Ratings Progression

[packerboy 3]

Ok heres my story. Don't worry it's a short one.

Got off instruction, did a few solos and 2 ways, started freeflying. Did the odd 4 way, even base for an 18 way, but the reality is my RW skills are not incredible.

450 jumps under my belt and I am thinking of getting a Tandem rating in the near future.

I know that I can fly on my belly. If their is a formation somewhat nearby I can get to it. I can't turn hot 4 ways because I don't possess the experience to constantly keep correcting my levels, keeping inward pressure on the grips.. not reaching.. blah blah blah... I just haven't done much in that discipline. I can however do Mr. Spocks (on the headup side anyway;), over unders and fly grips in a sit.

My question is this... I know you need a coach rating to get a TM rating... what exact bellyflying skills should I work on and worry about mastering before I bother spending the money on attempting to get these ratings so that I don't get disappointed when I have to fly halfway across the continent to be told I don't have the necessary skills?

--------------------------------------------------
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~ Thomas Jefferson

[flyangel2 2]

Quote

I don't possess the experience to constantly keep correcting my levels, keeping inward pressure on the grips.. not reaching.. blah blah blah

In order to get your coach rating, you'll have to be able to do those things while jumping with a student (unlicensed jumper) to give them a good debrief.

Try and hook up with some RW fliers at your DZ and see if they can fine tune your belly flying.

Good luck.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[rhys 0]

Quote

I don't possess the experience to constantly keep correcting my levels, keeping inward pressure on the grips.. not reaching.. blah blah blah...
I can however do Mr. Spocks (on the headup side anyway;), over unders and fly grips in a sit.

One of these statements is incorrect. same principals different disciplines. with the latter requiring the skills mentioned in the prior statement.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will see peace." - 'Jimi' Hendrix

[riggerrob 643]

Work on basics like freefall stability and canopy accuracy until they are second nature.
If you want to be a good tandem instructor, you have to be able to CONSISTENTLY exit stable and ALWAYS land softly close to the bowl.
For those rare occasions when students throw you for a loop, you have to be able to get back on your belly NOW, before it becomes a conscious effort. You should be able to feel the wind so well that you can tell - with your eyes closed - which way the wind is coming from. Freeflying helps with this form of consciousness.

[nicknitro71 0]

All the things you said are very right but only making tandems will help you master those skills.

Tandem jumps are tandem jumps not a hot 4-way or a 10 way heads down, many of the "solo" skills IMO don't apply when you have 200LB strapped on your chest.

There is a new set of skills that need to be learnt and mastered when doing Tandems and the only way to do it is to haul, as simple as that.

I got my rating not long ago and I still got so many things to learn...however, one thing that I can tell you is to inspire confidence in your students even if you know you really suck at it! Don't be cocky but be confident even with your very first student...

Memento Audere Semper

903

[riggerrob 643]

I got my rating not long ago and I still got so many things to learn...however, one thing that I can tell you is to inspire confidence in your students even if you know you really suck at it! Don't be cocky but be confident even with your very first student...