Learning to pack

[AngryMK 0]

Well, the main packer at my dropzone expects me to understand his packing instructions like ive been doing it for ever. I need to learn to pack to knock out this damn A liscence and because my gear is on the way. Any suggestions or information out there to give me the basics of packing because I can't learn from this guy. It just isnt gonna work.

[AggieDave 6]

Then forgo the head packer and work with an experienced jumper, a rigger, an instructor, or anyone that has the ability and experience to be able to teach you.

Explain this to the head packer, give him/her a tip for trying (unless you were being made to pay in the first place).

Another good place to start would be to go talk to your S&TA and he/she could definately point you in the right direction.

You can get videos like Pack like a pro, but I've found they're pretty much worthless for really learning. You can try other methods of packing, but I would recommend starting with a standard pro-pack and get that down first.

If you need to, have a rigger hang up a canopy and show you all the lines, line groups, and everything. Have him/her explain why you pack the way you pack in relation to everything. Maybe if you had a better understanding on the whole process and system, then it would make sense to you.


At the end of the day, though, it just takes practice and practice and practice.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[billvon 2,998]

Find a different teacher, perhaps? Most skydivers know how to pack; most will be willing to teach you if you throw in a beer or two.

[nightjumps 1]

http://www.packingparachutes.com

[skymama 37]

I see from your profile that you are in CA. Maybe one of our many dz.commers out there will be willing to give you a lesson so you can get your A.

Anyone?

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[bluewaterstream 0]

I'd suggest learning from multiple sources for various reasons.

First, everyone packs a little differently. We all have developed little tricks that help us pack more efficiently and consistently. For example, getting the canopy into the d-bag. What works for one may not necessarily work for another. There are often various ways to accomplish the same result, finding what works best for you is key and will make learning how to pack much easier.

Second, how reliable is your source? Trusting one person at your DZ to teach you something as important as packing doesn't seem very wise to me. What if they accidentally leave something out? Two out of my five sources that I learned how to pack from forgot to tell me about taking all of the twists out of the steering lines before setting/stowing the brakes. If I didn't have my other three sources to learn from I'm sure that not taking those twists out would have eventually led to a tension knot, uneven brake lines, or some other avoidable situation. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all packers and riggers that are willing to teach are necessarily going to have to ability to be good teachers. Take your main packer, for example. I'm sure he's a great packer, but that doesn't mean shit if you're having difficulty learning from him.

Lastly, I found having the Pack Like a Pro video extremely helpful. Not only did it allow me to confirm everything that I learned from my other four sources, but it also gave me the ability to rewind certain areas of the pack job that I was having difficulty with. Sometimes seeing something over and over again can be extremely helpful.

~ John

[Flyer2Diver 0]

I found this guide on the Ranch web site to be a useful review after learning in-person (reading and looking at pictures before getting in-person instruction didn't help me at all FWIW).

_______________________________
30005KT 10SM SKC 23/05 A3006

[bch7773 0]

don't forget that most jumpers will have absolutely no problem with you standing behind them, and have them say out loud what they are doing as they pack.
now of course theres much more to learning to pack then that, but its a start, and doesn't cost anything... in fact, i think most experienced jumpers would be kinda proud to have a student think of them as a good packing teacher.

MB 3528, RB 1182

[CanuckInUSA 0]

You've been given some good info on packing and yes try to talk to several people about packing as what works for one person may not work for another. But here's the low down (important stuff) on packing:

1) Lines to the inside, fabric flaked to the outside.

2) Lines taunt.

3) Slider all the way up to the canopy line attachment points.

If you follow these rules, you're well on your way ... Now getting a new ZP canopy into the dbag can be a bitch. But there are tricks that can be taught that most people can catch on to. Packing a skydiving main canopy need not be a huge affair.

Oh and once your new gear arrives, you'll have something to practice with.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[phoenixlpr 0]

Incredible!

We teach our students to (flat)pack after their 2nd jump.
We dont have packers either. I feel Ive done 1.5 times more packjobs than my jump numbers. But anyway you should find someone able to teach not just pack...

[riggerrob 643]

"Pack Like a Pro" is a great training video.

Also look over the Psycho Packing instructions on Precision Aerodynamics' website.

Five important steps to every pack job:

1. Lines straight

2. Brakes set

3. Slider all the way up

4. Rubber bands tight

5. Bridle routing

The rest is trivia or superstition.

[ZoneRat 0]

I packed one time for my A license... took me about 4 hours... lol.... My fingers hurt, my back hurt... I vowed I would never_pack_again. So I completely forgot how to pack.

Eventually a group of us planned to visit a small DZ that probably had no packers. I was so embarrased at the prospect of having to ask others to pack for me that I became determined to learn it. Plus, I felt that my A license was a bit of a sham. To own that A, you have to know how to pack and I didn't. (Truth be told, I already had my B licence when I finally learned to pack. )

I invited an experienced jumper over, and fed him beers while he taught/ watched me pack... over and over and over. I practiced every night that week until I locked it in. Then I started timing myself until I could get it down to 15 minutes or less. Took a while.

Once I learned how, I never looked back. I've used a packer maybe 4 times in the past 450 jumps. @ $5.00/ pack, that's a savings of $2,230.00.

Plus, I know my gear. I know that my main closing loop is not worn and is properly tensioned. I know that the stiffiner in my toggles is getting a little soft and I should replace them soon. I know that my break lines don't have a bunch of twists in them.

As for your head packer. You can pay him back for his helpfulness by letting him pack your brand new canopy for you for the first 30-50 jumps (shiny new chutes are notoriously harder to pack), then invite an experienced jumper over, feed him/ her beers, learn how to pack, and pack your gear on your own after that... Start working on YOUR 2200.00 savings...

“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.”