Mental Prep: It’s All in the Mind

Picture this: you’re about to leap from an airplane, way up in the sky. Your heart’s pounding, your mind is buzzing with excitement and a little bit of “What am I doing?!” This is where getting your mind right comes in. Skydivers do this cool thing called visualization. They play out the whole jump in their mind’s eye before actually doing it. It’s like a mental walk-through. This trick doesn’t just calm your nerves, it sharpens your focus too. It’s all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination.

You know what’s neat? Science backs this up. This mental rehearsal is linked to something called neuroplasticity. By visualizing, skydivers are prepping their brains, making it easier when they actually do the jump. And hey, sports psychology says this helps reduce anxiety and boosts performance.

Facing Down Fear

Now, let’s talk about fear. It’s like that cautious friend who’s always a bit of a buzzkill. But in skydiving, you learn to nod at fear and jump anyway. Taking that plunge is about overcoming one of our deepest fears: falling. It’s scary and thrilling, all rolled into one.

Here’s the science bit: your brain’s fear center, the amygdala, gets all worked up, pumping out adrenaline and cortisol. This is your body’s fight-or-flight response kicking in. But, overcoming this fear? That’s where your brain’s rational side, the prefrontal cortex, steps in. It helps you manage that fear. Mastering this is a super cool mental skill that’s handy in all sorts of life situations.

That Skydiving High

The rush you get while skydiving? It’s something else. You’re flying, and your body’s all, “Wow, this is awesome!” This isn’t just about feeling emotionally high, it’s about what’s happening inside your body. When you jump, your body releases a bunch of endorphins, adrenaline, and dopamine. These are your body’s feel-good chemicals. They act like natural painkillers and mood lifters. It’s a natural high that keeps you feeling great, even long after you’ve landed.

Skydiving: Better Than Therapy?

Okay, this part might sound a bit out there, but hear me out. When you’re up there, free-falling, nothing else in the world matters. It’s just you and the open sky. This intense focus is almost like therapy. It clears your mind like nothing else. Those minutes of freedom can make life’s complexities just disappear. It’s about feeling totally free.

The science behind this? It’s like what happens in mindfulness meditation. When you’re skydiving, you’re in a state of flow. This is a concept from psychology that talks about being completely absorbed in what you’re doing. It’s a bit like those mindfulness exercises therapists use to help people chill out and beat stress.

It’s a Team Sport

One of the best things about skydiving? It’s the people. Skydiving is more than just you and your parachute, it’s about the community. When you share such an intense experience, you form unique bonds. It’s a group of folks who get why you love jumping out of planes.

And here’s a fun fact from social psychology: doing intense stuff together can create strong bonds, known as ‘communitas.’ It’s like your brain releases this bonding hormone, oxytocin, which makes you feel more connected to others. It’s not just about making friends, it’s about feeling part of something bigger.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it. Skydiving isn’t just a sport, it’s a whole experience that works on both your mind and body. From getting mentally ready, facing fears, riding that incredible high, finding a bit of peace, to making lifelong friends, skydiving is a journey that touches every part of you. Whether you’re a pro or just thinking about your first jump, understanding this blend of psychology and physiology can really enrich your experience. Skydiving is more than just a leap, it’s a flight into self-discovery and connection.

The post Embracing the Sky: A Deep Dive into the Mind of a Skydiver appeared first on Record CF-World.

Let me tell you about a way to make your journey even more thrilling – with some skydiving stops along the way! Imagine pairing the breathtaking views of California’s coastline with the sheer exhilaration of skydiving. Sounds awesome, right?

Let’s dive into the four best skydiving spots that are sure to add some epic memories to your trip.

1. Skydive Golden Gate

Location: Just 24 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, it’s that close to San Francisco!

The Experience: Picture this – soaring above iconic landmarks, the vast Pacific, and those picturesque vineyards. And, if you go for a morning jump, the city lights up in a golden glow that’s just magical.

Insider Tip: Trust me, the morning view is something straight out of a postcard!

2. Silicon Valley Skydiving

Location: About an hour south of San Francisco, near the heart of tech innovation – San Jose.

