The Sport Wingsuit Flying is the most extreme evolution of human flight, utilizing a specialized “squirrel suit” that increases the surface area of the human body to generate lift. This allows pilots to convert vertical descent into horizontal glide, reaching speeds of over 100mph. In 2026, the sport is split between Performance (judged on glide ratio, speed, and time) and Acrobatics (judged on maneuvers performed by a team). The 2026 season culminates at the 6th FAI World Wingsuit Flying Championships (October 8–15, 2026) (https://usparachuteteam.org/Teams/Wingsuit-Flying). For the global market, it represents the absolute pinnacle of aerodynamic engineering and athlete mental discipline.
How We Can Help TheGlobalSportsMarket.com provides a “Safety-First” bridge for experienced skydivers looking to transition into wingsuiting. We help athletes manage the extreme technical requirements by providing data on wing-loading ratios and assisting in sourcing custom-fitted suits from industry leaders. Our platform connects users with USPA-rated Wingsuit Instructors (https://uspa.org) and provides checklists for “First Flight Courses” (FFC), ensuring that the transition into wingsuit flight is handled with professional-grade safety protocols and equipment.
Governing Organizations
- FAI International Parachuting Commission (ISC): https://fai.org/commission/isc
- USPA (United States Parachute Association): https://uspa.org
- U.S. Parachute Team: https://usparachuteteam.org
Equipment Needed Wingsuiting requires a symbiotic relationship between the suit and the parachute system.
- Suits: For 2026, we recommend the Squirrel Freak 5 (https://squirrel.ws) for performance versatility or the Phoenix-Fly Vampire (https://phoenix-fly.com) for elite acrobatic flight.
- Rigging: Must use a low-bulk, high-opening stability parachute system such as the Sun Path Javelin Odyssey (https://www.sunpath.com).
- Safety Tech: Every wingsuit pilot must use a specialized Wingsuit AAD (Automatic Activation Device) and a visual/audible altimeter like the L&B Optima II (https://my-altime.com).
- Wearables: For the 2026 season, elite pilots utilize FlySight 2 (https://flysight.ca) GPS logging to analyze glide paths and speed in real-time.
Major Global Events
- Professional: 6th FAI World Wingsuit Flying Championships 2026 (https://usparachuteteam.org/Events/2026-FAI-World-Championships), Red Bull Aces (The world’s first wingsuit slalom race).
- Amateur: USPA Wingsuit Nationals and regional Performance Cups.
Local Amateur Clubs Wingsuit flight is a “post-graduate” discipline. We recommend parents and aspiring pilots first locate a USPA-sanctioned Dropzone (https://uspa.org/find-a-dz) to complete the mandatory 200 skydives required before beginning an FFC (First Flight Course). Facilities like Skydive Arizona (https://www.skydiveaz.com) or Skydive DeLand (https://www.skydivedeland.com) host specialized Wingsuit schools with “loaner” beginner suits for students.
