If you're reading this, you're likely no stranger to the rush of wingsuit flying. You've probably spent countless hours in the air, fine-tuning your skills, and pushing the limits of what's possible in a wingsuit. But even the most seasoned skydivers can benefit from refining their technique and learning new strategies to take their flying to the next level. In this article, we'll dive into advanced wingsuit training techniques that will help you improve your performance, increase your safety, and unlock new possibilities in the world of wingsuit flying.
Mastering Relative Wind Awareness
One of the most critical aspects of advanced wingsuit flying is developing a deep understanding of relative wind. This means being able to read the wind direction, speed, and turbulence in real-time, and adjusting your flight accordingly. To improve your relative wind awareness, try the following exercises:
- Practice flying in different wind conditions, such as headwinds, tailwinds, and crosswinds.
- Pay attention to the way the wind affects your flight, including your speed, altitude, and trajectory.
- Use your body position and wing configuration to adjust to changing wind conditions.
Advanced Exit Techniques
The exit is a critical moment in any wingsuit jump, and experienced skydivers know that a smooth, controlled exit is essential for setting up a successful flight. To improve your exit technique, try the following:
- Practice different exit styles, such as the "track exit" or " delta exit," to find what works best for you.
- Focus on maintaining a consistent body position and wing configuration during the exit.
- Use visualization techniques to anticipate the exit and plan your flight.
Proximity Flying: Getting Close to the Terrain
Proximity flying is an advanced technique that involves flying extremely close to the terrain, often within a few meters. This requires a high level of skill, control, and awareness, as well as a deep understanding of the terrain and wind conditions. To practice proximity flying, start by:
- Flying in areas with gentle terrain, such as valleys or canyons.
- Gradually decreasing your altitude and increasing your proximity to the terrain.
- Using your wing configuration and body position to maintain control and stability.
Formation Flying: Joining Up with Other Wingsuiters
Formation flying is an exciting and challenging aspect of wingsuit flying, requiring a high level of skill, communication, and teamwork. To improve your formation flying skills, try the following:
- Practice flying in formation with other experienced wingsuiters.
- Focus on maintaining a consistent speed, altitude, and trajectory.
- Use hand signals and other communication techniques to coordinate with your team.
Advanced Navigation Techniques
As you gain more experience in wingsuit flying, you'll need to develop advanced navigation techniques to stay on course and avoid obstacles. To improve your navigation skills, try the following:
- Practice using GPS devices and other navigation tools to track your flight.
- Develop a mental map of the terrain and use visual references to stay on course.
- Use your knowledge of wind patterns and terrain features to anticipate and adjust to changing conditions.
Safety Considerations for Advanced Wingsuit Flying
As you push the limits of what's possible in wingsuit flying, it's essential to prioritize safety above all else. To minimize risk, make sure to:
- Regularly inspect and maintain your gear, including your wingsuit, helmet, and altimeter.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and best practices.
- Fly with a experienced spotter or buddy who can provide support and guidance.
Pro Tips for Taking Your Wingsuit Flying to the Next Level
- Stay flexible and adaptable : Be prepared to adjust your flight plan and technique in response to changing wind conditions, terrain features, and other factors.
- Continuously learn and improve : Stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, technologies, and safety protocols, and be willing to learn from others.
- Respect the environment and other skydivers : Always follow local regulations and guidelines, and be mindful of other skydivers and aircraft in the area.
- Push your limits safely: Gradually increase your level of difficulty and challenge yourself to try new things, but always prioritize safety and control.
By mastering these advanced wingsuit training techniques, you'll be able to take your flying to new heights, unlock new possibilities, and experience the thrill of wingsuit flying like never before.