Skydiving is an exhilarating sport, but for beginners, it can feel like a whole new world full of unfamiliar terms and jargon. Whether you're gearing up for your first jump or just curious about the lingo, understanding the key skydiving terms is essential for both safety and enjoyment. This guide decodes the most commonly used terms in the world of skydiving, helping you to feel more confident as you embark on your adventure in the sky.
AFF (Accelerated Freefall)
This is a training method designed to help beginners learn how to skydive solo in a quick and efficient manner. During an AFF course, you exit the aircraft with two instructors, one on each side, who guide and assist you as you freefall. The goal is to master body positioning, altitude awareness, and emergency procedures.
Altitude Awareness
Altitude awareness is crucial for all skydivers. It refers to the ability to track and be conscious of your altitude during freefall and while under canopy. Most jumps have set altitudes for deployment of the parachute, and it's vital to know when to deploy your chute and at what height to ensure a safe landing.
Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
The AAD is a safety device designed to automatically deploy your reserve parachute if you fail to deploy your main chute at a certain altitude. The device is triggered by a rapid descent, usually at around 750 feet, and is an essential piece of equipment for solo jumpers.
Canopy
A canopy is the large parachute used to slow a skydiver's descent. When deployed, the canopy expands and fills with air, providing a controlled and safe descent. There are different types of canopies depending on the jump's purpose, such as round canopies, ram-air canopies, and wingsuits.
Clear the Air
This term is used to ensure the airspace around a skydiver is clear before deploying the parachute. It means making sure there are no other skydivers, aircraft, or obstacles in the way that could pose a danger when you pull the ripcord.
Cutaway
A cutaway is the emergency procedure used when your main parachute fails to deploy properly or becomes entangled. The skydiver releases the malfunctioning parachute and deploys the reserve parachute. It's a life-saving technique that requires knowledge and quick decision-making.
Freefall
Freefall refers to the portion of the skydive when the skydiver is falling freely through the air before the parachute is deployed. Freefall can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the altitude from which the jump is made. During this phase, skydivers experience the thrill of falling at speeds of 120 mph (193 km/h).
GoPro (or Camera Helmet)
Many skydivers like to record their jumps, and for that, they use a GoPro camera attached to a helmet or a special mount. These cameras capture the entire experience, allowing skydivers to relive their jumps or share them with others.
Jump Run
The jump run is the flight path the aircraft follows as it nears the point of exit for the skydivers. The pilot follows a specific pattern to ensure that all jumpers land safely in the designated drop zone, considering factors like wind direction and speed.
Malfunction
A malfunction occurs when a parachute fails to open correctly or deploy in a timely manner. Malfunctions can range from minor issues like line twists to serious problems like a total parachute failure. It is vital for skydivers to have proper training to handle malfunctions and take the necessary steps to fix them, such as executing a cutaway.
Open the Chute
This refers to the process of deploying your main parachute during the skydive. After exiting the aircraft and enjoying freefall, you will pull the ripcord or use the automatic activation device (AAD) to deploy the parachute and begin the canopy descent.
Pack the Parachute
Packing a parachute is the process of folding and preparing the parachute system to ensure a safe and successful jump. Proper packing involves carefully folding the canopy, arranging the lines, and ensuring that the parachute deploys smoothly upon exit. Many skydivers pack their own chutes, but beginners usually rely on instructors or professional packers.
Pin Check
A pin check is the act of verifying that all the safety pins are correctly positioned and secured before jumping. These pins hold the parachute in place inside the deployment bag and prevent accidental deployments. A pin check is performed by the skydiver and a buddy or instructor before every jump.
Pull Altitude
Pull altitude is the altitude at which a skydiver is expected to deploy their parachute. This is typically between 2,500 to 3,000 feet, but the exact pull altitude can vary depending on the jump type and conditions. Knowing when to pull the parachute is critical for a safe landing.
Static Line
A static line is a cord attached to the aircraft and to the skydiver's parachute. In static line jumps, the cord automatically deploys the parachute after the skydiver exits the plane. This type of jump is commonly used for beginner solo training, as it eliminates the need for the skydiver to pull the ripcord manually.
Tandem Skydive
A tandem skydive is a type of jump in which the skydiver is attached to an instructor via a dual harness. The instructor is in control of the jump, from the exit to the deployment of the parachute and landing. Tandem skydiving is a great way for beginners to experience skydiving without the pressure of solo jumping.
Toggle
The toggle is a handle that controls the parachute's steering lines. By pulling on the toggles, a skydiver can change the direction of the descent and control their landing. The toggles are essential for maneuvering the parachute and guiding it safely to the ground.
Wind Limit
Wind limits refer to the maximum wind speeds that are considered safe for skydiving. If the winds exceed the limit, the jump may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons. High winds can cause unstable landings or make it difficult to control the canopy.
Zoombag
A zoombag is a special bag used to store a parachute during a tandem jump. It is designed to ensure that the parachute deploys properly while keeping the system compact and organized during flight.
Conclusion
Skydiving offers an adrenaline-filled adventure, but it also requires knowledge of important terms and safety protocols. By learning the language of skydiving, you can feel more confident and prepared as you embark on your first jump. Whether it's understanding the mechanics of your parachute or knowing how to handle a malfunction, mastering these terms will make your experience both safer and more enjoyable. So, next time you gear up for a jump, remember: it's not just the thrill that counts, but your ability to speak the skydiving language.