Experienced Skydiver Wake-Up Call
(Written by ChutingStar's Henry Kochen.)
A 20-Year Journey of Growth, Safety, and Complacency
Over the last two decades, skydiving has evolved significantly, transforming from a niche thrill-seeking activity into a widely accessible and increasingly safe sport. From improved equipment technology to enhanced training protocols, the sport has made remarkable strides. However, amid this progress, a concerning trend has emerged: complacency among experienced skydivers and a lack of respect for the inherent risks of the sport. This is resulting in an unfortunate retrogression—more experienced skydivers getting injured or even killed, while newer participants neglect the importance of vigilance, discipline, and respect for safety.
The Growth of Skydiving: A Safer Sport
Skydiving has experienced exponential growth over the past 20 years. What was once seen as an extreme sport reserved for a select few has now become increasingly accessible to a broader audience. In 2000, skydiving was largely a sport for adrenaline junkies and military personnel, with the equipment and training far from the streamlined, professional systems we see today. However, advances in equipment technology and training have made skydiving more reliable and safer.
One of the major factors contributing to the sport's safety is the development of modern parachutes. The introduction of “square” or “ram-air” canopies, which are far more stable and predictable than the old round ones, revolutionized how skydivers navigate and land. These canopies are designed to offer better control, making the landing process less perilous.
Additionally, skydiving training has come a long way. The industry’s shift to more structured training programs such as the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course has helped standardize how new skydivers are taught. With AFF, students undergo a series of lessons that range from theoretical knowledge about skydiving equipment, safety protocols, and emergency procedures to hands-on training with instructors. As a result, new skydivers are better prepared to handle the complexities of the sport.
The Rise of Complacency Among Experienced Skydivers
The introduction of mandatory Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) has been another significant safety development. These devices automatically deploy the parachute at a preset altitude if the skydiver has not already done so. AADs provide an extra layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of fatal accidents caused by human error.
Despite these advances in safety, there is a troubling countertrend: complacency. With the safety protocols and technology available, some experienced skydivers have become overconfident. The industry has seen a shift in attitude—many seasoned skydivers have started to take shortcuts, neglect safety checks, or skip necessary precautions, believing that their experience alone is enough to protect them.
Over time, repeated jumps in familiar conditions can lead to a false sense of security. Skydivers who have accumulated thousands of jumps might begin to underestimate the risks involved, thinking they can handle any situation, regardless of how complex or unfamiliar. This can lead to risky behavior, such as attempting dangerous stunts or skipping critical steps like checking gear, properly managing altitudes, or following safe landing protocols. In some tragic cases, this overconfidence has led to fatal accidents.
Even though experienced skydivers have the skill set to manage complex jumps, the need for constant attention to detail, respect for the sport, and adherence to safety practices cannot be overstated. Complacency breeds risk, and failure to respect the fundamental principles of skydiving can be disastrous.
Lack of Respect from New Skydivers
On the flip side, some newer skydivers, while eager to jump and enjoy the thrill, fail to appreciate the level of responsibility required. Newbies may view skydiving as simply another fun activity without recognizing the true risks involved. There is a tendency for some to overlook the importance of proper training, safety briefings, and the necessity of following established protocols.
In a world of social media and viral videos, new skydivers may also be influenced by influencers or thrill-seekers who appear to make the sport look easy. This can lead to misconceptions about the skill required to make skydiving a safe and enjoyable experience. Some might rush into jumps without fully understanding or respecting the importance of rigorous training, safety gear, or emergency procedures.
This disregard for proper training and respect for the sport can be incredibly dangerous. New skydivers may underestimate the complexity of the sport or try to skip essential steps in their learning process, putting themselves and others at risk. It’s crucial for experienced skydivers and instructors to actively remind newcomers that skydiving is a high-risk activity and requires careful preparation and respect for its inherent dangers.
A Wake-Up Call: Respect for the Sport is Essential
The growth of skydiving as a safer sport is a testament to the dedication of instructors, equipment manufacturers, and safety professionals. However, the rise of complacency and a lack of respect for the sport threatens to undo much of that progress. The reality is that skydiving is not without its dangers, and while the sport is safer than ever, it’s only as safe as the people participating in it.
It’s essential for both new and experienced skydivers to recognize that respect for the sport, adherence to safety protocols, and ongoing training are paramount. Experienced skydivers should lead by example, embracing a mindset of continuous learning and respect for the risks involved. New skydivers, on the other hand, must approach the sport with humility, discipline, and a healthy respect for the training and safety protocols in place.
Canopy Progression is there for a reason. And should be considered and enforced by instructors and Safety and Training Advisors all over. And jumpers need to respect their own progression based on their skill level and not just because it is cool to jump a smaller size canopy… The “Cool Factor” will get you hurt or worse.
Protect the Future of Skydiving
The skydiving community has come a long way in the last 20 years, and the safety improvements made are nothing short of remarkable. However, complacency and lack of respect for the sport’s risks pose a real threat to the progress achieved. As the sport continues to grow and attract new participants, it’s crucial that everyone—from seasoned veterans to eager beginners—remembers that skydiving is a high-risk sport. Acknowledging and respecting the inherent dangers is the only way to ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of this thrilling pursuit.
By fostering a culture of safety, education, and respect, the skydiving community can continue to thrive and remain a safe and exciting adventure for generations to come.
Henry Kochen has 4700+ jumps and is an FAA Senior Rigger, USPA Coach, USPA Tandem Instructor and Videographer. He joined the ChutingStar Crew in 2015. He can be contacted directly at [email protected].