Tours and Activities:
Parachuting in the Calle Calle River
Water spaces offer sports resources with ample possibilities, and the river network in the Community of Valdivia is a real temptation for those who non-traditional exercises.
On several occasions, the city of Valdivia has been chosen as the venue for the National Water Precision Skydiving Championship, organized by the Municipality together with the "Aguilas" Sport Club and Skydive Pucón. This unique event in Chile has its fans and enthusiasts, and since 1981 it has been held almost uninterruptedly on the Calle Calle River, except for a pause in the 1990s, resuming with strength in 2002 thanks to municipal support.
The Calle Calle River, host to many activities throughout the year, becomes the epicenter of this competition, which brings together a large number of national and international participants. During the event, athletes must calculate their landing with precision to hit the floating target set on the water´s surface. For the occasion, experts from all over Chile arrive in Valdivia, along with competitors from countries such as the United States and Argentina. The challenge is both individual and collective, as clubs and institutions also compete.
The trial starts with the jump from a plane. After skydiving for a while, the parachute opens, and maneuvers are done by the athlete so as to descend towards the river and aim for the target. This consists of a platform resting on the water. It has a camera inside and others attached around it. The last effort of jumpers is to manage a good score according to the portion of the bull's eye they land on.
Thrilling moments are ornamented by the constant murmur of the audience at the moment of landing, diving into the water.
The event takes place during the summer months and traces its beginnings back to 1978, when it was first held at Lake Rapel in Melipilla. In the following year, it moved to Lakes Villarrica and Llanquihue, until finally establishing itself in Valdivia. The turnout is massive: thousands of spectators gather along both riverbanks to follow each day´s activities.
This traditional competition features the participation of private clubs, groups from the armed forces, and individual competitors. For each of them, it is more than just entertainment; they test their personal skills in parachute jumping and gain experience for other international competitions. In addition, the prizes are appealing, as in recent editions, cash incentives have been awarded to the top three places, along with special recognition for the best female jump.
City of Rivers is perfectly suited for this type of event, where the public turns out in large numbers to watch it unfold. Over several days, the festivities fill the sky with vibrant colors and joy, along with amusing moments along the Calle Calle River, which year after year grows brighter and draws even larger crowds.
Contact
Club de Paracaidísmo
Cel: +56 985326660
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