The Vibe: Perfect for both skydiving newbies and pros. You get a bird’s-eye view of the Bay Area like you’ve never seen before.

Personal Note: There’s something special about floating above the hub of technology – it’s surreal!

3. Skydive Santa Cruz

Location: Watsonville, CA – not just another coastal town.

What’s Cool: Their tandem skydiving is perfect for first-timers. You’ll be in awe of the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay views.

Insider Tip: On clear days, you can literally see forever. San Francisco and San Jose in the distance?Check!

4. Skydive Monterey Bay

Location: In Marina, CA, and they boast one of the world’s highest jumps!

Why It Rocks: 18,000 feet high jumps mean more freefall time and mind-blowing views of the Monterey Bay area.

Little Secret: The landing spot is super close to the ocean, making the descent feel like you’re diving into the sea.

The Journey Itself Is Half the Fun!

Don’t forget, Big Sur tour from San Francisco is an experience in itself. You’re cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, with the ocean on one side and beautiful landscapes on the other. It’s the perfect mix of serene and exciting!

Preparing for Your Big Leap

Now, let’s chat about getting ready for your skydiving adventure. It’s not just about the physical prep – your mindset plays a huge role too.

Physical Side of Things:

– Health checks. Seriously, make sure you’re fit for this. No major health issues, please! Such as heart conditions, seizures, or serious back problems. If in doubt, consult with your doctor before booking your skydive.

– Rest up! A well-rested body equals a fantastic skydiving experience. Aim for solid Z’s the night before. At least 7-8 hours

– Eating right. Keep it light and nutritious pre-jump. Think fruits or a small sandwich. Avoid heavy, fatty, or very sugary foods, as they can make you feel sluggish or nauseous.

– Hydration is key! But hey, don’t overdo it right before the jump!

Mentally Gearing Up

– Nerves are normal. Feeling jittery is part of the thrill. Try to embrace it! It is perfectly normal.

– Try visualization. Close your eyes and walk through the jump in your mind. It really helps. Imagine yourself completing the jump successfully and feeling exhilarated afterward.

– Practice mindfulness. Stay present and breathe. It’s calming and empowering.

– Try positive self-talk. Even if you are not a fan of it, pep talks work wonders. Tell yourself, “I’m brave, I’m ready, I’ve got this!”. “I am excited for this adventure,” or “I trust my instructors and equipment.”

Seek Support

Chat with seasoned skydivers, and don’t hesitate to share any fears with your instructor. They’re there to help you feel at ease.

If you can, opt for the photo and video package most skydiving centers offer. Trust me, you’ll want to relive these moments and share them with friends and family

There you have it.

Choose one of these spots on your way to Big Sur and enjoy the experience. Try to prepare both mentally and physically, but don’t overthink it. You are in for a great ride! Big Sur as well as the trip to it is amazing. Soak in the views, embrace the adventure, and let the magic of this place sweep you off your feet – both literally and figuratively! It is truly a magical place.

The post Sky Diving Spots On Your Way From San Francisco To Big Sur appeared first on Record CF-World.

In today’s fast-paced digital marketplace, businesses are constantly seeking tools to optimize their sales processes. Among the myriad of solutions available, the quest for the best lead distribution software has become paramount for companies aiming to efficiently allocate leads among their sales teams. Such software not only ensures that leads are directed to the right personnel based on specific criteria but also guarantees timely follow-ups, maximizing conversion rates. By integrating the best lead distribution software into their operations, businesses can streamline workflows, reduce response times, and ultimately drive higher revenue. It’s an investment that modern companies can hardly afford to overlook.

Skydiving, an exhilarating dance with the wind, has evolved over the years, offering enthusiasts various ways to experience the thrill. Two prominent methods, tandem and solo jumps, dominate the scene. But how do you decide between them? Let’s embark on this aerial journey to find out.

Tandem Jumps: The Guided Flight

Tandem jumps are the introductory chapters to the skydiving book. Here, novices are paired with seasoned instructors. The duo, strapped together, leap from the plane, sharing the adrenaline rush. It’s a method favored by many first-timers, primarily because of the minimal training involved. A few hours of ground instruction, and you’re airborne.

