Every year, approximately 30 universities compete in two national skydiving leagues run by the British Collegiate Parachute Association (BCPA). Competitive skydiving is a relatively unknown, up and coming sport. University level competitions consist of three main disciplines; accuracy, formation and freefly. Accuracy is arguably the easiest to access for non-skydiviners. It involves jumping from the plane at approximately 5000 ft, deploying canopies almost immediately and then attempting to land on a given target on the ground.

Many people will have seen the infamous Honda advert and believe skydiving to be an easy sport. The advert does not accurately depict some of the more difficult and dangerous aspects of skydiving. For instance, competitive skydiving includes an element of performance. Put more simply, this generally requires jumping from the plane at around 13000 feet with two other teammates and then attempting to peform a set routine of formations and points. In addition, competitive skydivers fall at approximately 120 mph, in close proximity to their teammates

The freefly element to competitive skydiving is an artistic discipline. It is considered to be extremely beautiful and involves a huge amount of skill. Instead of flying in the most stable, flat position that formation skydivers fly in, freefliers then perform a series of sitting, standing and head down positions. Doing this, they reach speeds of around 180 mph and perform particularly complex manouveres, including upside down, spinning splits.

Southampton’s skydiving team has improved immensely this year, finishing second nationally in the Achievements League. This league is dependent on the number of different qualifications that have been acquired by a club.

Southampton’s skydivers were beaten to the top spot by Warwick, who have been dubbed the Manchester United of the skydiving world.

In the Competitive league, which is based on how many points are won at competitions, Southampton have this year finished in a respectable fourth place, robbed of 3rd position after a somewhat dubious decision to allow a late entry by Warwick. Southampton have, however, achieved the title of Southern Champions, in both leagues. The new season has now started and Southampton are currently 1st in both of the national leagues, 1st in the Southern regional league and have just won their 1st national competition of the year.