New Jersey Native to Compete in Skydiving World Championship

A Vineland native will be representing the United States in a skydiving world championship.

38-year-old Albert Berchtold moved to Florida so he can skydive all year round, now it's finally paid off! According to this NJ.com article, the Vineland native has jumped out of an airplane 6,500 TIMES since starting in 1999.

Meanwhile, I've just got over my fear of rollercoasters.

In April, he joined the eight-man U.S. Parachute Team after displaying his canopy piloting skills. Now, he's completing the FAI World Canopy Piloting Championship in Farnahm, Canada this August.

If you're like me and have zero idea what canopy piloting is, it uses a smaller parachute. As the skydiver approaches the ground, he pilots the parachute to go around skill courses while going 100 mph, according to NJ.com. So, definitely a lot more challenging than typical skydiving.

Despite how long he's been skydiving, Berchtold still understands the dangers especially with a baby girl on the way.

Really awesome story, read it fully on NJ.com.