Getting the Most Out of Your Skydiving Experience

The experience of skydiving is filled with a rush of emotions. You may feel nervous and excited before you jump, but once you're up in the air, the excitement and anxiety dissipate and you feel lifted, relaxed, and unwind. After all, you just jumped and experienced freefall. That's a great feeling. It wipes away your fears. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your skydiving experience.

DOWNWIND LEG

When it comes to downwind landings, it's a good idea to land on the opposite side of the wind from jumpers landing into the wind. This can be scary but it's often more effective than landing on a low turn in light or variable winds. If you're unsure of your ability to land on the opposite side of the wind, consider practicing a downwind landing first.

It's also a good idea to sit out the jump if the wind is blowing your way. A canopy that can adjust to ten-mph winds is equal to a 20-mph forward speed. If the wind is blowing your way, you'll have to counteract it with half your forward speed, which means you'll cover more ground. Aside from the physics of how wind affects your speed, it also affects how much distance you can cover in a short amount of time.

When it comes to a downwind leg, it's important to practice as much as possible. Start by determining where you're going to land. Then, make a list of your possible landing positions. You'll need to know which side is upwind. Once you've got a list of potential landing locations, try practicing the downwind leg, the base leg, and the final approach.

Developing a strong downwind landing is vital when attempting to land on a canopy. The first landing should be made in no wind and then progress to a landing in four or five mph downwind. Flare will be slower than the first 90-degree portion, so try to flare as far as you can with the minimum input. Make sure to keep your canopy level over your head and finish the descent until you come to a complete stop.

As with any freefall maneuver, the downwind leg is vital in maximizing the safety of the jump. Many skydivers do not have the strength to perform this exercise at 2,500 feet, so it is critical to practice in a mock up before jumping. The goal of a downwind landing is to land safely and quickly, and if this is not possible, use a reserve parachute.

DOWNPLANE

A downplane occurs when two ramair parachutes are inflated simultaneously, with a high rate of descent. A downplane can cause severe injury and even death if it is landed improperly. If you want to avoid this type of crash, take the necessary precautions before you jump. According to a study by Performance Designs, a downplane starts when the main bag tumbles and quickly develops into a side-by-side configuration, without any input from the jumper. A side-by-side configuration suggests a cutaway, as the two sides of the canopy meet and move away from each other.

To avoid a downplane, remember that you must be aware of the wind direction while jumping. Winds can change quickly, and you'll have a hard time judging whether or not your jump was a safe one. Use the navigation systems to determine the correct heading. A downplane is a good idea if you are jumping with another skydiver. A downwind landing is another option that involves landing with your wings at an angle.

If you're using a round canopy, you'll need to adjust the ram-air parachute before you jump. Turn your head slightly to the side to protect your chin. Then, land parallel to power lines, so you won't hit a power line. Remember that nylon conducts electricity at higher voltages, so be sure to check with the power company before you land. Sometimes power lines reset themselves after you've landed, and you may have a dangerous situation on your hands.

It is important to have a clear understanding of the TERMINAL VElocities when you jump. You must also know how to adjust the POSED EXIT method. The POSED EXIT method requires an external structure and the jumper to gain stability. A PORTER is a turbine single-engine aircraft that carries up to ten jumpers. You must make sure that you have a qualified instructor to supervise your jumps.