First Paraplegic Skydiver to Compete at International Competition

Oct. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Continuing a journey briefly interrupted by fate, Jarrett Martin, 22, is trailblazing his way through the skydiving world and racking a list of firsts for a paraplegic. His latest victory, an invitation to compete at the Dubia International Parachuting Competition (December, 2013) and the World Parachuting Championship in Banja Luka next year will make him the 1st paraplegic skydiver to compete in an International FAI event.

Injured 3 years ago following a BASE jump malfunction, Martin wasted no time getting back in the air and began jumping only 6 months after his accident. As a 3rd generation skydiver, Martin was around skydiving his entire life and began jumping and piloting at a young age. He never had a doubt that his career would include flying and skydiving, including being active in competitive skydiving. Losing the use of his legs at only 18 never hindered that goal.

In 2011, Martin became the first paraplegic skydiver to compete in the US Nationals competition and has returned the last two years. Although not having the use of his legs introduces increased difficulty in scoring, Jarrett continually strives to perfect his Accuracy landings and speed for the style routines through practice, trial and error and experimenting with adaptive equipment to even the playing field with his competitors. His strategies and experimental nature is paying off as he continually improves his control over his landings and, ultimately, his scores.

Martin earned his position on the US World team as the 1st ever Junior competitor, opening the door for other junior competitors in future events. His selection to join the team as a junior competitor was made by the USPA following his performance at the 2011-2013 USPA National Skydiving Championships.

“While I can’t do a lot of the things the way I used to,” Martin shared, “I still do all the things I love”.

Being competitive is important to Jarrett as he continues the skydiving career he began at 16, but pushing himself to do more and show that he is not held back by his handicap, led him to complete the first paraplegic pond swoop, the first paraplegic wingsuit jump and he is a regular BASE jumper.

A true inspiration, Jarrett dedicates a lot of his time to working with other disabled athletes to show them that the thrill and peace from flying through the air isn’t out of reach for anyone and has instructed six disabled athletes to obtain their skydiving license.

In addition to inspiring fellow skydivers around the world and training with other disabled skydivers, Jarrett is the subject of a documentary, Sky High, produced and developed by Newfangled Studios. Sky High is about Jarrett's life as a skydiver, pilot and paraplegic. A screening for the film will be held in Boston as part of the f/Stop Local Visual Arts Screening Series at the Somerville Arts at the Armory on November 7. Sky High was recognized for Indie Directing at the Boston International Film Festival earlier this year.

The Dubai International Parachuting Competition begins November 27th, and Martin is preparing by training at his home drop zone, Skydive DeLand.