On May 12, a wingsuit pilot named Anan disappeared while filming an extreme sports documentary in Zhangjiajie, China. She had veered off her planned flight path, and after seven days of intensive searching, her body was finally found.

This tragic accident put wingsuit flying—a sport known for its high risks—back in the spotlight.

For many of us, the idea of flying freely through the sky is both thrilling and terrifying. But what makes wingsuit flying so dangerous? Why do some people risk their lives for this extreme sport? Let's dive into the world of wingsuit flying and uncover the risks, the skills required, and the ultimate thrill that keeps pilots coming back for more.

What Is Wingsuit Flying?

Wingsuit flying is a form of skydiving where pilots wear a specially designed suit with fabric wings between their arms and legs. This suit increases air resistance, allowing them to glide through the sky rather than just free-falling.

There are two main types of wingsuit flying:

• High-altitude wingsuit flying: Jumping from an airplane and using a parachute to land safely.

• Low-altitude wingsuit flying (BASE jumping): Jumping off cliffs, buildings, or towers and deploying a parachute at the last second. This is considered one of the most dangerous extreme sports in the world.

To put the danger into perspective, BASE jumping stands for "Building, Antenna, Span (bridges), Earth (cliffs)." This sport is so risky that experienced skydivers call it “death jump” because even a small mistake can be fatal.

The Origins of Wingsuit Flying

The idea of human flight isn't new. In 1912, a French tailor named Franz Reichelt attempted to test his homemade parachute suit by jumping off the Eiffel Tower. Sadly, he did not survive.

Modern wingsuit flying was developed in the 1990s by Patrick de Gayardon, a French skydiver who successfully designed a safer version of the suit. By 1999, the first commercial wingsuit company, "Bird-Man International," was founded, allowing more people to enter the sport.

Today, wingsuit flying has grown into a competitive and professional sport, with events like the Wingsuit Flying World Championship, first held in China in 2012. However, even professional pilots are not immune to the dangers of this extreme sport.

How Does Wingsuit Flying Work?

When a wingsuit pilot jumps, they spread their arms and legs, allowing air to fill the fabric wings. This creates lift, similar to how a bird or an airplane glides. Pilots control their flight by shifting their body weight, adjusting their angle, and using small movements to navigate.

However, unlike airplanes, wingsuit pilots don't have engines. They rely entirely on their body positioning and parachute deployment to land safely. The speed in wingsuit flying is incredibly fast, with horizontal speeds reaching 100 mph (160 km/h) and vertical speeds around 120-160 mph (193-257 km/h).

Why Is Wingsuit Flying So Difficult?

Wingsuit flying is not something anyone can just try. It requires extensive training, experience, and significant financial investment. Here's what it takes to become a wingsuit pilot:

• Skydiving certification: You must complete at least 200 skydives before being allowed to train with a wingsuit.

• Thousands of dollars in training: Wingsuit flying courses and equipment can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

• Perfect body control: Pilots need precise coordination, strength, and quick reflexes to control their flight.

Even after meeting these requirements, there's still no guarantee of safety. Unlike other sports, wingsuit flying leaves little room for error.

How Dangerous Is Wingsuit Flying?

After Anan's accident, rumors spread that wingsuit flying had a 30% fatality rate. While this number isn't confirmed, the sport is undeniably dangerous.

• For high-altitude wingsuit flying, the risk is lower but still serious. On average, 1 in every 1,000 jumps results in death.

• For low-altitude (BASE jumping) wingsuit flying, the death rate is 5-8 times higher, meaning 1 in every 500-1,000 jumps can be fatal.

As of 2019, at least 370 wingsuit pilots had died from BASE jumping accidents. Most accidents happen due to:

• Parachute malfunctions

• Crashing into rocks or obstacles

• Bad weather conditions

• Pilot errors, like miscalculating the landing zone

Unlike other extreme sports, wingsuit flying has zero tolerance for mistakes. Even a minor miscalculation can be fatal.

Should We Judge Extreme Athletes?

After Anan's accident, online debates erupted. Some people criticized her for taking such risks, while others admired her courage. But here's the question: Who has the right to judge another person's dreams?

For many wingsuit pilots, the joy of flying outweighs the risks. They dedicate years of training, push their physical and mental limits, and accept the danger because it makes them feel truly alive.

As one online commenter put it: "People who do this sport know the risks. She died doing what she loved. But the real tragedy is for her family."

Anan was only 24 years old, but she had already achieved something most of us could never imagine. She wasn't reckless—she was brave. She chose a life filled with passion, adventure, and personal achievement.

Is Extreme Sports Worth the Risk?

Extreme sports have always been controversial. Some believe they are reckless, while others see them as a way to push human limits. But what separates real extreme athletes from thrill-seekers?

True extreme sports require:

• Years of training

• Deep knowledge of risks

• Backup plans (Plan A, B, and C)

• Physical and mental discipline

Unfortunately, many inexperienced people attempt high-risk activities without proper preparation, leading to unnecessary accidents.

If you're interested in extreme sports, consider starting with hiking, skiing, or scuba diving. These activities still offer excitement but with lower risks and more structured safety measures.

Final Thoughts

Anan's story is a reminder that dreams come with risks. Some people choose safe, predictable lives, while others take risks to experience something extraordinary. Neither path is right or wrong—it's just a personal choice.

To all the Lykkers out there—what's something you've always wanted to do but never dared to try?

Would you ever try an extreme sport? Let's talk in the comments!

Wingsuit

Video: Dom.e Wingsuit