aquaflamz 0 #1 May 17, 2004 I am having a bit of trouble holding a heading in freefall for any length of time. The reason I didn't pass my level 4 AFF. (thats ok though) I only weigh 134lbs, and I'm about 6' tall. My fall speed is only 106mph! Does anyone think that heavier people have less trouble controlling freefall than light people? There is so much less weight in my torso pulling me down, plus I have long limbs that make big changes with very little movement. I know the key to freefall is RELAX, but in my case is there anything else that might help me fall more stable? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #2 May 17, 2004 QuoteI am having a bit of trouble holding a heading in freefall for any length of time. The reason I didn't pass my level 4 AFF. (thats ok though) I only weigh 134lbs, and I'm about 6' tall. My fall speed is only 106mph! Does anyone think that heavier people have less trouble controlling freefall than light people? There is so much less weight in my torso pulling me down, plus I have long limbs that make big changes with very little movement. I know the key to freefall is RELAX, but in my case is there anything else that might help me fall more stable? Nope....With basic skydiving weight does not matter much at all. Just arch and work on having your legs even. A good drill to to is to lay on your stomach like you are in freefall. Put your toes on the wall so they are even. and push against the wall some. This will get you used to having your legs even. Now when it comes to RW...Yes, you will have some issues. Anyone outside of the "norm" will. You most likley will have to wear lead...Not a big issue really."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmbale 0 #3 May 17, 2004 I weigh 122lbs and fall like a rock. Arch more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #4 May 17, 2004 QuoteI weigh 122lbs and fall like a rock. Arch more. Arching only does so much...You can greatly improve your range by adding lead to bring you into the normal fall rate in a comfertable body position. Also a hard acrh will limit your ability to perform some moves."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #5 May 17, 2004 hmm... well, you're in California... think about making a trip down to the wind tunnel. It's way cheaper than repeating AFF levels over and over. I haven't used it myself, but I know Perris puts their students in the tunnel, especially when they're having problems. As always, ask your instructors before taking any advice you find here. That said, if your body is not symmetrical, you're displacing more air on one side or the other, and you'll turn. You may want to get video on your next jump, so you can see exactly what you're doing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benny 0 #6 May 17, 2004 QuoteI weigh 122lbs and fall like a rock. Arch more. Just a guess but I'd venture to say that your 122 lbs presents less surface area than the 106 mph faller Never go to a DZ strip show. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyyhi 0 #7 May 17, 2004 QuoteJust a guess but I'd venture to say that your 122 lbs presents less surface area than the 106 mph faller My thoughts exactly, Benny. . . And Ron is absolutely right about the lead. I am no expert and still a newbie in many ways, but when I am jumping with heavier or faster fallers I put on lead so that I can work on staying in formation and not have to work so hard on level control. . .My body position is also better when I can concentrate on flying my slot more. . .for what it is worth, in my RW suit, relaxed in freefall, I fall about 110 mph, with a stronger arch I fall 116 or more. . .with lead I can stay with just about anyone. . .________________________________________ Take risks not to escape life… but to prevent life from escaping. ~ A bumper sticker at the DZ FGF #6 Darcy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,995 #8 May 17, 2004 >but in my case is there anything else that might help me fall more stable? If you are stable but unable to hold a heading, it may be your legs causing you trouble. Your problem may be exacerbated by long legs. To fix this, learn leg turns. Get a creeper, lie on it, and put your feet up on a nearby chair/couch etc. Turn your body left and right with your feet pressing against the top of the chair. That's the same motion that will turn you in freefall. The usual disclaimers apply - always check with your instructor before doing anything, they have the final word etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benny 0 #9 May 17, 2004 I'm a slow faller too but haven't ventured into the world of wearing lead... I just decided to start freeflying that way they couldn't tell me to arch harder! Anyway, I say screw it, let's make the fatties go big! Never go to a DZ strip show. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #10 May 18, 2004 Did you get video? Ask your instructor if you are "Potatoe Chipping". Sometimes happens with the long and lean types. Each body type has different pros and cons. Biggest recommendation I have for you is to "Keep your eye on the road!" If you can hold a heading for a bit, you can hold if for 40 seconds. Now that you are on level 4, you should actually be seeing more of the planet that you are heading for. I think on my level one and two really saw my altimeter and JMs faces. I think there was a planet down there, but I couldn't tell you for sure! Really check it out. Look at your heading. Register that you are maintaing your heading in reference to a beautiful spot on terra firma. Don't for get to register your altitude along the way. And that guy/girl in freefall with you. If you want to relate it to driving a car, then you have to keep your eyes on the road. If you focus too much on the speedometer, you are gonna veer off the road. So consentrate on the road, and glance at your dial. Oh, yeah. Have fun while you are at it. It really is a great view! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrose7 0 #11 May 18, 2004 If you are aware during freefall that you can't keep a heading, try to bring awareness to what your body is doing. Click your heels together to bring awareness of what position your legs are in. Mentally think of pushing your hips out. Become aware of what your arms are doing. It is pretty quick to do and it covers the body. If you don't know if you are keeping a heading, look down. Pick a road, line yourself up to it and see if you can stay in that spot. Good luck to ya!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The mind is like a parachute--it works better when it is open. JUMP. MaryRose Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aquaflamz 0 #12 May 21, 2004 Thanks for all the info! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
