Get those legs out there!!!

[skip 0]

Did AFP 3 and 4 today, both very fun and decently preformed jumps. However my legs do not want to cooperate. It’s not that they are all over the place and destroying my stable decent, just some mild chipping and backsliding. My thoughts are that I just need to make a jump and really think to myself “hey self where are your legs”, concentrate on sticking them out there. I’ve read about toe taps, and haven’t had the inkling to try them out while in free fall, I visualize really hard (on the ground) about sticking them out there, they just don’t pull through for me. Any input, personal experiences would really be great.
Other than that, this jumping out of planes is just to fun. Level 4 was my first unassisted exit and no lie the video is funny, I’m kicking away and actually managed to get myself “head down” for a bit, but I pulled through found my stability, did some kick ass 360’s and geeked for the camera. By far my landmark jump.
Anyhow SkydiveSpaceland rocks, Chris Miller has been a great mentor, and I just cant wait to get out for more next Friday.
.:Skip

[SkydiveMonkey 0]

Clicking your heels together really does help with that. Don't put your legs back too far though otherwise you'll end up going forwards. Good luck !!!
You shouldn't put a knife in the toaster - but you're an adult now !!!

[riggerrob 643]

Lack of leg awareness is common among freefall students. You would not believe how many times I give the "legs out" signal or how much time I spent slapping legs of PFF students.
Your best bet is to tell your instructor that you want to hire a videographer for your next dive and that you want to do a modified level 6 with extra leg exercises.
While this may not follow the sylabus exactly, any decent school will modify the program to suit your learning curve. Granted, it may seem more expensive in the short run, but mastering the basics is still the best way to learn.

[TheMarshMan1 0]

Practice your body position on the ground...a lot. Sounds simple and stupid, but it really helps.

[Remster 30]

Quote

Lack of leg awareness is common among freefall students

errrrr. dont you mean common in general? lol... how many time do we need to be reminded to put legs out ! lol
Remster
Muff 914

[fred 0]

Quote

Don't put your legs back too far though otherwise you'll end up going forwards.

Yep... I have the exact opposite problem. I need to bring my legs in. I'm good after something like a backflip or just leaving the aircraft, but after tracking or forward motion, I forget to bring them back up. I tend to compensate with my arms to stop forward movement, which leaves me pretty unstable.
I'm working on it!

[lazerq3 0]

I had the same problems getting my legs out when docking during my AFP. My JM siad to GET THOSE LEGS OUT!!! My fear was that I was going to slam into him too hard but as time went by I learned You HAVE to get those legs out if your going to do any RW! ANd then the next thing you know it all comes together !!!
jason

[skip 0]

Thanks for all the advice. I have been watching the videos and I can definitely see where I’m going wrong. Definitely need to work on the legs here on the ground and bring that with me next time up.
.:Skip

[TEB6363 0]

"I’ve read about toe taps, and haven’t had the inkling to try them out while in free fall, "
It is interesting that your instructor did not have you doing toe taps in level III. The video is a good idea and just take the couple of seconds to add the toe taps into your jump. Pretty soon you will start to realize that you do have legs in freefall and they can be a big help.