Standard Rodeo Trick

The rodeo trick is a great trick for beginners to attempt when they are trying to gain experience and confidence (or just when they really want to have some fun!) It can be done at any skydiving level and is a wonderful way to explore the great things that skydiving has to offer. The rodeo requires at least two divers, although three can be even more fun. One diver will play the part of the horse and one the part of the cowboy. 

The trick can begin in the plane with the cowboy climbing onto the back of the horse just before or shortly after leaving the plane. However, the horse can be mounted during flight as well if the cowboy glides up along the side of the horse and then gets on as he would if the horse were standing up. Once on, the trick has been accomplished and not only have you just completed a trick but you’ve also experienced a little bit of fun flying!

Freestyle Diving

Many people, especially inexperienced skydivers, believe that freestyle skydiving simply means jumping out of the plane and enjoying the feeling of the wind rushing against your face. While it’s true that this is the main benefit of freestyle skydiving and something that you should definitely take some time to enjoy, going into freestyle skydiving without having at least some basic moves under your belt could mean spinning out of control or getting caught in a position that is difficult to get out of. Here are some basics that you should know before attempting the awesomeness that is freestyle skydiving.

First, you always want to practice in a skydiving tank before trying it out from a plane. These tanks are simulators that will allow you to experience what it will be like up there without any of the danger, should you make a mistake. The first position you should try to attempt is the face-down position. With this technique, the diver’s entire body is facing the ground. It’s a very stable position and easy to get in and out of. A jumpmaster may actually get you into a position where you start to lose control so that you will be able to regain control in the air should that happen. If you don’t actually practice it in the tank, prepare yourself simply by talking it through with the instructor and visualizing it in your head so you won’t panic in the air. If you feel confident enough to get really fancy, try doing a back loop. You can do this by lying on your back and then slowly turning your head and body backward. Don’t worry if you only make it halfway through the loop, it’s still a freestyle skydiving move!

Standup Surfing

Whether you are just starting out in skydiving or have been doing it for some time, it is always fun to try new tricks and standup surfing is one that is the very most fun to try. To attempt standup surfing, you must first be able to hold a standup position while in freefall mode on your own. You can then attempt to try it on someone’s back or belly, whichever gives you the most kicks!

The hardest part about completing a standup surfing position is to get on the platform, which would be your partner. The important thing is that when you start out in position, you are both belly-down with the surfer about 3 feet above the platform. Once you are ready to complete the position, the platform can gently spread their arms and legs and point them up while the surfer points their toe until it hovers above the point of the back or belly that they want to maintain the position. They can then slowly allow the rest of their body to enter the platform’s gurgle.

Knee Positions

Some may wonder why you would ever want to fly through the air on your knees but for beginners who want to get comfortable not only being in the air but doing cool stuff while you’re up there, this is a great, easy trick to begin with. Being on your knees also allows you more control as your knees actually provide a surface for the wind and allows you to move just about wherever you want to go!

To get into knee-flying position, hold your torso straight up with your knees slightly bent. Make sure that your thighs are almost horizontal to the ground and that the knees are spread almost as far apart as you can get them. Your knees should be tucked back far enough to almost touch your rear or they can be spread out by your thighs, whichever is easiest. Keeping your arms outstretched or up in the air will help with balance and again, it’s whatever’s most comfortable.

When getting into the knee position from the air, try to pull the torso vertical to the ground and think about something pulling you up from your arms. Don’t lean too far into the wind as this will cause you to fall backward. To change direction, point your knees in the direction you want to go and pull your torso in the opposite direction. It may take a few tries but you’ll get the hang of it and will soon have mastered a new skydiving trick!

How to Make the Skydiving Back Flip Transition

There are some skydiving tricks that should only be attempted by the advanced or expert diver and the back flip transition is one of them. This trick should only be tried after an experienced skydiver has been taught how to do it by a trained professional. However, to give you an idea of how the trick works or to fine-tune your own, here are the steps to make it happen!

1.) Be certain that you are extremely comfortable with all four of the starter positions: belly, back, sitting down, and head down.

2.) Just as you would while executing a front flip, begin to move upward to ensure that you do not drift, which could be especially bad if you are diving with others.

3.) Begin the flip by looking behind you. Focus on what is at the back of your head, rather than just what’s over your shoulder. Control your movement with your hands and your arms and use them to guide you through the flip.

If you realize that you will not be able to make the flip, make sure to pull out using your back. This will allow you to regain control and attempt something else.