Para Gear Competitors

The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a voluntary non-profit membership organization of individuals who enjoy and support the sport of skydiving. The association is incorporated in New York and follows the by-laws contained in the USPA Governance Manual. USPA’s mission is three-fold: - to promote safe skydiving through training, licensing and instructor qualification programs - to ensure skydiving’s rightful place on airports and in the airspace system - to promote competition and record-setting programs USPA wouldn’t be possible without its 40,000-plus members who support the organization. These members, along with first-time jump students, make roughly 3.2 million jumps per year at more than 220 USPA-affiliated drop zones nationwide. More members mean a bigger voice when dealing with issues that have threatened the existence of skydiving. It also helps to ensure the longevity of skydiving for people to enjoy for years to come. USPA partners with affiliated schools, clubs and centers—Group Member drop zones—that pledge to follow USPA's Basic Safety Requirements. These skydiving schools offer USPA-developed first-jump training methods, use only current USPA-rated skydiving instructors and provide USPA-required safety equipment. USPA began in 1946 in Mineola, New York, as the National Parachute Jumpers-Riggers, Incorporated, representing an estimated 100 members. It was renamed the Parachute Club of America in 1957 and renamed itself again to the United States Parachute Association in 1967. In July 2016, USPA celebrates in 70th anniversary. In May 2006, in conjunction with its 60th anniversary, USPA moved into its new headquarters in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where it continues to reside.

America's First Indoor Rock Climbing Gym!

ChutingStar is the largest skydiving gear retailer in the world. ChutingStar's headquarters in Marietta, GA, has become an international destination for skydivers from around the world who stop in to get the latest gear, try on all the new helmets and touch and feel everything before deciding what to buy. That store is backed by the progressive skydiving gear online site, ChutingStar.com, sporting the widest variety and largest stock of skydiving gear and related accessories worldwide. The Marietta location also is home to our Parachute Rigging Loft, sales crew and admin offices. The ChutingStar Rigging Loft is a training and testing center for those wanting to earn an FAA Senior or Master Parachute Rigger Certificate. The school is run by ChutingStar's Master and Senior Parachute Riggers. All testing is completed by the Atlanta's only FAA Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner, ChutingStar owner Mike Gruwell. Mike started the company in 1999, and it has grown from a one-man part time operation to an international superstore currently employing 7 people. For the entire ChutingStar story, see our web site at this link: http://www.chutingstar.com/chs-our-story/