Wingsuiting: How Does it Work?






It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a person in a flying squirrel suit! You’re correct, almost. Wingsuiting is the general term for when skydivers don suits that allow them to stay in freefall for much longer the average parachutist. The top manufacturers include: Tony Suits and SQRL. So how do you start wingsuiting?
Once you have 200 skydives, Airborne Petawawa can run your Wingsuit First Flight Course (FFC)! We have more information on this topic on our website, just click the Solo Jumpers tab in the Menu Bar above.
We facilitate licences, Wingsuit Courses, and Wingsuit Rentals. This is due to our full-time Wingsuit Coach who runs courses on demand, just send us an email anytime to learn more.
Do I still have a parachute?
Yes, you will still have a parachute! The wingsuit is actually made to zip onto your parachuting container, and then you zip yourself into it prior to flight. Kind of like a straight jacket that gives you wings! Instantly, your glide and freefall time increases. That vertical speed you once had is converted to horizontal speed and boy is it fast!
After you have deployed your parachute, and determined your main canopy is safe to land, it is time to unzip your wingsuit and free your arms and legs. Next time you're at Airborne Petawawa, check out some of our wingsuiters under canopy. Their wingsuit trails behind them like a beautiful dress, allowing freedom of movement to run out a landing if necessary.
-Photos courtesy of the talented Alex Swindle