Debutant Skydivers
In the thrilling world of skydiving, freeflying offers a unique and exhilarating experience. This multi-orientation body flight includes freestyle aerobatics, backflying, head-up or head-down flight, and more [1]. To safely learn and progress in freeflying skydiving, it is essential to build a solid foundation of skills through consistent practice, structured training, and focused safety awareness.
Start with Foundational Skills
Master body control and stability in various freeflying positions such as head-down, head-up, and sit-flying. Learn to track efficiently to maximize horizontal separation during descent, which enhances safety for canopy deployment [1].
Train Under Qualified Instruction
Use experienced coaches or skydiving schools that specialize in freeflying. Instructional programs and materials like the USPA Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM) provide standardized safety guidance and best practices [5].
Repeat Good Habits Deliberately
Regularly practice specific skills to build muscle memory and confidence. Increasing jump frequency without focused effort won’t necessarily improve performance and may instill bad habits [2].
Maintain Awareness and Situational Safety
Develop an acute sense of spacing and separation from other jumpers, especially when performing complex maneuvers or flying in groups. Establishing safe distances before parachute deployment reduces collision risk [1].
Progress Gradually Through Complexity
Start with simpler exit techniques and freefly positions, then incrementally challenge yourself with more advanced maneuvers, formations, and transitions as your skill and confidence grow [1][3].
Use Appropriate Gear and Maintain It
Utilize equipment suitable for freeflying and ensure all gear is inspected and packed by qualified personnel to reduce malfunctions and enhance safety [4][5].
Break-off and Exit Strategies
In break-off for freefly jumps, participants must achieve sufficient separation and transition to a belly-to-earth orientation and slow down before deployment to avoid severe damage [1]. Beginner head-up flyers are recommended to break off by going first to a relaxed backfly position to maintain relative fall rate, clear airspace, and roll to their belly to establish separation while assuring clear airspace below [1].
Additional Considerations
Freeflying increases fall rate and potential for instability compared to belly-to-earth orientation. Visual and audible altimeters, and AADs are highly recommended for freefly jumps [1]. When jumping with other freeflyers, it is important to specify exit, content of jump, base, break-off, and to mock up and dirt-dive the freefly jump just as you would a belly jump [1].
Group Size and Experience Level
For freefly jumps with 0-100 jumps, it is recommended to jump solo or in twos. For freefly jumps with 100-300 jumps, the maximum group size is up to 3 people. For freefly jumps with 300-500 jumps, the maximum group size is up to 5 people. After 500 freefly jumps, good judgment and common sense should be used when deciding group size [1].
Safety Disclaimer
It is important to note that Skydive Arizona and its subsidiaries or affiliates shall not be liable for any damages, and each individual participant has final responsibility for their own safety in sport parachuting or skydiving [1].
Resources for Freefly Skydiving
Additional resources for freefly-friendly gear, videos, articles, and coaching can be found in the provided links [1]. It is recommended to become a competent belly-flyer and canopy pilot before attempting a freefly jump [1].
Freeflying is a progression, with each skill building on and incorporating those which come before [1]. With dedication, knowledgeable instruction, deliberate skill practice, situational awareness, and adherence to established safety protocols, you can safely and successfully explore the exciting world of freeflying skydiving.
[1] Freeflying Skydiving: A Comprehensive Guide for Safe Progression ([link]) [2] The Importance of Deliberate Practice in Skydiving ([link]) [3] Advanced Skydiving Techniques for Freefly Skydiving ([link]) [4] Choosing the Right Gear for Freefly Skydiving ([link]) [5] USPA Skydiver's Information Manual ([link])
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