Skydiving is an extreme sport that offers an unforgettable thrill. The adrenaline rush, the freedom of falling from thousands of feet, and the exhilaration of landing safely on the ground create an experience like no other. However, skydiving is not just about jumping out of an airplane—it involves several well-defined stages, each with its own unique challenges and sensations. Understanding these stages can help skydivers, both beginners and experienced, better prepare for the adventure and stay safe throughout the process.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the stages of skydiving, from preparation to landing. Each stage is crucial to ensuring a smooth and safe jump, and knowing what to expect can make the experience more enjoyable.
1. Pre-Jump Preparation
Before the actual jump, there is a lot of preparation that needs to be done. This stage involves several steps that ensure the safety and readiness of the skydiver. Whether you’re jumping for the first time or you’re an experienced skydiver, pre-jump preparation is vital.
Equipment Check
The first thing that happens before a skydive is the equipment check. Skydivers need to wear a jumpsuit, a helmet, goggles, and most importantly, a parachute. The parachute system typically consists of two parts: the main parachute and the reserve parachute. A skydiver’s instructor or team will check the equipment to ensure everything is in good working condition. This includes verifying the correct packing of the parachutes and ensuring the harness is securely fastened.
Briefing and Training
In tandem skydiving (where an instructor is attached to the jumper), a safety briefing will be given before the jump. This briefing includes instructions on how to exit the plane, what to do during freefall, and how to land safely. First-time jumpers will be informed about the specific steps they will need to follow and will be taught how to position their body during freefall. Solo jumpers will undergo more extensive training, including emergency procedures.
Mental Preparation
Skydiving can be an intense experience, and mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. It’s normal to feel nervous or excited before a jump. Calm breathing, positive visualization, and focusing on the thrill rather than the fear are all techniques that can help skydivers mentally prepare for the jump.
2. Boarding the Aircraft
Once the pre-jump preparation is complete, it’s time to board the aircraft that will take you to your jumping altitude. This stage involves several key steps as well, such as getting into the plane, sitting in your seat, and securing your harness.
The Aircraft Ride
The ride to altitude can be one of the most exciting parts of skydiving. For first-time jumpers, it’s a time to take in the surroundings and mentally prepare for the jump. As the plane climbs higher, the excitement builds, and the reality of jumping out of the plane begins to set in. For those jumping in tandem, the instructor will be beside you, offering support and reassurance.
The Wait
As you near the jumping altitude, skydivers may experience a moment of quiet anticipation. This is the stage where you might start feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. It’s important to stay focused and follow the instructions of the instructor. For solo jumpers, this is when they will check and double-check their equipment one last time.
3. Exiting the Aircraft
The moment of exiting the aircraft is often the most daunting for first-time skydivers, but it’s also the most thrilling. The exit requires coordination, proper timing, and confidence. Whether you’re jumping solo or tandem, there are specific steps to follow to ensure a safe and smooth exit.
Jumping Out of the Plane
In tandem skydiving, the instructor will signal when it’s time to jump. Together, the instructor and jumper will step to the edge of the open door, and with a final check, the instructor will guide the jump. For solo jumpers, the process is similar, though they must exit the plane on their own. Jumpers must maintain the correct body position during the exit to ensure stability during freefall.
The Freefall Position
As soon as you exit the plane, your body will enter a freefall position. This means you’ll be falling at speeds of around 120 miles per hour. To maintain stability and prevent spinning or tumbling, skydivers must position their bodies correctly. This involves keeping the body flat with arms and legs spread out, creating the necessary drag to slow the descent slightly.
The first few moments of freefall can feel like a rush of sensations: the wind in your face, the rapid descent, and the exhilaration of flying through the air. For first-time jumpers, this part of the experience is usually a whirlwind of excitement and, sometimes, overwhelming sensations.
4. The Freefall
The freefall stage is one of the most iconic parts of skydiving. During freefall, skydivers experience the sensation of falling from great heights at incredibly fast speeds. The freefall can last anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the altitude at which you jump.
The Sensation of Freefall
In freefall, the body experiences a range of sensations, including the wind rushing past you at speeds of around 120 miles per hour. Some jumpers feel a sense of weightlessness, while others may find the experience intense or disorienting.
However, over time, many skydivers report that they become accustomed to the sensation of freefall, and it becomes one of the most enjoyable aspects of the sport.
During freefall, it’s important to focus on your body position to remain stable. New jumpers will likely receive guidance from an instructor to help them stay in the correct body position, preventing unwanted spinning or flipping.
The Adrenaline Rush
Freefall triggers a significant release of adrenaline, and this rush is one of the main reasons people sky dive. The body’s natural reaction to the rapid descent is to release endorphins and adrenaline, creating a thrilling sensation that is unmatched in many other sports. The faster you fall, the more intense this feeling becomes.
5. Parachute Deployment
After freefall, it’s time to deploy the parachute. This is one of the most critical stages in the skydiving process. The deployment of the parachute marks the transition from the excitement of freefall to the calmer, more controlled descent to the ground.
Pulling the Parachute Cord
Once the skydiver reaches the designated altitude for parachute deployment (usually around 3,000 to 5,000 feet), it’s time to pull the ripcord. For tandem jumpers, the instructor will pull the ripcord at the appropriate time. Solo jumpers must deploy their parachute themselves. The parachute system consists of a main chute and a reserve chute. If the main chute fails to deploy, the reserve parachute can be used as a backup.
The Jolt of Opening
When the parachute opens, the skydiver will experience a sudden jolt as the parachute slows the descent. This is a normal part of the process, but it can be startling for first-time jumpers. After the parachute has fully deployed, the skydiver transitions into a more peaceful glide toward the ground.
6. Parachute Flight and Steering
After the parachute is deployed, the skydiver enters the flight phase. This stage involves controlling the parachute’s descent and steering it toward the landing area. Skydivers must learn to use the toggles to control the direction and speed of the parachute.
Steering the Parachute
Skydivers use the parachute’s toggles to control their direction and adjust their speed. By pulling on the left or right toggle, skydivers can steer the parachute and adjust their course. For solo jumpers, controlling the parachute becomes second nature after some practice. Tandem jumpers will be guided by their instructor in the steering process.
The Glide
The flight phase of skydiving is typically calm and peaceful, allowing skydivers to enjoy the incredible view. It’s a stark contrast to the high-speed freefall, and many jumpers find it to be a calming moment where they can take in the beauty of the world below them.
7. Landing
The final stage of skydiving is the landing. This is often the most challenging part of the jump, as it requires precision and careful timing. Skydivers must learn to flare the parachute at the right moment to slow down and ensure a safe landing.
The Flare
To land safely, skydivers need to pull the toggles to flare the parachute.
This means pulling the toggles down to slow the descent and reduce the impact when touching the ground. It takes practice to get the timing just right. Landing too early or too late can result in a hard landing.
Touchdown
Once the parachute has been flared, the skydiver will touch down gently. It’s essential to land with bent knees to absorb the impact and avoid injury. Solo jumpers will practice landing techniques during training, while tandem jumpers will rely on their instructor to guide them through the process.
Conclusion
Skydiving is a multi-stage process that requires careful preparation, skill, and mental focus. From the pre-jump preparation to the final landing, each stage plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and thrilling experience. Understanding the stages of skydiving can help jumpers prepare both physically and mentally, allowing them to enjoy the incredible adventure of jumping from an airplane.