Safety is a significant tandem advantage. In 2020, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) reported a tandem skydiving accident rate of 0.003% per jump. These impressive stats are attributed to the expertise of certified instructors who’ve undergone rigorous training.

However, state regulations play a role. In Texas, for instance, the minimum age for tandem skydiving is 18. No exceptions. Plus, certain states have weight and health restrictions, ensuring the safety of both the instructor and the student.

Solo Jumps: The Independent Flight

Solo jumps are the epitome of skydiving freedom. Here, after comprehensive training, you’re the master of your flight. From the jump’s timing to the parachute’s deployment, every move is yours. The training, often spanning days, covers equipment handling, safety protocols, and emergency maneuvers.

The solo jump’s allure lies in its independence. According to a 2021 survey by Skydive Magazine, 65% of seasoned skydivers preferred solo jumps for the autonomy they offer. Yet, this freedom comes with responsibility. Solo jumpers must adhere to state-specific regulations. In California, for instance, solo jumpers must complete a minimum number of assisted jumps and pass rigorous tests before being certified.

Climate’s Role in the Decision

Climate intricacies can’t be ignored in the skydiving equation. In Florida, the unpredictable summer storms often lead to canceled tandem jumps. Tourists, with their tight schedules, find this particularly frustrating. Solo jumpers, often locals familiar with the state’s weather patterns, have the flexibility to reschedule, making the most of their skydiving experience.

Conversely, in Arizona, the desert climate poses unique challenges. The dry air can lead to quicker dehydration. While tandem jumpers receive briefings, solo jumpers undergo extensive training to tackle such climate-specific challenges.

Real-World Scenarios

Consider Jake, a tourist visiting Colorado. Eager to experience the Rockies from above but short on time, a tandem jump was his best bet. The guided experience allowed him to soak in the views without weeks of training.

Contrast this with Mia, a California local. Passionate about skydiving, she invested in solo jump training. Today, she’s a certified skydiver, enjoying the freedom to jump at her own pace, savoring every moment of her flights.

The Verdict

Choosing between tandem and solo jumps hinges on various factors. Your appetite for adventure, time commitment, and familiarity with local regulations and climate nuances all play a role.

Tandem jumps offer a quick, relatively safe thrill, perfect for those looking to dip their toes in the skydiving world. Solo jumps, on the other hand, are for those ready to dive deep, committing to the sport’s intricacies and embracing the sky’s vastness independently.

In essence, skydiving is a personal journey. Whether you opt for the guided tandem experience or the independent solo flight, the sky’s embrace promises an unforgettable thrill. So, gear up, understand the nuances, and take that leap. The horizon awaits your story.

The post Tandem vs. Solo Jumps: Which One’s Right for You? appeared first on Record CF-World.

The second criterion is the tasks that the athlete sets for himself on the jumps. For dome acrobatics you need more accurate calm bags, manufacturers have special developments for wingsuit flights, for swoop you will need a high-speed model.

And the third important point is comfort, that is, the system should “sit” well on the figure, and all its elements – be freely accessible and have no external damage.

If you have the slightest doubts about how to choose a parachute before jumping, and even more so when buying one, you should seek advice from an experienced instructor.

Shapes of parachutes

The shape of the parachute “Wing” can be rectangular, semi-elliptical and elliptical.

Rectangular. This shape provides greater stability and safety for the parachute. As a rule, student parachutes are sewn in rectangular shape – for the increased area of 200-300 square feet they are called “mattresses”, parachutes for precision jumps and dome acrobatics, reserve parachutes.

Semi-elliptical. It is distinguished by a slightly elliptical leading and/or trailing edge (more often the trailing edge), and due to this gets an advantage in speed and maneuverability. But such parachutes are much more demanding on pilot’s skills and are prohibited for use by beginners.

