The longer I’m involved in the sport, the more I see the competitive side. Not so much among the belly flyer group or freeflyers (though there is some of that too), but rather, competition between the two groups.
Let me explain with a personal example.
Almost immediately upon my arrival into the skydiving world, I had mentors who took me under their wings. Most of them are amazing belly flyers. I grew to love RW and the challenge of big ways – making points was always a bonus for me!
(A six way during the Jump for Diabetes. I was lucky enough to join a 4-man team to help me with my RW skills. What a great group of guys! Some of the best belly flyers I’ve met yet, and people I will continue to look up to.)
As I’ve progressed, I’ve begun to dabble in freefly. A couple of local freeflyers at my home DZ (Canton Airsports) have been kind enough to show me the way. And as I mentioned last post, this was my focus during the Work Stinks boogie this past weekend. A successful sitfly and head down on my first attempts.
Yes. Beer. I know.
*Photo courtesy of CSC.
(A linked 2-way head down, similar to this, with Rick was extremely successful. You see what I’m so excited about?)
After these jumps I was stoked, to say the least. So when I ran into a few of my RW companions and we began sharing our jumps of the day, the feelings on both sides of the fence became much clearer.
So much so, that I had a couple belly flyer buddies tell the freeflyers that they weren’t going to steal me away to the “dark side.”
On a personal level, I wouldn’t call any specialty dark. They all have their positives – after all, you’re skydiving regardless right? Sure, freefly is fast, but you don’t get as much freefall time. RW is a challenge and there’s lots of teamwork involved.
At this point in my skydiving, I have yet to commit myself to a specialty. Some may say this isn’t the best route, that I should learn to fly my body, on my belly, become proficient, then move on to freeflying.
But just like life, I crave variety, and I truly believe it’s possible to become a well-rounded skydiver without having to choose sides. Maybe I’m naive. I am a youngin’ in the sport after all.
As such, I’m always open to hearing opinions of the experts in the sport. Last weekend’s bonfire proved highly educational as I listened to freeflyers and belly flyers alike, give advice on focus, building skills, and canopy work. When it comes to skydiving, I’m a sponge, and I crave as much knowledge as I can get.
Personally, I think that’s how all newbies should be. Open to the possibilities. Give freefly a try if you want (after getting a good number of jumps on your belly, of course). Find what comes natural to you, what you like the best.
What is your favorite skydiving specialty?
Blue Skies!
Ashley