World Parachuting Championships return to the Gold Coast for the first time in 20 years

BUCKLE in Gold Coast, you’re in for a wild ride as this nailbiting competition returns to the region for the first time in 20 years. And it includes jumping out of perfectly good aeroplanes — for fun.

IT’S the adrenaline pumping sport that has it all — speed, creativity and physical and mental prowess.

It’s just a little short on time.

But since you’re jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft at 14,000ft altitude with just a parachute on your back, freefalling for just 60 seconds may not be such a bad thing.

The Championships have been held in Dubai before. Picture: Australian Parachuting Federation

Next month, more than 600 athletes from 27 countries will compete at the 2018 World Parachuting Championships, at Runaway Bay.

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Hosted by the Australia Parachuting Federation, CEO Brad Turner says the event will certainly deliver on its reputation as an extreme sport.

Upside down! Picture: Australian Parachuting Federation

“We’ve got nine different disciplines,” he said.

“The average speed of falling is 220km/h, falling flat. In speed skydiving they’re wearing slip suits and can fall at 500km/h.”

The 2018 World Parachuting Championships are coming to the Gold Coast. Picture: Australian Parachuting Federation

He said other disciplines also included canopy formation, where skydivers had to deploy their parachute as soon as they jumped out so they could create a formation with their teammates as many times as possible, before having to land.

Other skydivers would need an even more artistic element and twist as they dive, while others would jump out of the plane upside down.

If you like a little thrill. Picture: Australian Parachuting Federation

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It is the first time since 1999 that the championships are being held on the Gold Coast.

Mr Turner said Australia had a good chance of claiming a medal at the event, with Russia, China, France and the US tipped to be the main contenders.

The biannual event’s opening ceremony will be held at Surfers Paradise from 2.45pm on October 6.

There will be an athletes’ parade, air displays and “quite a lot” of parachuting demonstrations.

Spectators are encouraged to attend the event at the Runaway Bay Super Sports Centre where there will be large screen TVs to watch the action live.

The championships begin October 6 and run until October 13.