Ellipse. It has a pronounced elliptical leading and trailing edge. This design gives the parachute very high flight characteristics and helps to develop decent speed and maximum maneuverability. High-speed ellipses are designed for use by skydivers with at least 500 jumps.

Main parachutes come in different sizes: from 500 square feet for the largest tandems to 37 square meters – with such a “handkerchief” in 2008 set a world record for piloting and landing the dome JVX-37 Brazilian skydiver Luigi Cani. Sizes between 150 and 90 square feet are considered the most workable for athletes.

Regardless of shape, any wing-type dome is highly controllable. To control the parachute, athletes use special pins: if you pull the left one, the dome will turn to the left, the right one – to the right, and with a slight loss of altitude. And if both control slings are pressed vigorously right before landing, the parachute will land softly on the athlete’s feet. This technique is called “cushion”.

The post How to choose a parachute appeared first on Record CF-World.

Our friends in the fabric don’t get enough love, and we thought it was time to give you an exclusive look into the tangible world with some little-known information about tandem parachutes and a general overview of the different types of parachutes.

TYPES OF AIR PARACHUTES: ROUND VS. RAM

The round parachute is almost OG in the world of skydiving. But with the development of sport skydiving, we realized that there are several problems with this design. Once you got out of the airplane, if you were under a round parachute, you didn’t have much choice about where you landed – you were at the mercy of the wind. Not to mention, when you landed, it was a bit rough.

Fortunately, the round parachute is very far from the types of parachutes we use now.

Ram-air canopies are rectangular, not round, and as the canopy moves forward and down, air is drawn into it, creating an inflated wing. The shape and design of the Ram-air canopy creates a type of parachute that is highly maneuverable and makes its users feel more like pilots than passengers.

SPECIALIZED AND SPORT PARACHUTES

There is no one size or one type that fits all when it comes to parachutes. There are many different types of parachutes in the skydiving world, and each is designed specifically for different levels of experience, disciplines, and to provide the desired performance. The type of parachute used by a wingsuit pilot is often very different from the parachute used by someone flying in a downward-facing body position (freighter).

SIZE MATTERS

In skydiving, there is a natural progression to canopy flying. Typically, skydivers start with larger (more docile) parachutes and progress to smaller, faster, and more efficient types of parachutes. Someone making their first tandem parachute jump will use a tandem parachute designed to comfortably carry the weight of two people and allow for an easy, soft landing. In the world of skydiving, a 366-square-foot tandem parachute is the equivalent of an 18-wheel truck. While the Corvette is driven by elite canopy pilots who control a 69-square-foot canopy.

WE ALWAYS HAVE A SPARE PARACHUTE

When skydiving, you don’t rely on just one parachute. All skydivers jump with an additional type of parachute that is specially designed to be useful in emergency situations. These are the so-called reserve parachutes. Reserve parachutes are designed for reliability over performance. But in a difficult situation, who is trying to look like a hot shot?

WE DON’T REALLY CALL THEM PARACHUTES

If you’re looking to stroll down to the landing zone and blend in with the skydiving crowd, there’s something you should know: in the business, we don’t really call any types of parachutes “parachutes”. That’s because things have changed. As you can see, the types of parachutes we use for modern sport skydiving are very different from the round, docile parachutes of old. Now, because of their maneuverability, they are more like fixed wings, so we generally call them domes!

The post Interesting facts about parachutes appeared first on Record CF-World.

It will be more difficult to maintain your speed if you add parachute resistance to your running.

This means you must use a more efficient drive, and a higher drive efficiency will increase your overall strength and increase your running ability.

How does a Running Parachute work?

A running parachute usually consists of two parts.
The first part is a belt that you place around your waist. It usually has a cord that hangs down and a buckle attached to the end.
Then there is the parachute itself. The parachute is usually made of nylon and has a cord with a buckle at the end.
These two parts are connected together when you need resistance, and if you are doing an exercise that requires resistance when you fall, you can easily detach and continue working.

When the parachute is attached and you start running, the parachute catches the wind and expands.

As you pick up speed, the parachute will move behind you. This results in resistance being applied behind your body’s center of gravity.

The faster you run, the more resistance you experience.

