Tandem skydiving is an exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of freefall with the safety and guidance of an experienced instructor. For those looking to experience the sensation of skydiving for the first time, tandem jumping is the most popular choice. The jump allows you to fly through the air while securely harnessed to a professional skydiver, who will guide you through the entire experience. However, one of the most important aspects of tandem skydiving is a proper landing. In this article, we’ll go into detail about how to land a tandem skydive safely, ensuring that your first (or even subsequent) jump is memorable for all the right reasons.
What Is Tandem Skydiving?
Before we dive into the details of how to land a tandem skydive, it’s essential to understand what tandem skydiving involves. Tandem skydiving refers to the process of jumping from an aircraft with a certified instructor while being attached to them via a harness system. The instructor controls the jump, freefall, and landing. As a first-time skydiver, this is the safest way to experience the sport.
The tandem instructor does most of the work, such as opening the parachute and guiding the descent. All you need to do is enjoy the ride and follow a few instructions. However, landing is one area where your participation is required. While the instructor does most of the work, your assistance is crucial in making sure that you land safely and comfortably.
How to Prepare for A Tandem Skydive Landing
Before jumping, it’s important to prepare both mentally and physically. Landing a tandem skydive isn’t difficult, but there are key actions you need to take in order to make it as smooth and safe as possible.
1. Understanding the Equipment
As a tandem student, you will be wearing a specially designed harness that attaches you securely to your instructor. This harness includes safety features such as automatic activation devices (AADs) that can deploy the parachute in case of an emergency.
Your instructor will also be wearing a helmet, a jumpsuit, and goggles for protection, while you’ll receive similar gear to ensure comfort and safety throughout the jump.
2. The Briefing Before the Jump
Before ascending into the air, you will go through a short but important briefing. During this session, the instructor will explain the steps involved in the jump, what to expect during freefall, and how to perform a safe landing. Pay close attention during this time, as it will set you up for a smooth and successful landing.
Your instructor will also give you instructions on how to hold your body during the landing. This is usually a simple action, like raising your legs to a certain position, that will help in minimizing the risk of injury.
3. Stay Relaxed and Focused
Tandem skydiving is a thrilling experience, and it’s natural to feel nervous before the jump. However, staying calm is essential for a safe landing. If you follow your instructor’s cues and remain relaxed, you’ll be more prepared to react appropriately when it’s time to land.
The Tandem Skydive Landing Process
The landing of a tandem skydive involves a series of steps that rely on both the instructor’s skill and your cooperation. The following is a breakdown of the typical landing process.
1. Parachute Deployment
Once the tandem instructor has controlled the freefall portion of the jump, they will deploy the parachute. This is a critical moment, as the parachute needs to open properly to ensure a safe and controlled descent. At this stage, you may feel a slight jolt as the parachute opens, but don’t worry—it’s completely normal.
After the chute is deployed, the descent will slow down significantly, allowing for a more controlled, calm approach to landing. The instructor will then begin to steer the parachute by pulling on the control toggles, which are attached to the parachute’s lines.
2. Approaching the Landing Zone
The instructor will guide the parachute toward the landing area. You’ll be able to see the landing zone from quite a distance, but the view will be much clearer as you descend. Your instructor will begin to make small adjustments to the parachute to ensure a smooth approach.
At this point, the most important instruction for you is to get your legs ready for landing. The instructor will ask you to bring your legs up and position them in a specific way to ensure that your feet are in line with the ground. This is the most critical step in avoiding injury upon landing.
3. Legs Up for Landing
When you’re approaching the landing zone, your instructor will direct you to raise your legs in front of you, knees bent at around a 90-degree angle. The idea here is to position your feet above the ground so that your instructor can land on their feet first, absorbing the impact of the landing.
It’s important to not try to stand up or touch the ground with your feet until the instructor has touched down. Doing so could result in unnecessary strain or injury. As the instructor brings you closer to the ground, you should feel a slight slowing of the descent. The goal is for your feet to not touch the ground prematurely, but rather to ensure a gentle touchdown.
4. Touchdown
As you approach the ground, the instructor will begin to flare the parachute to slow the descent even further. This is a critical part of the process, as a gentle flare helps to reduce the impact of the landing.
At this point, the instructor will land first, and then they will guide you to a gentle touchdown. The parachute’s descent will slow as the instructor ensures the landing is as smooth as possible.
5. Post-Landing
Once your feet touch the ground, the instructor will quickly assist you in unstrapping the harness and getting out of the landing area. Depending on where you land, you may have to walk a short distance to get back to the landing zone, but your instructor will ensure you stay safe and stable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Landing Tandem Skydiving
To ensure your landing goes smoothly, it’s essential to avoid some common mistakes. While the instructor does most of the work, your cooperation is crucial to making a successful landing.
1. Not Raising Your Legs Properly
The most common mistake that first-time tandem jumpers make is not raising their legs high enough for the landing. This can cause you to touch the ground too early or to experience an uncomfortable landing. Make sure you follow your instructor’s instructions and raise your legs as instructed.
2. Standing Up Too Soon
Another mistake is attempting to stand up or move too early. After landing, it may be tempting to stand and walk around, but this could cause you to lose your balance or hurt yourself. Wait for your instructor to guide you and ensure you’re steady on your feet before moving.
3. Not Paying Attention to the Instructor’s Cues
During the landing phase, it’s vital to listen to your instructor’s instructions. They are the experts in the jump and know exactly how to make the landing smooth and safe. Ignoring their cues can disrupt the landing process and increase the risk of injury.
Conclusion
Landing a tandem skydive is an essential part of the overall skydiving experience. While the freefall may be the highlight, a smooth and safe landing is just as important. By following the guidance of your instructor, staying relaxed, and paying attention to their cues, you’ll ensure that your landing is just as thrilling and memorable as the jump itself.
Remember, while the instructor handles most of the landing process, your cooperation is key to making the experience enjoyable and safe. The more you prepare and understand the landing process, the better your tandem skydive will be. And, of course, no matter how your landing goes, the excitement and adrenaline of the jump will stay with you for a lifetime!
Related topics:
