Gopher Exclusive Product
UltraChute Parachutes
Built to handle high-energy activities, this is the most durable Gopher parachute. It supports active, engaging learning while delivering long-lasting performance at an excellent value.
Maximum Durability for Daily Use
Constructed from tear-resistant, coated rip-stop polyester, this parachute is designed to withstand frequent use in busy school environments. Reinforced stitching adds strength throughout, while an extra mesh center layer prevents balls from falling through and enhances overall durability. This reliable design is trusted by schools for years of consistent performance.
Secure Grip for Better Control
Handles are built into the perimeter, giving students a secure and comfortable grip during activities. Each handle is double stitched to resist tearing as movement intensifies, helping maintain control and organization throughout gameplay. This thoughtful design supports smooth class management and consistent participation.
Versatile Design for Engaging Activities
Bright Rainbow panels allow teachers to create color-coded games that promote teamwork and coordination. Available in four sizes with varying handle counts, this parachute easily adapts to different group sizes and activity types. An oversized storage bag with a handle makes transport and cleanup simple, and the parachute meets ASTM F963 Flammability Standard requirements to keep students safe.
Key Specs and Benefits
- Construction: The most durable parachute on the market is built to last with Rainbow panels to support fun, interactive games
- Material: Tear-resistant coated rip-stop polyester and a mesh center layer with reinforced stitching enhances longevity
- Sizing: Choose between four options ranging from 12’ to 45’ to support any class size
- Handles: Double-stitched to ensure secure, long-lasting grip
- 12’ dia, 18 handles
- 24’ dia, 30 handles
- 30’ dia, 36 handles
- 45’ dia, 48 handles
- Compliance: ASTM F963 Flammability Standard
- Storage: Oversized bag allows easy transport
Invest in a parachute built for performance and longevity. Choose UltraChute Parachutes today and elevate your PE program with durable, engaging group activities.
There are endless activity options for your program! You can easily integrate parachute games into warm-ups, cooperative units, or movement exploration lessons. The following activities develop coordination, helping to teach locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative, and body control skills in both small and large group settings. Let the games begin!
- Popcorn Pandemonium: Place small, lightweight balls on top of the parachute. Students work together to shake the parachute and pop the balls into the air, erupting like a volcano to teach arm strength, timing, and coordination. Have students use waves to push objects to the other side or attempt to catch them as skills progress.
- Wave Maker: Students create waves of different sizes or follow rhythm-based cues together, helping develop timing, cooperation, and upper-body coordination. Assign weather types (ex: Thunder = Hard Shaking, Rain = Slow Up & Down, Sun = Standing Still) to keep students engaged.
- Exploration Stations: Call out colors, numbers, categories or more and have students run or crawl under the parachute to switch spots before it falls. This will teach students listening skills, quick decision-making, and agility—and is easy to adjust for varying skill levels!
- Umbrellas, Mountains, and Igloos, Oh My! Students lift the parachute high to make a mushroom shape, then bring it down to trap air to create different variations; create a mountain by sitting with knees around the edge of the parachute, an umbrella by stepping underneath the dome, and then an igloo by sitting around the inside edge. This will help develop timing, cooperation, and spatial awareness skills!
- Cat & Mouse Chase: Students move around or underneath the parachute playing tag games. A "mouse" moves underneath while a "cat" tries to find them with guidance from the group, teaching locomotor skills, reaction time, and strategic movement. Need more direction? This blog has a demonstration!
- Skill-Building Bulls-Eye: Incorporating this versatile parachute will allow students to turn cooperative movement into precision-based games. Develop control and endurance or catching/tossing skills using specific color zones to create cross-curricular lessons!
Looking for ideas for older students? Team Critter Quest is a great lesson plan from PE Teacher Tim Mueller, who details how to play here, or join us on PE Universe to connect with other PE teachers to find new ideas!
Gopher offers the most durable, widest range of rainbow parachutes on the market—but we know that sometimes so many choices can be overwhelming. We're here to help! Find our size guide below to help you decide.
Before you browse: Most Gopher parachutes follow the same sizing & handle options, but due to its unique, extra-durable design, UltraChute has additional handles and can accommodate even more students! Those numbers are called out separately in the table below.
| Parachute Size |
Number of Handles |
Recommended Number of Students |
|
6' Diameter |
6 | 2-6 |
|
12' Diameter |
12 18 / UltraChute |
6-13 9-19 / UltraChute |
|
20' Diameter |
16 | 8-21 |
|
24' Diameter |
20 30 / UltraChute |
10-25 15-29 / UltraChute |
|
30' Diameter |
24 36 / UltraChute |
12-31 18-35 / UltraChute |
|
35' Diameter |
28 | 14-37 |
|
45' Diameter |
32 48 / UltraChute |
16-47 24-60 / UltraChute |
Remember! You know your students best. Consider age (preschool or elementary students might have a more difficult time creating waves, so we recommend leaning toward the smaller side of each range) and skillset (middle or high school students have more upper body strength, so it's less likely a parachute being too big would be an issue). As always, our Customer Care team is here to help answer any questions you may have!