Using a parachute is beneficial for all phases of speed. You can benefit during the start, acceleration and during the top speed phase.

You can also easily move in different directions, making it great for stop-and-go exercises or exercises that require jumping and turning.

Difficulties in Using a Running Parachute

I recently used a running parachute during my training and it was very useful but had its difficulties.

If the wind is inconsistent, it can cause the chute to float up and down or pull in different directions, which can be a bit distracting.

If you are doing longer intervals, say over 20-30 seconds, it can be VERY difficult to run fast enough to hold the chute.

This means that as you run, it will occasionally drag on the ground.

This can be frustrating, BUT it encourages you to pick up the pace and even if the chute is on the ground, you will still feel some resistance.

So don’t worry, training is not a waste. Over time, your pedal frequency and speed will improve during your resistance skydiving runs and you’ll be able to keep your parachute in the air in no time.

The post Training parachutes appeared first on Record CF-World.

The name of this super extreme sport is wingsyutting. The idea to fly in special suits was borrowed from flying squirrels. For a long time attempts to design a suit for flying ended tragically. It was only about twenty years ago that a modern, reliable form of wingsuit was developed. The suit was equipped with three wings (instead of two as in earlier versions), fitted with two layers of fabric capable of being filled by the surging air current.

Getting the ability to plan above the ground is not available to everyone. In order to start flying in a wingsuit, it is necessary to make at least two hundred parachute jumps beforehand.

Unlike skydiving, the movement is not downward, but forward, reminiscent of the flight of a bird. The wingsuit is controlled by changing the angle of fall or body position.

The picture that opens to the eyes of a wingsuiter is worth hundreds of preliminary skydives. During one jump, the pilot flies about 2.5 kilometers across the horizon for one kilometer of altitude. It’s just hard to believe that a person flies up to five kilometers in a couple of minutes.

Several times more adrenaline can be obtained if you make jumps in a wingsuit from a steep mountainside, flying literally a couple of meters from the cliff. The structure of the suit and the flight in the direction of the slope traverse allow the pilot to follow the mountain terrain as much as possible, perform various maneuvers, adjusting the height above the slope and quite quickly get to a safe distance from the cliff to open the parachute.

To perform a jump, the pilot climbs to an altitude of about four kilometers. The initial flight speed is about 180 kilometers per hour.

The author of the modern version of the suit is the French designer Patrick de Guairdon. In order to model a wingsuit, the author studied the flight technique of flying squirrels for many years.

As a result, having improved the flying suit, Patrick achieved almost impossible – he made a jump from the plane, a few kilometers below caught up with him and climbed back! His total number of parachute jumps exceeded 12,000. Eight years after the first wingsuit test, de Gairdon tragically died due to the failure of the main parachute during one of his jumps.

The post One of the most difficult disciplines of parachuting sport appeared first on Record CF-World.

Perhaps the most accessible discipline in all of skydiving to the spectator is swooping. Swooping involves the skydiver performing a series of turns that increase the speed of the parachute as it approaches the ground. They then straighten their parachute to glide along the ground at around 70 miles per hour!

The raid is judged on a variety of categories, including speed, distance, and accuracy. Like other skydiving competitions, swooping also includes a freestyle category. In freestyle, swoopers will perform a series of tricks while flying over a body of water or land before touching down.

Pilots also have their own version of skydiving in formation. This discipline is known as canopy work, or CRW (pronounced “crew”), and involves a group of two to four parachutes coming together to form shapes in the sky. CRW skydivers will connect with each other using the legs and lines of the canopy to create formations that resemble diamonds, stacks, or almost any shape they can imagine!

Canopy piloting actually boasts the oldest form of skydiving competition in the sport. Canopy precision involves landing a single jumper or a group of four as close to the target as possible. For professionals, the target is about a penny, and the difference between 1st and 2nd place can come down to mere millimeters!

The post Piloting the dome appeared first on Record CF-World.

HOW DID SKYSURFING START?

