Collapsible Slider, sLinks, What to do

[flyer299 0]

I've read a lot of post in regards with a collapsible slider. I was wondering if someone could give us the best procedure to follow after opening? I am still new and want to listen to what everyone has to say. Like everything I learn from DZ.Com, I talk to my instructor before trying.

My Opening Procedure I use now is:
1) Look for Inflated Canopy.
2) Use Rear Risers to inflate end cells if needed.
2b) At the same time, look around for other skydivers and evaluate my spot, and make my first turn using rear risers.
3) Collapse Slider, but pretty much leave it where it at, above the toggles.
4) Release the breaks, and test the canopy’s ability to land (Flare, Turn, Etc.)
5) Pilot the Canopy to the ground.

I am really re-evaulating my #3 step. Should I be pulling it down behind my head?

Thanks

Ken

[PhillyKev 0]

In between steps 3 & 4 add...pull slider down over toggles.

[SkydiveMonkey 0]

I do the same, but combine collapsing it and pulling it down, as my slider comes down when I yank on the kill lines anyway

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[billvon 2,991]

That will work OK if you don't have slinks (or you have slinks with bumpers.) If you do have plain ol slinks, then step 3b should be pull slider down. Note that if you _don't_ have slinks, you can release the brakes and collapse the slider in any order.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Quote

My Opening Procedure I use now is:
1) Look for Inflated Canopy.
2) Use Rear Risers to inflate end cells if needed.
2b) At the same time, look around for other skydivers and evaluate my spot, and make my first turn using rear risers.
3) Collapse Slider, but pretty much leave it where it at, above the toggles.
4) Release the breaks, and test the canopy’s ability to land (Flare, Turn, Etc.)
5) Pilot the Canopy to the ground.

I am really re-evaulating my #3 step. Should I be pulling it down behind my head?

Thanks

Ken

Now I'm not nearly experienced enough to be giving any hard core advise. But I kind of mix your step #1 and step #2b all into one step. Once I toss my pilot chute, I'm reaching for my rear risers to be ready to control a diving canopy and at the same time I'm monitoring how the canopy is opening. Then I'm looking for any immediate traffic, looking at my spot and when time permits I collapse my slider and bring it down over my slinks in one (hopefully smooth) motion. Then I lossen my chest strap all the way (continuing to monitor possible traffic), pop my brakes, check for a controllable canopy (I may have already done this with the rear risers but also need to do it with my toggles) and if time permits play a little. Then land that sucker hopefully exactly where I want to land it.

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

[andy2 0]

I'm confused. Nowhere in my AFF training I've been told anything about collapsing my slider. I've been told to check for the three S's, square, stable, and steerable. And of course watch out for traffic. When my canopy inflates I pump both toggles into sort of a weak flare and then do a slight right slight left turn to check steerability. How do you collapse your slider? What does collapsing your slider achieve? I thought by either getting on the rear risers or using the toggles that would effectively "collapse" your slider. What am I missing?

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[skydiverek 63]

Quote

I'm confused. Nowhere in my AFF training I've been told anything about collapsing my slider.

That's explains exactly why "A" stands for "Accelerated"...

[CanuckInUSA 0]

There's a very good chance that your student canopies are not equiped with a collapseable slider (hence the reason your instructors have taught you a different opening sequence routine). And for the time being, go with what they are teaching you. In time when you get a little more experience and get off of your student gear, you'll likely find that you'll change your routine.

By the way, the collapseable slider exists to reduce the parasite drag just as a collapseable pilot chute reduces drag. It makes your canopy fly a tad faster and allows you to convert some of that extra speed into lift come flare time. Also, most collapseable sliders have one or two draw strings with a little tab (mine has two strings). All I do is reach up with both hands and pull on the tabs not only collapsing the slider but also bringing the slider down over my slinks and behind my head in one smooth motion. I know some people say they don't like the slider behind their head, but it doesn't seem to bug me.

But as I said earlier, don't worry about this right now. Do what your instructors have taught you.

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

[dreamsville 0]

I have seen 3 types of sliders, as far as collapsibility:

1) Draw strings with tabs that lock on the edge on the slider once they're pulled all the way out.
2) A velcro strip that sits on one side of the slider. It has to be released and wrapped around the slider and velcro'ed to itself. This is by far less convenient.
3) No collapse tool at all. Saw one of those last weekend.
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I don't drink during the day, so I don't know what it is about this airline. I keep falling out the door of the plane.

Harry, FB #4143

[billvon 2,991]

You don't have to collapse your slider, and if it doesn't have a drawstring or a piece of velcro it's actually hard to do. No problem leaving it uncollapsed, except for some loss of performance, additional line wear and a lot of noise. Most student rigs do not have collapsible sliders.

[flyer299 0]

When I was a student, the gear just had a normal slider. Once I got off of student gear, then I started using sliders that Collapse. Next time you are at the DZ, ask one of your instructors to show you one.

[andy2 0]

thanks for clearing that up

---------------------------------------------
let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...