What is a HALO Jump? A Comprehensive Guide to HALO Jumping
Taking a leap of faith from 10,000 feet is one thing. Launching yourself from an altitude that rivals Mount Everest is a different ballgame, bringing challenges, including supplemental oxygen and specialized equipment. Breathing at the Edge of the Stratosphere: Up in those rarefied heights, oxygen becomes scarce. For civilian HALO jumps that typically exit between 10,000 – 14,000 feet at WNY Skydiving, oxygen is not always needed. However, anytime a jump goes above 15,000 feet, supplementary oxygen becomes crucial for safety, both during the ascent and for a significant portion of the freefall. HALO jumpers rely on specialized breathing equipment and protocols to prevent hypoxia, a condition caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the body’s tissues. Hypoxia can cause brain fog and physical impairment – a terrifying potential when you’re about to leap from a plane. Proper training and meticulous adherence to safety procedures are paramount.