{"id":20504,"date":"2019-09-24T11:30:04","date_gmt":"2019-09-24T11:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=20504"},"modified":"2020-06-19T08:50:01","modified_gmt":"2020-06-19T08:50:01","slug":"group-tracking-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/group-tracking-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Group Tracking Tips \u2013 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tracking Group with Efraim Folgerts \u2013 Image by Benoit Alziary<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you get started and progress safely with group tracking\/angle\njumps? We ask FF coaches for the answers\u2026 <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Tracking Tips 1 by Efraim Folgerts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Efraim Folgerts, freefly coach \u2013 Image by Benoit Alziary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What’s\nthe best way to begin to learn group tracking? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best way to start is to do some 1-on-1\njumps to understand the basics. Start on the back or belly, either is good. But\nreally, it\u2019s important to get some coaching in the beginning. After this start\nto fly in small groups, a maximum of 3, preferably with someone who has some\nexperience. Experience both in leading and safety. Progress from there. Skills\ncamps that offer small groups are a perfect environment to learn as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\nfactors need to be considered when leading a tracking jump? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You need to be aware of the following\nand plan your jumps accordingly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jump run;<\/strong> The start direction of your track. From here you plan your flight path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wind;<\/strong> plan your flight path in a way that you open mostly upwind of the landing area. In this way you can still make it back to the landing area. Also be aware that the winds at altitude can be different to the wind on the ground. Ask the pilot what the winds are doing or the manifest or the chief instructor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Level of the group you fly with;<\/strong> plan a not-too-difficult jump. It is better and safer to have the group together on a jump with one turn than a wild jump with everyone all over the place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others in the plane;<\/strong> be aware what the other jumpers and individuals on the load are doing when they leave the plane. Also be aware of the local DZ rules. If there are other tracking groups on your load, be sure to talk to them to see what their plan is and their intended flight path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exit order; <\/strong>usually, on DZs where there are two tracking groups allowed, tracking groups go first and last with the other groups in the middle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cloud cover; <\/strong>if you can’t see the ground it is safer not to do a tracking jump. Make an alternative plan and do your tracking when conditions are better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you give us some safety tips for those learning to track?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Navigate correctly, check the spot and jump run before exiting the plane, stay in your slot or at least your quadrant and brief a good break-off. When you’re in the first tracking group, after opening fly parallel to jump run until you see the next group open their parachutes. After that, make your way to the DZ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can\nyou describe an exit on the back and\non the belly? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The relative wind always comes from the front of the plane. When you are doing an exit on the belly make sure you face the front of the plane, and when you exit on the back face the tail of the plane. Exit in a stable position. On the belly it will help to look at the plane for a split second before looking at the formation. Relax. Take a breath before exit and move with the count of the leader. Once you have exited stable, accelerate until you’re in your slot. Don’t brake too early \u2013 it\u2019s easier to slow down than to catch up.  <\/p>\n\n\n


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