If you are a newbie in skydiving, you might get confused by some terms used in the sport. Listening to your fellow skydivers, they may sound like they are speaking a foreign language. Here are some of the terminologies you should learn to help you fit in as you grow into the thrilling practice.
Tandem Skydiving
This is a type of diving where a skydiving instructor harnesses a passenger. This style of skydiving is mostly used by amateurs. The skydiver puts on a parachute system and a container to hold the passenger. It is the most popular and safest way to make a first dive.
Drop Zone
This term refers to the skydiving centre. Skydivers also call it “DZ” in skydiving slang.
AAD
Automation Activation Device is checked before boarding a plane. This device is like a backup computer that reads speed and barometric pressure. The device also deploys the reserve parachute when a skydiver crosses an altitude of about 750 feet at a very high speed. This function in AADs has saved many lives since it was introduced.
AFF
The Accelerated Free Form is a type of skydiving training that helps an individual to move from being an amateur to jumping solo. This form of training helps people to learn everything about skydiving from free-falling to landing. Trainees are also taught emergency procedures.
Canopy
Canopy is another name for a parachute in skydiving. Canopies consist of 9 individual cells which inflate to create a wing. This wing enables skydivers to fly through space and return to the ground safely.
Once you have mastered the above terms, you will stop sounding like a rookie in the skydiving world.