French skydivers Dominique Jacquet and Jean-Pascal Oron are the original inventors of skysurfing. They noticed how boards were used to ride water waves and wondered if it was possible to do the same with air during freefall. It turned out that it was, and in 1986, skysurfing was born!

Slowly but surely, the discipline of skysurfing began to gain momentum. Interest in and participation in the sport peaked in the late 90s, mainly due to its presence in the media and its inclusion in the ESPN X Games in 1995-2000.

Since then, viewers’ enthusiasm for skysurfing has remained vibrant and has even been spurred on by movies such as Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”. Some high-profile stunts, such as the one that took place at the 2015 NASCAR Coke 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway, have also helped keep it in the spotlight. Nevertheless, the number of practicing skysurfers has decreased over the years and is currently relatively small.

Part of the reason for the sharp decline in the number of skysurfers is the steep learning curve and high skill level associated with the discipline. Skysurfing itself is a high-speed sport with significant risks: you fall to the ground at speeds of over 120 mph, and your feet are tightly anchored in a fixed position on a relatively large solid object.

The progression of learning to skysurf is not easy either: a jumper must acquire an advanced set of freefall skills before attempting their first skysurf. Beginner skysurfers should be able to fly in different orientations, both head up and head down (in a sitting position or with their head literally pointing to the ground). Mastering these skills takes a lot of time, training, and physical fitness.

There is also progress in the discipline of skysurfing. Beginner skysurfers will use a smaller surfboard with a smaller surface area. As they increase their skill and comfort with the sport and equipment, they “upgrade” to longer boards.

The post Skysurfing appeared first on Record CF-World.

There are two main stages during a skydive: the freefall part and the parachute part. Within these stages there are several different skydiving disciplines. Some of the most popular freefall disciplines are formation skydiving, freefly, angled flight, and wingsuit (also known as wingsuit):

Known as “belly flying”, wingsuit jumping is usually the first way people learn to skydive. Not only is arching your back and falling on your stomach to the ground the most natural way to fall, it’s also a basic skill you start developing from your very first tandem.
Freefly skydiving is a type of fall when you are in an upright position, usually with your head up or down.
Angled flight is a forward movement where jumpers position their bodies so that they are at an angle, moving quickly and horizontally in the air.
Wing Suit flying (also known as wingsuiting) also refers to forward motion and involves wearing a suit that has material between your legs and from your arms to your hips (known to non-parachutists as a squirrel suit).

Freefly and bellyflight are both types of skydiving where you fall straight down, as opposed to moving through the sky, except that freeflight is much faster.

While the free fall speed for belly flying ranges from 120 mph to 140 mph, the speed at which you fall during free flight ranges from 150 mph to 170 mph. The reason that free flight is much faster than belly-flying is that the mass of the person remains the same, but the surface area presented during the fall is much smaller vertically than horizontally. As the speed increases, small movements have a bigger effect and everything happens much faster.

Free-flying can be free and improvised without a plan, which means friends fall vertically toward each other, flip, turn, and dock (touching or holding the other person), or whatever they decide to do during free-fall. Free-float jumps can also be organized, meaning that the jumpers plan in advance what they want to do, talk about it, physically go through the plan on the ground, and then try to execute the plan in the sky. There is also competitive freeflight, which is strictly planned, practiced, and evaluated.

To start freeflighting, you must be a licensed skydiver (not a tandem student) and have equipment that is appropriate for the orientation and speed that accompanies freeflighting, including a suitable parachute canister and jumpsuit.

Freeflight is generally not for beginners and you should have at least an intermediate level of understanding of body movements, abdominal skills, and skydiving safety before adding additional speed and more erratic orientation. When learning to freefly, it usually feels like you are falling straight down, but you are actually moving horizontally across the sky. Without realizing it, this can be dangerous as you could potentially move under another group of skydivers. The way you move relative to others in the sky is critical, and this is one of the reasons why you should jump with an experienced freeflyer (preferably a coach) when learning to freefly. Wind tunnel training, or indoor skydiving, is a great way to learn free flight quickly and safely without having to worry about anything but learning to fly (and it’s super fun).

The post What is free flight? appeared first on Record CF-World.