Introduction: From Paragliding to Skydiving
Skydiving was not always on my bucket list. In fact, ten years ago, I wouldn’t have jumped out of a plane for all the money in the world. But since I started paragliding in 2020, the idea of skydiving began to intrigue me. The freedom and exhilaration I felt while paragliding made me wonder what it would be like to experience freefall. This curiosity led me to sign up for a week-long Accelerated Freefall (AFF) skydiving course in Hohenems, Austria, alongside twenty other adventurers.
Day 1: Theoretical Foundations
The course kicked off on Saturday, May 25, 2024, with a full day of theory. We delved into various topics such as how a parachute works, the mechanics of freefall, and essential safety procedures. The instructors emphasized the importance of understanding these concepts thoroughly, as they form the backbone of safe skydiving practices. We were a diverse group of students, united by a shared eagerness to learn and experience the thrill of skydiving.
Day 2: Sport Test and Preparations
Sunday morning began with a sport test. Although it wasn’t too challenging, it provided our instructors with valuable insights into our physical fitness and how our bodies responded to stress. This assessment was crucial for identifying anyone who might not be suited for skydiving due to physical limitations. Fortunately, we all passed and were deemed fit to proceed. The rest of the day was spent preparing for our first jumps, practicing emergency procedures, and getting familiar with the gear.
The First Jumps: Monday and Tuesday
The excitement was palpable as we prepared for our first jump on Monday, May 27. We suited up and boarded the plane, hearts racing with anticipation. Our jumps were from 4000 meters above ground. The first three jumps were conducted with two instructors, ensuring our safety and providing hands-on guidance during the freefall and canopy deployment.
Although the weather on Monday only allowed for one jump, it was an unforgettable experience. Strangely, I wasn’t afraid at all; instead, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. My focus on the tasks at hand turned me into something of a robot, meticulously following every procedure. The initial sensation of freefall was unlike anything I’d ever felt, and the presence of the instructors was reassuring, allowing me to concentrate on maintaining stability.
Tuesday brought clearer skies, and we managed to complete two more jumps. Each jump was a step forward in building confidence and mastering the basic skills required for solo skydiving. The instructors’ feedback after each jump was invaluable, highlighting areas for improvement and reinforcing the techniques learned.
The Fourth Jump: Wednesday
By Wednesday, we were ready for our fourth jump. This jump marked a significant milestone as we began to transition towards more independence in the sky and left the plane with only one instructor. The weather was still cooperative, and the jump went smoothly. The progress we made over these first four jumps was evident in our increased confidence and improved performance.
Weather Challenges and Exploring Westsky
Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse after Wednesday. Low clouds made skydiving unsafe, grounding us for the remainder of the week. While it was disappointing, the downtime offered an unexpected opportunity to deepen our understanding of the sport.
On Thursday, we visited Westsky, a company in Dornbirn that manufactures skydiving rigs. The visit was fascinating, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of creating the equipment that keeps us safe in the sky. Understanding the engineering and craftsmanship behind the rigs enhanced our appreciation for the gear we used.
Theory Exam Preparation and the Student Party
With no jumps possible on Friday and Saturday, we shifted our focus to preparing for the theory exam. The exam covered a wide range of topics including first aid, aerodynamics, skydiving laws, and more. The comprehensive nature of the exam underscored the importance of theoretical knowledge in ensuring safe and responsible skydiving.
On Saturday night, we decided to unwind and celebrate our journey with a student-organized party. It was a wonderful way to bond with fellow students and share our experiences.
Completing the Course: Levels 5 to 7
Due to the weather disruptions, I had to return a month later to complete the remaining jumps. Levels five to seven focused on advancing our skills and transitioning to solo jumps. Each level introduced new challenges and maneuvers, further honing our abilities.
Level 5: By this stage, we practiced forward movement and 360-degree rotations. The sense of freedom and control in the air continued to grow with each jump. This level involved a poised exit as the jumps before, and the maneuvers became more intricate, enhancing our precision and agility.
Level 6: This level presented a new challenge: the backflip. As captured in the video, I clearly struggled with the maneuver. Despite the difficulties, it was a valuable learning experience that highlighted areas needing improvement and emphasized the importance of persistence and technique refinement. This jump marked the first time I executed a diving exit, adding an extra layer of complexity to the experience.
Level 7: The final level was a culmination of all the skills learned. We performed a variety of maneuvers independently, including forward and backward saltos, 360-degree rotations to the left and right, and forward flying (tracking). When altitude allowed, we added more rotations, always punctuated by regular altitude checks. This comprehensive exercise showcased our proficiency and readiness for solo skydiving. Like level 6, this jump also involved a diving exit, underscoring our growing confidence and skill in the sport.
Reflections and Future Goals
My AFF training in Hohenems was an unforgettable adventure. The journey from beginner to “confident” skydiver was filled with challenges, learning, and incredible experiences. Despite the weather setbacks, the training provided a solid foundation in skydiving. The camaraderie with fellow trainees and the expert guidance from instructors made the experience truly special.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue my skydiving journey. Skydiving has become more than just a thrill; it is a passion that I intend to pursue further for some time.
Conclusion: Embracing the Sky
Skydiving in Hohenems, Austria, was more than just an adventure; it was a journey of self-discovery and skill development. The beauty of the Austrian Alps, combined with the thrill of freefalling from 4000 meters, created an experience I will cherish forever. For anyone considering skydiving, the AFF course offers a perfect blend of challenge, excitement, and learning. If you ever have the chance to skydive over Hohenems, seize it – the sky is truly the limit.
