After passing my skydiving exam (jump 30), a switch flipped. The jumps since then have been about exploring new body positions, getting comfortable in small groups, and learning how different disciplines “feel” in freefall. Below is my live logbook embed, followed by two highlight jumps: a playful “salto” (front flip) on Jump 37 and my first hybrid attempt on Jump 53, where I sat-flew docked to a belly base.
📒 Live Logbook
🎯 Highlights
Jump 37 — Exit Together + “Salto”
We planned a simple two-way: exit together, keep it clean, and add one fun element. Right after a stable launch
Jump 53 — First Hybrid (Sit-Fly Dock on Belly Base)
This was my first hybrid: my teammates flew belly to build a base while I flew a sit, docking and holding grips. The sensation is radically different—fall-rate, visuals, and proximity all change when you’re vertical above a flat base. We briefed levels, grips, and a conservative break-off. The dock held, the comms and discipline worked, and we all separated clean.
🧩 What’s a “Hybrid” Skydive?
A hybrid is a mixed-orientation jump: typically a belly-flying base with freeflyers (sit- or head-down) docking to it. The magic (and challenge) is syncing fall-rate and levels across different body positions. Good hybrids are built on:
- A stable, predictable belly base.
- Freeflyers with solid approach control (stop, present, then take grips).
- Clear roles, keys, and briefed separation altitudes for each subgroup.
📈 My Progression After the Exam (Jumps 31–53)
- Exits: cleaner two-ways; faster transition to neutral; better communication at the door.
- Stability & Recovery: controlled front-flip and back-to-neutral; no panic corrections.
- Fall-Rate & Levels: more deliberate use of arms/legs; better range to stay on level.
- First Vertical Work: holding a basic sit long enough to dock on a belly base.
- Approach Discipline: closing with small inputs; stopping before taking grips.
- Break-Off & Tracking: wider awareness, earlier keys on mixed-orientation dives.
- Canopy: tidier patterns, more consistent flares, and better crosswind planning.
🏷️ Disciplines in Skydiving — A Quick Guide
- RW / FS (Relative Work / Formation Skydiving): flat/belly flying, building grips and formations.
- Freefly: vertical body positions (sit, head-down) and dynamic movement; faster fall-rates.
- Tracking / Angle / Flocking: sustained horizontal movement with angles; strong break-off discipline.
- Wingsuit: large surface area for glide; specialized training and gear required.
- Canopy Piloting (Swooping): high-performance landings; advanced canopy skills.
- CRW (Canopy Relative Work): docks and formations under canopy (lines/entanglement risks—special briefing).
- Camera / Video: filming others; requires rock-solid skills so safety stays first.
