The ancient Chinese and Leonardo da Vinci are both credited as having invented the parachute, although it seems that they both only created sketches as to what it might look like. It wasn't until around 1797 that the first parachute jump took place - and even that had to be conducted under duress.

The first parachutist was Andre Jacques Garnerin, a Frenchman who made his living travelling the country performing at fairs and exhibitions. Something of an early Del Boy, Garnerin had a scam going where he collected money from patrons promising that he would make a parachute jump from his hot air balloon. But on one fateful day, before he could exit for a night in the tavern with a hefty lump of brie and a similar wench, the gendarmeries were called. Faced with choice of either jumping or spending some time in the big house, Garnerin jumped, survived and the first parachutist was born.

Garnerin based his parachute on Da Vinci's original design - it consisted of a silk pyramid tent with a wicker basket hung from it. Unfortunately, Leonardo's original design brief called for no apertures in the cloth and Garnerin stuck faithfully to this. This meant that the parachute rocked violently from side to side as air spilled first from one side and then from the other. Subsequent parachutists improved on the design by adding a vent to the top of the chute. As parachuting developed, innovators got rid of the wicker basket completely, and came up with the harness, the ripcord and the safety chute.

For a long time, parachuting was considered a mere stunt, as the only real way for people to execute jumps was to leap from a hot air balloon - hardly the most dignified of crafts. Because of this, people viewed the parachute as impractical. However, when the Wright Brothers invented the aeroplane in 1909, the parachute found a new purpose as a lifesaving device.

During World War II, soldiers not only used parachutes to escape burning planes, but also to drop food, equipment and medical supplies. When the war was over, many soldiers cried 'Again, again!' and insisted on their right to continue to hurl themselves from aircraft. Soon civilians wanted to join in, and parachuting began to emerge as a sport in its own right. Associations were formed to provide licensing, safety guidelines and training programs. The first world championships were held in Yugoslavia in 1951 and currently around 250,000 people take the plunge each year.

If you decide that you would like to join in, then naturally you will have to take a parachuting course. Although these vary from centre to centre, all potential jumpers get the same basic training - they are briefed on aircraft and emergency procedures, the freefall flying position, parachute opening checks and how to steer and land. However, you needn't worry unduly about getting your wires crossed - in most instances, first-timers are strapped to an instructor for the duration of their jump.

Some people are so glad to survive their initial jump that they kiss the ground and run to confession to unburden their souls about that time they enticed Siobhan Clarke behind the gym to show her a baby bunny rabbit. However, many others want more others want to hug the big backpack that is the instructor and keep on going. After mastering solo jumps, you can go on to complete jumps with other skydivers and learn all the skills necessary to bring you to competition level and higher altitudes.

If you think that you are ready to take the plunge, then why not consider taking a course? And if you are a bit short of cash, then remember, those blind puppies aren't curing themselves. Give them a dig out by getting a spot of sponsorship.