vertical separation after breakoff

[ScratchTX 0]

This weekend, I did a fourway where (at my request) we agreed to break off high (5000 instead of 4500k). One jumper said since we were breaking that high, they would go into a very steep dive away at first, then flatten into a regular track. I thought about it and said that it made me feel kind of warm and fuzzy to be able to see everyone at breakoff as I'm tracking away and waving off, and I'd really prefer they not dive away, even though I was planning on opening a little high (3500). No problem, they agreed to not dive away if it made me uncomfortable.

I'm wondering what other people's thoughts are on this -- if everyone really is tracking away from the center of a small group like this, is this something you would be concerned about? I suppose I could still see them if they were lower than me, but my skill level is such now that breakoff and separation is a pretty busy time -- it's just a lot easier for me to see the others on a quick scan if they're more or less on the same level as me. Or, if you're on a jump and the group agrees to a high breakoff, how do you spend your extra time before you pull?

(Just to add: I didn't have any reason to particularly doubt this person's skills or abilities at all -- they are significantly better than mine -- it's just the general idea I didn't like.)

[BIGUN 1,314]

How many groups were behind you?

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[coconutmonkey 0]

Had a freid try that as a "not part of the plan" trick a couple years back. He lost his sense of direction when he went steep and tracked under me before pulling. A quick side slide (as I had just stopped tracking to pull) avoided the canopy blossom but required a thrashing once he was on the ground. He never knew how close he came to ending his time in the sport and the planet as he never looked directly overhead before pulling. WOuldn't recommend it after that

Hearts & Minds
2 to the Heart-
1 to the Mind-
Home of the Coconut Lounge, Spa, & Artillery Range

[ScratchTX 0]

Quote

How many groups were behind you?

Forgot to include that relevant info -- none. Cessna 182. So it's just the four of us up there.

As for the next reply (someone losing track of direction and dumping almost under you) that's one of the things I'd be concerned with in theory... but in reality, on a clear day, with a very identifiable N/S landmark (freeway) and the skill level of this person, I'm not sure how serious a concern that really was in this case. I guess shit can always happen, but still... it's that balance of planning for the unexpected on one hand, but not trying to design jumps around every possible far-fetched thing that could possible happen on the other. Not sure where this one falls for me now that I'm thinking about it after the fact, curious what others think.

--Scratch in TX

[Scrumpot 1]

Your concerns were well founded, and well expressed at your experience level. Good heads-up handling!

Blue Skies,
-Grant

coitus non circum - Moab Stone

[goose491 0]

Yeah, Good show speaking up when you had concerns. With only the 4 of you, that type of breakoff can go without a hitch... providing everyone is experienced enough to keep track of everyone else. But you've got to be comfortable. I'd say you did just the right thing.

My Karma ran over my Dogma!!!

[Fast 0]

Quote

Or, if you're on a jump and the group agrees to a high breakoff, how do you spend your extra time before you pull?

Either tracking or pulling higher for more canopy time. Normally tracking.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka