7 Tips for Beginners in Wingsuit Flying

Wingsuit Flying

7 Tips for Beginners in Wingsuit Flying

Are you a beginner in wingsuit flying and looking for some valuable tips to enhance your skills? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we have gathered the top 7 tips that will help you kickstart your wingsuit flying journey. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or simply fascinated by the idea of soaring through the sky like a bird, these tips will provide you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to become a successful wingsuit flyer. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can maximize your safety and enjoyment while experiencing the exhilarating sport of wingsuit flying.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Gear

Importance of a Properly Fitted Wingsuit

A properly fitted wingsuit is crucial for beginners in wingsuit flying. It not only ensures your comfort but also plays a vital role in your safety. When choosing a wingsuit, make sure it fits snugly to your body without restricting your movement. Ill-fitting wingsuits can hinder your ability to control your flight and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, a properly fitted wingsuit reduces drag and enhances your overall performance in the air.

Choosing the Right Helmet

Another essential gear to consider when starting wingsuit flying is a suitable helmet. A helmet protects your head from potential impacts during flight and landing. Look for a helmet that meets the safety standards specific to wingsuit flying. It should provide a secure fit and have proper padding to absorb shocks. Additionally, consider a helmet with a visor or goggles attachment to shield your eyes from wind and debris.

Selecting the Appropriate Footwear

Selecting the appropriate footwear is often overlooked but plays a significant role in wingsuit flying. Since wingsuit landings involve running or sliding upon touchdown, having the right footwear is essential for a safe and controlled landing. Opt for lightweight shoes that provide a good grip on various terrains. Look for shoes with a sturdy sole that offers stability and ankle support. Avoid wearing shoes with laces that can get tangled in your wingsuit or parachute lines. Remember, comfortable and secure footwear enhances your overall flying experience and minimizes the risk of injuries.

Tip 2: Learn from Experienced Wingsuiters

Join a Wingsuit Community

Joining a wingsuit community is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a skilled wingsuiter. By connecting with other experienced wingsuiters, you can gain valuable insights, learn from their experiences, and build a network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for this exhilarating sport.

There are various ways to find and join a wingsuit community. One option is to search for local wingsuit flying groups or clubs in your area. These communities often organize regular meetups, events, and training sessions where you can interact with seasoned wingsuiters.

Additionally, you can join online forums and social media groups dedicated to wingsuit flying. These platforms provide a virtual space for wingsuit enthusiasts worldwide to share tips, ask questions, and connect with one another. Participating in these communities will not only expand your knowledge but also expose you to different perspectives and ideas.

Find a Mentor

Having a mentor can significantly accelerate your learning process in wingsuit flying. A mentor is an experienced wingsuiter who can guide you, offer personalized advice, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Their expertise and guidance can enhance your understanding of wingsuit flying techniques, safety protocols, and decision-making skills.

To find a suitable mentor, consider reaching out to wingsuit instructors or experienced wingsuiters within your community. Explain your goals, express your enthusiasm for the sport, and ask if they would be willing to mentor you. Building a strong mentor-mentee relationship can provide you with valuable insights, constructive feedback, and inspiration as you progress in your wingsuit journey.

Attend Wingsuit Training Courses

Attending wingsuit training courses is an excellent way to hone your skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of wingsuit flying. These courses are designed and led by experienced wingsuit instructors who have extensive knowledge of the sport and can provide structured training programs.

During these courses, you will learn essential skills such as body positioning, flight stability, navigation, and emergency procedures. Instructors will guide you through theoretical lessons, practical exercises, and simulated jumps to ensure you gain the necessary skills and confidence to wingsuit fly safely.

When selecting a wingsuit training course, ensure that the instructors are certified, and the program aligns with your skill level and goals. Taking part in these courses will not only enhance your abilities but also help you meet other aspiring wingsuiters, expanding your wingsuit community further.

Remember, learning from experienced wingsuiters, joining a wingsuit community, finding a mentor, and attending wingsuit training courses are crucial steps in your journey to becoming a proficient wingsuiter. Embrace these opportunities, stay committed, and always prioritize safety in your wingsuit flying adventures.

Tip 3: Understand the Flight Principles

Learning Aerodynamics

To become a proficient wingsuit flyer, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the study of how objects move through the air and the forces that act upon them. By grasping the basic principles of aerodynamics, beginners can enhance their knowledge and make informed decisions during their flights.

Lift and Drag

One of the fundamental concepts in aerodynamics is lift and drag. Lift is the force that allows an object, such as a wingsuit, to stay airborne. It is generated by the flow of air over the wingsuit’s surfaces, creating a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces. Understanding how lift is generated and controlled is essential for maintaining stable flight and maneuvering effectively.

Drag, on the other hand, is the resistance encountered by the wingsuit as it moves through the air. Minimizing drag is crucial for achieving optimal performance and maximizing glide ratio. Beginners should learn about the various factors that contribute to drag, such as body position, wing shape, and clothing choices, to minimize drag and improve their flight experience.

Glide Ratio

Glide ratio refers to the distance a wingsuit can travel horizontally compared to the vertical distance it descends. It is a key indicator of the wingsuit’s efficiency and performance. Beginners should familiarize themselves with the concept of glide ratio and learn how to optimize it through body positioning, wing configuration, and flight techniques. Improving the glide ratio allows wingsuit flyers to cover longer distances and explore new flight paths.

Mastering Body Positioning

Proper body positioning is crucial for maintaining stability and control during wingsuit flights. Beginners should focus on mastering the following key elements of body positioning:

Neutral Arch

Maintaining a neutral arch is essential for stability and balance in the air. This involves keeping the body aligned with a slight arch in the back, ensuring the chest is slightly forward and the legs are slightly bent. A neutral arch allows for better airflow and stability, enabling beginners to adapt to different flight conditions and make precise adjustments when necessary.

Limb Control

Controlling the limbs is another important aspect of body positioning. Wingsuit flyers should learn to keep their arms and legs stable and slightly spread, maintaining a balanced and streamlined position. Proper limb control minimizes unnecessary drag and allows for smoother, more controlled flights.

Head and Gaze

The position of the head and the direction of gaze play a vital role in maintaining stability and controlling flight trajectories. Beginners should keep their head up, looking forward with a relaxed gaze, and avoid fixating on specific objects or distractions. Maintaining a neutral head position helps in achieving a balanced flight posture and enhances situational awareness.

Managing Flight Trajectories

Managing flight trajectories is essential for safe and enjoyable wingsuit flying experiences. Beginners should focus on the following aspects of trajectory management:

Navigation and Planning

Before taking flight, it is crucial to plan the intended route and have a clear understanding of the environment. Wingsuit flyers should familiarize themselves with the area, noting potential hazards, landmarks, and landing zones. By planning their trajectory in advance, beginners can make informed decisions during the flight and ensure a smooth and controlled descent.

Speed Control

Controlling speed is a fundamental skill in wingsuit flying. Beginners should learn how to adjust their body position and wing configuration to control speed efficiently. Slowing down or speeding up at the right moments allows wingsuit flyers to adapt to changing conditions, navigate through tight spaces, and maintain a comfortable flight experience.

Flight Adjustments

During a wingsuit flight, it is essential to make adjustments to the trajectory based on the surrounding conditions. Beginners should learn how to read the wind, understand the effects of different body movements, and make timely corrections to maintain stability and control. By continuously monitoring and adjusting their flight trajectory, beginners can avoid potential hazards and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

In summary, understanding the flight principles is crucial for beginners in wingsuit flying. Learning about aerodynamics, mastering body positioning, and managing flight trajectories are key elements to enhance skills and improve overall performance. By focusing on these aspects, beginners can lay a solid foundation for their wingsuit flying journey and enjoy the exhilarating experiences it offers.

Tip 4: Start with Safe Exit Points

When starting out in wingsuit flying, it is crucial to prioritize safety above all else. One of the key aspects of ensuring a safe experience is selecting suitable exit points. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing your exit location:

Selecting Suitable Exit Locations

  1. Research and Knowledge: Before deciding on an exit point, it is essential to gather as much information as possible about the location. Study maps, read forums, and consult experienced wingsuit flyers to understand the terrain, obstacles, and any potential hazards that might exist.

  2. Access and Permissions: Make sure to choose an exit point that is legal to use. Some locations may require permits or have specific rules and regulations in place. Always respect private property and obtain any necessary permissions before jumping.

  3. Visibility and Landing Zones: Opt for exit points that offer good visibility, allowing you to assess the landing area clearly. Look for open spaces, preferably with flat or gently sloping terrain, to ensure a safe and easy landing.

  4. Altitude and Distance: Consider the altitude and distance of the exit point. Starting with lower altitudes can be beneficial for beginners as it allows for shorter flight times, providing more time to focus on maneuvering and controlling the wingsuit.

Avoiding Overly Challenging Terrain

While it may be tempting to push your limits right from the start, it is important to avoid overly challenging terrain when you are a beginner in wingsuit flying. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Skill Development: Mastering the basics of wingsuit flying requires time and practice. Starting with simpler terrain allows you to build your skills gradually and gain confidence in controlling the wingsuit before taking on more challenging environments.

  2. Safety: Overly challenging terrain can pose significant risks, especially for beginners. Steep cliffs, densely forested areas, or rocky terrains increase the chances of collisions or entanglements. By avoiding such areas initially, you reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

  3. Navigation and Maneuvering: Navigating through complex terrain requires advanced skills in wingsuit flying. By beginning with less demanding environments, you can focus on honing your navigation and maneuvering abilities without feeling overwhelmed.

Considering Weather Conditions

Weather conditions play a crucial role in wingsuit flying. It is vital to consider and evaluate the weather forecast before choosing an exit point. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

  1. Wind Speed and Direction: Strong winds can significantly affect your flight path and control. Always check the wind speed and direction to ensure they are within safe limits. Aim for calm or moderate wind conditions when starting out.

  2. Visibility and Cloud Cover: Good visibility is essential for wingsuit flying, as it allows you to maintain situational awareness and avoid potential hazards. Avoid flying in cloudy or foggy conditions that limit visibility.

  3. Precipitation and Weather Changes: Rain, snow, or sudden weather changes can create unpredictable conditions in the air, making wingsuit flying more challenging and risky. Monitor the weather forecast closely and reschedule your flight if adverse conditions are expected.

By selecting suitable exit locations, avoiding overly challenging terrain, and considering weather conditions, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience as a beginner in wingsuit flying. Remember to always prioritize safety and continue learning from experienced wingsuit flyers to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Tip 5: Practice Emergency Procedures

In the thrilling world of wingsuit flying, it is crucial for beginners to be well-prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise. One of the most important aspects of wingsuit flying is practicing emergency procedures to ensure your safety. By familiarizing yourself with how to deploy your parachute, handling gear malfunctions, and preparing for emergency landings, you can significantly enhance your overall wingsuit flying experience.

Knowing How to Deploy Your Parachute

Deploying your parachute is a critical skill that every wingsuit flyer must master. In the event of an emergency or if you need to end your wingsuit flight, knowing how to properly deploy your parachute can be a lifesaver. It is essential to understand the specific techniques and procedures for your particular wingsuit model. Regularly practice deploying your parachute in a controlled environment to build muscle memory and ensure you react confidently and swiftly in any situation.

Handling Gear Malfunctions

Gear malfunctions are rare but not unheard of in wingsuit flying. Being prepared to handle such situations is vital for your safety. Familiarize yourself with common gear malfunctions and learn the appropriate steps to resolve them. For example, practicing how to untwist tangled lines or dealing with a partially deployed parachute can help you remain calm and effectively troubleshoot any issues that may arise during your wingsuit flight.

Preparing for Emergency Landings

Although wingsuit flying is an exhilarating experience, it’s important to be ready for emergency landings. In case you encounter an unforeseen circumstance that requires you to land outside of your intended landing zone, having knowledge and preparation can make a significant difference. Practice emergency landing techniques, such as identifying suitable landing areas, maintaining a proper landing posture, and executing emergency landings with controlled precision. This preparation will instill confidence and help you mitigate potential risks in emergency situations.

Remember, the more you practice and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures, the better equipped you will be to handle unexpected situations while wingsuit flying. Prioritize your safety by regularly honing these skills and staying up to date with the latest safety guidelines and best practices in the wingsuit flying community.

Tip 6: Gradually Increase Skill Level

Becoming proficient in wingsuit flying requires a step-by-step approach to gradually enhance your skills and capabilities. By following a systematic progression from basic flights to building formation flying skills and exploring advanced maneuvers, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable wingsuit flying journey.

Progressing from Basic Flights

When starting as a beginner in wingsuit flying, it is crucial to focus on mastering the fundamentals and gradually advancing your skills. Here are some tips to progress from basic flights:

  1. Body Positioning: Pay close attention to your body positioning during the flight. Maintain a stable and balanced posture to improve control and stability in the air.
  2. Flight Time: Begin with shorter flights to get comfortable with the wingsuit and understand its dynamics. Gradually increase your flight time as you gain more confidence and experience.
  3. Flying Solo: Practice flying solo initially to develop a strong foundation in wingsuit flying. This allows you to focus on your technique, body movements, and honing your skills.
  4. Tracking and Gliding: Learn the art of tracking and gliding to cover horizontal distances efficiently. This skill is essential for safe navigation and landing during wingsuit flights.
  5. Deploying Parachute: Master the technique of deploying your parachute smoothly and effectively. This skill is crucial for ensuring a safe landing and should be practiced extensively.

Building Formation Flying Skills

As you progress from basic flights, you can start exploring formation flying with other experienced wingsuit flyers. Building formation flying skills requires coordination, communication, and trust among the participants. Consider the following tips:

  1. Join a Group: Connect with experienced wingsuit flyers and join group flights to learn from their expertise. Being a part of a group provides a supportive environment for developing formation flying skills.
  2. Communication: Establish clear communication signals with your fellow flyers to ensure coordination and safety during formation flights. Use hand signals or pre-determined gestures to convey messages effectively.
  3. Formation Positions: Understand the different formation positions and their roles. Start with simpler formations and gradually progress to more complex ones as you gain confidence and skill.
  4. Maintain Spacing: Maintain adequate spacing between flyers to avoid collisions or entanglements. Adhering to proper spacing ensures a safer and more controlled formation flying experience.
  5. Practice Safety Drills: Conduct safety drills regularly with your formation flying group to enhance emergency preparedness. This includes practicing emergency break-offs, handling equipment failures, and ensuring effective communication during critical situations.

Exploring Advanced Maneuvers

Once you have built a strong foundation in wingsuit flying and formation flying skills, you can start exploring advanced maneuvers. These maneuvers require a higher skill level and should only be attempted by experienced wingsuit flyers. Here are a few examples:

  1. Barrel Rolls: Master the technique of performing barrel rolls while maintaining stability and control. Barrel rolls add a thrilling element to your wingsuit flights but require precise coordination and body movements.
  2. Acrobatic Movements: Experiment with acrobatic movements such as flips, twists, and turns. These advanced maneuvers require exceptional body awareness and control. Practice them in a controlled environment under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
  3. Proximity Flying: Proximity flying involves flying close to natural features like mountains, cliffs, or trees. This advanced maneuver requires utmost caution, precise flight planning, and exceptional flying skills to ensure safety.
  4. Wingsuit Races: Participate in wingsuit races organized by experienced wingsuit flyers. These races test your skills, speed, and precision while providing an exhilarating experience. Always prioritize safety and follow the race guidelines strictly.

Remember, advancing your skills in wingsuit flying should always be done gradually and with the guidance of experienced instructors. Safety should be the top priority, and it’s essential to continuously practice and refine your techniques to ensure a rewarding wingsuit flying journey.

Tip 7: Prioritize Safety at All Times

When it comes to wingsuit flying, one of the most crucial aspects to remember is to prioritize safety above all else. While the adrenaline rush and the thrill of soaring through the sky can be exhilarating, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips to help you prioritize safety during your wingsuit flying adventures:

Regular Gear Inspections

Before embarking on any wingsuit flying excursion, it is imperative to perform regular gear inspections. Inspecting your wingsuit and other equipment thoroughly can help identify any potential issues or malfunctions that may compromise your safety during flight. Check the condition of your wingsuit, helmet, goggles, and parachute, making sure they are in proper working order. Pay attention to the stitching, zippers, and straps, ensuring they are intact and secure. Regular inspections will give you peace of mind knowing that your gear is reliable and ready for flight.

Understanding Your Personal Limits

While it’s natural to push your boundaries and explore new challenges in wingsuit flying, it is crucial to understand and respect your personal limits. Wingsuit flying is an extreme sport that demands physical and mental strength. It is essential to have a realistic assessment of your capabilities and limitations. Pushing beyond your limits can lead to risky situations and potential accidents. Take the time to gradually build your skills and experience, always knowing when it’s time to step back and reassess. Knowing and respecting your limits will help ensure a safer wingsuit flying journey.

Following Safety Guidelines

In the world of wingsuit flying, there are established safety guidelines and best practices that every beginner should adhere to. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and make it a habit to follow them rigorously. Safety guidelines cover various aspects, including flight planning, weather conditions, landing procedures, and emergency protocols. Educate yourself on these guidelines through training programs, courses, or guidance from experienced wingsuit flyers. By following these safety guidelines, you can minimize risks and maximize your safety while enjoying the incredible experience of wingsuit flying.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when engaging in wingsuit flying. Regular gear inspections, understanding your personal limits, and following safety guidelines are crucial steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable wingsuit flying experience. By prioritizing safety, you can fully embrace the thrill and excitement of wingsuit flying while minimizing potential risks.

In conclusion, wingsuit flying is an exhilarating and challenging sport that requires careful preparation and dedication. By following these seven tips for beginners, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the skies. Remember to start with proper training, choose the right gear, and always prioritize safety. Practice regularly and gradually progress to more advanced maneuvers. Connect with experienced wingsuit flyers and seek their guidance. Lastly, embrace the adrenaline rush and the freedom that wingsuit flying offers. So, gear up, spread your wings, and embark on this incredible journey of flight!