilarating experience, combining the thrill of freefall with the sensation of flight, making it a popular activity among adventure sports enthusiasts.