arch arch arch!

[coke 0]

hi,
im doing my AFF course right now and next week i am goign to do my level 4 jump. but everytime as i exit the plane after the 'ready, set, go!' i kinda get nervous and forget to tell myself to arch thus losing valuable seconds before i can get a proper arch going!
any tips on how i can focus more so i can get my arch done much quicker?
thanks!
coke =)

[VivaHeadDown 0]

Relax your mind before you jump. A deep breath usually helps. If that's not enough, whenever you're just walking around, jump onto the ground and start yelling ARCH ARCH ARCH!!! and there's no way you can forget after that.

[PhillyKev 0]

I'm at the same level you are, and all my instructors have told me my exit is great. I usually have my COA done before I'm even off the hill. I think the key is being aggressive with it. I do my count at the door, and when i jump out, i spring out as hard as I can. Kind of up and out. Just the act of jumping so aggressively naturally extends your body and puts you in the correct position.

[skymedic 0]

Problem is if you spring out too hard you might lose your JM. That is not a good thing!!!

[gman 0]

I had the same problem during my early AFF jumps, here's an idea that really helped me. Practice arching in front of a mirror at least 15 minutes every day. I would arch with my eyes closed for 15 seconds, then look into the mirror to see if my legs/feet are located correctly, close my eyes and hold for another 15 seconds and repeat until my back muscles got tired. Rest for a few minutes and repeat again.
If you do it long enough, it will become natural. My JM's used to say my arch needed work, now they say "nice arch".
-G.M.L.-

[Geoff 0]

My log book for AFF level 2 says something like 'secondary released to due to blow to groin' - caused by my over-enthusiastic arching exit. But that's the instructor's problem - they have to accept the risks!
Geoff

[cyberskydive 0]

try vocalizing EVERYTHING!
C-28534
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