Formation Skydiving Courses. From solo jumper to formation skydiver in three days. This course leads to the BPA FS1 qualification which we can issue. Your coach will be Luci Boella, Captain of last years Gold medal team in the British Nationals.
.
Technique.
Jumping with other people poses a new challenge to recently qualified skydivers. On our course we teach you how to fly safely and effectivley.
Our philosiphy is simple " skill and awareness ". We teach you how to engineer a dive in advance to take account of your skills and those of your partner. Thus your dives become more rewarding as you will be more successfull. "Hot" dives are not just for the pros!
.
Safety and confidence.
From getting the most of your track to developing an awareness of where the boundaries are you will be a safer and more confident skydiver equiped with the skills to set yourself new challenges and evaluate your own performance.
The earlier in your skydiving you take this course the better as you wont have spent time on your own picking up bad habits with your body position which can then be harder to "train out".
.
What does the course cover ?
We begin your journey with a seminar on the basics of formation skydiving and outline our training method. You will complete eight on on one skydives with your coach who will also video all of your dives for debrief. All our fs1 graduates will be welcome to apply for a place on next years sponsored team. In 2005 our graduates team ( the FFU5 ) won the British Skydiving championship aswell as the Cark Grand Prix.
.
Phase one : Eight one on one skydives: You will learn the basics of:
Forward and backwards movement , changing levels , maintaining levels , Proximity, avoiding drift, docking techniques, between point posture, Mantis position, Exit techniques, dive engineering, ground practice , mental awareness, evaluating your performance ,Setting targets for your next dive ,FS logging. Then you learn about turning in place, practicing both 90 and 360 degree " knee " turns. Seems like a lot ? Its not complicated , our coaches are experienced and enthusiastic skydivers and are keen to pass all this onto you . Phase one lasts one and a half to two days and includes eight jumps. Doing too many jumps in one day diminshes the learning curve. Over the course of the three days you spend with them you will be guided towards being able to participate in the formation dives on phase two. Morning or evening DVD seminars will help you increase your general knowledge and understanding.
.
Phase two: Your first Three and four way.
A milestone in your course this jump is designed to ease you into jumping with more than one person. You will be actively participating in the engineering of the dive and also its debrief. Your coach for your first eight jumps will participate with you through all phases and assist you where needed.
Your first four way is a challenge you will be ready for. You and your coach will prepare the dive jointly and practice it a number of times on the ground. You will be proactive in leading the dive as you will simply put , know what you are doing and why.
.
Do you gain a specific qualification ?
For most European countries there is no formal qualification available to be awarded. As such you will be equipped with a tangible skill. For the UK our Instructors are rated by the British Parachute Assocition to award the BPA FS1 / CAT 10 qualification. For Ireland the six jump course license can be issued. To be awared the BPA qualification you will have to complete a four point four man formation. If all that sounds daunting at the beginning .. dont worry, most graduates end up doing ten or more points. Please note that we dont do what in the industry are called " rubber stamp " dives , you will learn how to formation skydive and earn your rating!
.
Tell me more about the Instructors.
Our Specialist is Luci Boella who is the Caption of our formation team that won the British Nationals last year. Luci is a keen formation skydiver and very active in the 4 way scene at intermediate level also. Time spent with Luci will ensure you have a qualification that will have others commenting on your flying style as she is very thorough and patient to ensure your skill level increases dive by dive.
Specifically how many jumps are involved?
8 x 2way with video , 1 x 3 way with video and 1 x4way with video.
.
How do I book coaching ?
Contact us here in advance of your arrival to reserve your instructor, or ask at the Freefall University office on the dropzone if you would like to book after you arrive. We are happy as always to help you with your accomdation and transport. Booking in advance makes things easiest for us from a scheduling point of view.
If you would like to talk to luci in advance you can email her on luci@freefalluniversity.co.uk with any questions you might have.
.