Indian Tech Entrepreneur Achieves Skydiving World Records and Realizes Lifelong Dream
Jithin Vijayan, a tech entrepreneur based in Kochi, India, recently set skydiving world records and fulfilled his lifelong dream of making the Indian flag fly at extreme altitudes. Vijayan, who had tried various sports throughout his life, including cricket, tennis, shooting, horse riding, paragliding, and mountaineering, experienced his first skydiving adventure on a trip to New Zealand in May 2019. While he initially enjoyed the experience, it wasn’t until last year that he considered setting records and pursuing a career in skydiving.
Vijayan’s original plan was to prepare for a Mount Everest summit, with the goal of unfurling the Indian flag at 29,000 feet. However, his family expressed concerns about the high risks involved. Determined to achieve his dreams of carrying a flag to great heights, he decided to venture into skydiving. Vijayan obtained the necessary licenses and began his journey towards making his dream a reality.
His skydiving journey started with a tandem jump in New Zealand, where he was connected to an instructor. Afterward, Vijayan dedicated himself to training and completed the 7-level Accelerated Freefall (AFF) skydiving training offered by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) in November 2022. Although he faced setbacks and had to repeat a few levels, he eventually earned his global skydiving license.
Vijayan’s dedication and proficiency in skydiving have led him to set several impressive records. Over the course of 60 days, he completed daily skydives across the UK, setting the record for the most consecutive days to skydive from different dropzones from June 1 to 18. Two weeks later, on July 1, he achieved two world records and two Asian records by jumping from a height of 42,431 feet over Whiteville, West Tennessee, in the US.
By skydiving with a flag, Vijayan set the altitude record for a skydive with a banner/flag at 42,431 feet (approximately 12.9 kilometers). He also recorded a freefall time of 2.47 minutes, surpassing the previous world record of 2.3 minutes. Additionally, he established new Asian records for the highest altitude in a skydive and the maximum vertical distance traveled (36,929 feet, or 11.25 kilometers) without deploying his parachute.
Vijayan’s record-breaking skydive from 42,431 feet presented its challenges. Prior to this jump, his highest dive was from 15,000 feet, which did not necessitate an oxygen mask. In preparation for the jump, Vijayan had to get a clean shave to ensure the oxygen mask fit properly. Despite encountering a broken band on his goggles just as the aircraft door opened, he managed to proceed with the jump using spare equipment provided by the organizers.
During the thrilling free fall, Vijayan reached speeds of 420 kilometers per hour in under 12 seconds. However, due to the imbalance caused by the flag in his hand, he experienced continuous spinning. With great effort, Vijayan regained control and gradually reduced his speed to 200 kilometers per hour. When he reached a safe distance from the ground, approximately 5,000 feet, he deployed his parachute and glided smoothly to the landing spot, completing the jump as planned.
While the jump with the flag earned Vijayan several remarkable accolades, it also left him with unique challenges. He developed a large blood clot in his shoulder, which took two weeks to recover. Additionally, he experienced partial loss of speech for three days and endured the effects of exposure to extremely cold air during the spin.
Having achieved his skydiving goals and garnered international recognition, Vijayan now aims to share his passion by teaching others to skydive. He is working towards obtaining his C-level license and plans to attain the D-level necessary to become a tandem jump instructor. Ultimately, Vijayan hopes to tandem jump with his wife, Divya, and son, Saurav.
Reflecting on his skydiving experience, Vijayan describes it as a spiritual activity that provides a unique connection to Earth’s gravity. He highlights the adrenaline rush and the moment of letting go as worries fade away. Skydiving offers a blissful feeling of peace, happiness, and clarity, making it an addictive and awe-inspiring sport.
Jithin Vijayan’s incredible achievements in skydiving serve as an inspiration to dream big and strive for the extraordinary. His persistence, determination, and risk-taking nature have propelled him to heights beyond imagination, solidifying his place in the world of adventure sports. As he continues his skydiving journey, Vijayan’s record-breaking feats will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential, both in the skies and in life.
