Tips for Bigways No 20
Do you have the exceptional skills needed for a base slot?
Photograph Credit – Craig O’Brien www.skydivingphotography.com
There needs to be a base built for others to dock on and, if the base is slow to build, completion is unlikely.
A base for a 150-way formation may be in the region of a 40-way and it must build quickly to provide a reference for others in their set ups and a framework for them to dock.
If you are part of the base build, be it a 2, 4, 8 or 40 way, you will need the skills and the equipment to exit, approach, stop and dock with efficiency.
You will hear the phrase ‘closer not faster’ to describe how we encourage people to learn these techniques.
Start by getting comfortable being close rather than hanging back or stopping in the stadium. Whilst there is a stadium in your approach when you are part of the base, it provides a passing reference as you continue to your slot.
Then practice integrating the moves to dive, slow, mush into your slot at the right angle and speed to stop fully and pick up grips on level and with no momentum, all in one fluid movement.
In addition, you need the skills to keep the formation flying.
As time pressure increases, it is not unusual for those docking on the base to bring momentum and levels into the formation. When this happens, we rely on the base members and other skilled flyers to manage the impacts these people introduce.
It’s not an ideal situation. however, many a record or completion is thanks to the resilience and the exceptional skills of the base. They must have the body flight mechanics and mental focus to anticipate and manage impacts, keep the base on heading, on level and anchored enough to make it possible for the formation to complete.
Step up to be in the base at the next opportunity. Learn these skills and you will offer even more options to an organizer and coach to include you in the team.
Melissa is a member of the Aussie Bigways coaching team. She is an experienced skydiving competitor and coach with a history of National and World level representation in 4-way, 8-way and Bigway Formation Skydiving.
Contact Melissa to discuss how Supercharge coached programs can help you develop the personal flying skills you need to achieve your goals.
melissaharvie@gmail.com 0408 553 561
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