Skysurfing vs. Skydiving — What's the Difference?

Skysurfing is an adventurous variant of skydiving, where participants add the thrill of surfing on a board while in free fall. This adds a layer of complexity and skill to the basic skydiving experience, as it requires controlling one's movement and orientation with the board. On the other hand, skydiving is the act of jumping from an aircraft and free-falling before opening a parachute to slow the descent, focusing more on the sensations of free fall and controlled descent rather than performing stunts.

While skysurfing offers a unique blend of skydiving and surfing, presenting opportunities for performing tricks and stunts in the air, traditional skydiving is often pursued for the exhilarating experience of free fall and the serene descent once the parachute is deployed. Skysurfing participants need to have experience in skydiving and must master additional skills to manage the board's dynamics during free fall, whereas skydiving is accessible to beginners, often starting with tandem jumps where the novice is attached to an instructor.

The equipment used in skysurfing includes a specially designed board in addition to the standard skydiving gear, making it crucial for skysurfers to be adept in handling both their body movements and the board. Skydiving, in contrast, requires less specialized equipment, mainly a jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, and the parachute system, making it a more straightforward activity in terms of gear.

Both sports offer thrilling experiences but cater to different interests within the aerial sports community. Skysurfing, with its added complexity and need for precision, appeals to those looking for an extreme sport that combines elements of surfing, skateboarding, and skydiving. Skydiving itself, being more accessible and focused on the free-fall experience, attracts a wider audience seeking the thrill of jumping from an aircraft.

While both skysurfing and skydiving share the fundamental aspect of jumping from an aircraft and experiencing free fall, skysurfing introduces an additional element of aerial acrobatics with a board, targeting those who seek an extra challenge and wish to perform stunts in the sky. In contrast, skydiving focuses on the pure joy and adrenaline rush of free falling and parachuting to the ground.