{"id":56556,"date":"2024-10-29T11:00:42","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T11:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=56556"},"modified":"2024-11-04T11:43:01","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T11:43:01","slug":"playing-it-smart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/playing-it-smart\/","title":{"rendered":"Playing It Smart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all share a deep love for skydiving; it\u2019s why we pour so much time and money into it. But knowing when to step back can be a skill that is often one of the toughest to master. Pulling off of a load doesn\u2019t make you any less of a skydiver\u2014it shows a strong commitment to safety. Playing it smart is always the winning choice. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the weather<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Weather can be a tricky one to master. Winds are essentially invisible, and without someone at your DZ closely monitoring the weather, you could end up on a load that isn\u2019t safe for your skill level\u2014or anyone’s. Understanding the weather conditions in the morning and before every jump is how we can be sure that hopping on a load is the right call. That means knowing what wind your wind limits are and if the winds are within that range, understanding any potential visibility issues, and being aware of any potential turbulence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no shame in pulling off a jump if the winds pick up or the clouds aren\u2019t really able to guarantee you the visibility you need. These kinds of decisions are geared towards you being able to continue jumping, ultimately. Most of the weather holds I\u2019ve put myself and my students on I\u2019ve been really grateful for and my students have felt relieved. Sure, some of those calls perhaps I could have squeezed in an extra jump or two. But, without the guarantee of some fundamentals, why risk it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"wman
Not all weather is bad – knowing what weather is jumpable and what isn’t is the goal
Photo by Tex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Are You Physically and Mentally Ready?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Skydiving is demanding on both the body and the mind. A day of training where your mental game is really switched into focus mode, or a day after a big night out can wear you down. When you\u2019re fatigued mentally or physically,  you\u2019re more likely to make poor decisions.  If you\u2019re tired, you\u2019re not as responsive. If you\u2019re distracted, you\u2019re not as present. Playing it smart is understanding what you’re capable of and making decisions based on that understanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s wise to check in with yourself throughout a long day, especially when you\u2019re pushing to keep your energy up. Are you fully present? Would you be able to respond quickly to any malfunction?\u00a0 If not, skip the jump. Nobody ever lies in bed at night thinking, ‘I really wish I had gone on that one jump.'” Plenty have wished they hadn’t made that jump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"woman
Having safe gear and being in a clear headspace feels good and is a foundation of playing it smart
Photo by Tex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Your Gear Is Everything<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I remember recently someone about to get on a load with me who had his pin exposed to the side of his main flap. Not only was it exposed, indicating the closing loop was too long, but the loop itself was frayed and needing a change. Happily, a few of us had a chat to the jumper and he decided to change his closing loop. It was a full load and he was going to be seated on the floor, which is typically where there\u2019s a lot more movement and opportunities to move the pin around. Making gear checks, understanding your equipment, and caring for it as though your life\u2014and the lives of others\u2014depend on it should be a non-negotiable mindset. Would that jumper have been OK? Probably. But, when you start to get a little relaxed on the basics such as pin exposure and closing loop condition – what else are you becoming complacent about?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"exit
Don’t forget that there’s someone in skydiving looking up to you – be a good example
Photo by Tex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Be A True Leader<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the beautiful things about our sport is the ability to keep pushing forward. However, there\u2019s often an unspoken pressure to keep pace with everyone else. And, in some groups perhaps there\u2019s a bit of friendly shaming (is that possible?) to anyone who opts out of a jump.  But part of being an experienced skydiver, and part of what keeps you able to jump, is setting and understanding your boundaries and playing it smart. Saying no to a jump doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re not capable\u2014it means you\u2019re wise enough<\/a> to know when the risks aren\u2019t worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who lead at their dropzone, among friends, or have more jumps than those around them, the ability to say ‘no’ goes beyond self-preservation; it\u2019s about setting a standard. Prioritizing safety in your choices reinforces that skydiving is rooted not only in skill but also in solid judgement and decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next time you\u2019re on the fence about a jump, remember that playing it smart <\/a>is one of the most powerful tools you have for creating a long lasting skydiving journey. Understand the conditions, assess your capability throughout the day, take care of your gear and know that sitting one out today can keep you in the sport tomorrow. Every jump is a choice, and sometimes, the best choice is simply to not jump.<\/p>\n\n\n

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