Speed Skydiving
In a stable, head down position, the human body has an average terminal speed of around 240-290 km/h (around 150-180 mph). Further minimizing body drag and streamlining the body position allows the skydiver to reach higher speeds in the vicinity of 480 km/h (300 mph).
During competition, Speed Skydiving athletes each have eight jumps to attempt their fastest speed. This is measured by a Speed Measuring Device (SMD) worn on their helmet. This device has GPS positioning and the judges use the data to view the speed reached on each jump. The fastest three seconds for each jump is what is used to determine their score.
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Official rules: Skydiver's Competition Manual Chapter 15
Terminology
Exit Altitude:
Speed skydivers leave the plane at a minimum altitude of 13,000ft above ground level (AGL). The maximum exit altitude is 14,000 ft. AGL.
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Break-off Altitude:
No speed measurements are taken into account below the break-off altitude of 5,600 ft. AGL. Competitors are slowing down and deploying their parachute below this altitude.
Rounds:
There are eight rounds in competition.
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Performance Window:
The performance window is the scoring part of the speed jump, which starts at exit. The end of the performance window is either 7,400 ft. below exit or at break-off altitude whichever is reached first.
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Judging:
Each jump is assessed by at least two National Speed Skydiving judges. The data from the SMD is used to obtain the highest three second average vertical speed through the performance window.
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