Dont u need a mask to skydive?

Question

Im watching video's online cuase im going for classes soon and people are without masks during the freefal? Cant they sufficate because its so hard to breath going 500mph how do they do it without a mask do they just hold there breath?

Answer 1

first of all they dont go 500 mph, the fastest speed a human can reach in free fall (it's terminal velocity) is 120mph, and no, you don't need a mask, you can breath, although it's harder, you can.

Answer 2

First off we do not fall at 500 mph.  the fastest I've gone on a skydive myself was head down at 210mph.  A normal belly speed is in the 120 - 130 mph range, and for free flying it is 150 to 170 mph.

It is very easy to breathe in free fall.  there is plenty of air.  if you hold your breath you will not be able to relax or fly and could pass out.  Masks are only needed for extreme high altitude jumps where you need to take oxygen with you.  for normal skydives you will not need supplemental oxygen.

If anything there are a choice of helmets, not for students, but for experienced jumpers, closed face and open face.  you will be jumping an open face helmet to start with.