Tstringham

I’m wondering if others reading this have had the same experience with downsizing as a student. I think I read somewhere that another person was struggling with stand up landings and downsizing and getting out or a student rig made all the difference. I’m at 19 jumps. First 6 jumps on a 160 (.77 wing load) then downsized to a Navigator 240 (.85 wing load) and have been standing up my landings. I’m a little worried to downsize because it’s hard to run fast enough with the 240 on no wind days. I’m nervous to go to a 230 or smaller, non-student rig. I’m not Usain Bolt. Is it common for people to have better landing experiences on non-student rigs? I've also thought about purchasing a rig with a 210-220 main (210=1:1 wing load)with the understanding that I will be ready for it soon and I’d regret buying a canopy that is too large but I don’t know how much/fast I’ll want to downsize. Safety is #1 and I don’t want to downsize just to downsize. Would it be dumb to buy a used rig with the expectation to downsize into it shortly after buying it?

Thanks for this. It was really helpful.

This has been a very helpful thread. It’s given me some things to think about. (I’m only 12 jumps in)

Thanks for the help everyone. I’m looking forward to getting my timing dialed. Until the. It’ll be trial and error. (Hopefully no big errors)

I’ve been struggling recently with my flare timing. I just graduated AFF a week and a half ago and have done 4 solo jumps since then. I’m thinking my timing is off because I was doing great on a 260 (.77 wing load) but switched to a 240 (.83 wing load) for my last 6 jumps. I have more speed coming into the landing with the 240 and tend to flare a touch too soon. My last jump was my worst yet because of some thermal action lifting me up as I started my flare. It probably lifted me 5 ft and extended my landing another 30 ft. I landed pretty hard right next to asphalt. Is a two stage flare easier to judge the timing on? We were only taught the single flare, but based on what I’ve seen the two stage may be better for me. Does my wing load seem appropriate? I’m just a little frustrated because my landings are digressing.