Jumping a camera - line/riser strike on deployment

[lintern 1]

I have recently started jumping a camera (Sony PC105 in a Cookie side mounted camera helmet).

Before jumping it I seeked advice from people who jump with cameras - they told me that on deployment you should turn your head to avoid the riser / lines catching the camera box.

I have tried this and can even see the pilot chute come off my back, from the corner of my eye.

However, most of the time the riser / lines catch the camera box.

There is no training for jumping with a camera, which seems stupid considering all the other rules and regulations (some of which are daft).

Just like there is no training on how to use your hook knife but as soon as you are A licence you must wear one !

How can I avoid the riser / lines catching the camera box ?

And how dangerous is it when this happens ?

[phoenixlpr 0]

I don't jump with a camera.

I was told that you have to turn your head/neck downwards/don't look up on opening.

[BKR 0]

Keep head down straight with chin against your chest.
Do not turn it.

Jérôme Bunker
Basik Air Concept
www.basik.fr
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Le-Luc-France/BASIK-AIR-CONCEPT/172133350468

[Zoter 0]

I think the general advice is not to turn your head on deployment....but to keep your head in line with the rest of your spine just in case you have hard, whiplash like opening......which position would you like your head to be in in this situation? think about it...

Turning your head might also give you a less symmetrical body position on deployment, which in turn might affect how your canopy opens.

When I first started flying cam ....I had quite a few riser 'strikes' on my FF2 helmet (side mounted camera box,like the cookie composites) with no ill effects other than a few scuffs on the camera box........now I dont have any riser strikes....cant say I do anything different ....other than just looking down at the ground until I know my risers are loaded.

The risk however is real.....make sure your helmet is as 'snag free' as possible and has a cutaway system

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And how dangerous is it when this happens

Very.....ask piisfish
http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2179797

[AFFI 0]

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most of the time the riser / lines catch the camera box.

Are you saying that you are having this happen to you on most of your camera jumps? If so something is not quite right - I have thousands of jumps with a camera and could count the number of minor strikes with my thumbs, so this should not happen a lot...

At least in my experience...

Mykel AFF-I10
Skydiving Priorities: 1) Open Canopy. 2) Land Safely. 3) Don’t hurt anyone. 4) Repeat…

[linestretch 0]

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I was told that you have to turn your head/neck downwards/don't look up on opening.

I watch every opening....it's nice to know what's coming.

my pics & stuff!

[hookitt 1]

Ask the question in the camera forum for better answers.

I used to be a vidiot and have experience with top mount, and side mount. You're head should not be struck with the risers very often.

Don't turn your head. A hard opening will hurt you badly.

What's worked for me is to basically watch the horizon as the canopy stands you up. Looking up at the canopy will snap your head back pretty hard if it opens quicker than usual. Look up "hypextension".

If you look down, the chin and the chest may meet. Look up "hyperflexion".

Whiplash is not only caused by a car wreck.

If the head is straight up and down ... and you're ready for it, it can take quite a hit.

Cameras are pretty light now so if you are jumping a light digital, just brace yourself but don't watch the canopy open. Let it do it's thing. Tilting the head back after you get opening shock takes moments... you won't miss anything.

The more you "help" a canopy open the more trouble you will have. Don't watch the pilot chute leave, just toss it, then stay symetrical. Canopies behave a lot better if you don't do anything until it opens.

Hope that helps.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[ScottyInAus 0]

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I was told that you have to turn your head/neck downwards/don't look up on opening.

I watch every opening....it's nice to know what's coming.

Ahmen,
I've had one riser slap on a cam jump, if I had them often I'd be asking some serious questions.

Cheers,
Jason.

[CrazyL 0]

Hi, You have good concerns about jumping a camera. I started jumping a camera helmet back in 1994 and am on my ninth camera helmet. I can help you to understand. 1st, read the most current SIM (Skydivers Information Manual) for USPA's advice for camera flying. 2nd, understand your spine and how it compresses. Have you ever seen a spine model? By having a little understanding of what positions are ideal for your spine during opening shock and what positions are less ideal for your spine during opening shock, may help prevent injury/ or injure you more often. I have used side mounts and prefer top mount for less injury. Good luck.