Mastering the Art of Wingsuit Flying: Techniques and Training

Are you fascinated by the adrenaline-fueled world of wingsuit flying? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the techniques and training required to master the exhilarating sport of wingsuit flying. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced flyer looking to enhance your skills, this article will provide you with valuable insights and tips to elevate your wingsuit flying abilities. Get ready to soar through the skies like never before as we explore the art of wingsuit flying and unlock its secrets.

Choosing the Right Wingsuit

When it comes to wingsuit flying, choosing the right wingsuit is crucial for a successful and safe experience. With a wide range of options available, it’s important to understand the different types of wingsuits, factors to consider when making a choice, and how to properly size and fit a wingsuit.

Understanding the Different Types of Wingsuits

Wingsuits come in various designs and configurations, each offering different flight characteristics and performance capabilities. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different types to select one that suits your flying style and skill level.

Classic Wingsuits: These are the most common type of wingsuits, characterized by their bat-like shape with wings attached to the arms and legs. Classic wingsuits provide a good balance between glide performance and maneuverability, making them suitable for beginners and experienced flyers alike.
Performance Wingsuits: Designed for experienced wingsuit pilots, performance wingsuits have a more streamlined shape and larger surface area. They offer enhanced glide performance, allowing for longer and faster flights. However, these suits require advanced flying skills and are not recommended for beginners.
Crossover Wingsuits: Crossover wingsuits combine elements of both classic and performance suits, offering a balance between glide performance and maneuverability. They are suitable for intermediate flyers who want to explore more advanced flying techniques while maintaining a certain level of maneuverability.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wingsuit

When selecting a wingsuit, there are several factors to consider to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences. These factors include:

Experience Level: Your experience level plays a significant role in determining the type of wingsuit you should choose. Beginners should opt for classic wingsuits that provide stability and ease of control, while experienced flyers can consider performance or crossover wingsuits for more advanced flight capabilities.
Flying Goals: Consider your flying goals and the type of flying you intend to do. If you are primarily interested in long-distance flights and achieving high speeds, a performance wingsuit might be the right choice. On the other hand, if you prefer more maneuverability and acrobatic flying, a classic or crossover wingsuit may be more suitable.
Body Type: Wingsuits need to fit properly to ensure optimal performance and safety. Take into account your body type, including height, weight, and body proportions, when choosing a wingsuit. Different manufacturers offer various sizing options, so it’s important to consult sizing charts and seek expert advice to find the right fit.

Sizing and Fitting a Wingsuit

Proper sizing and fitting of a wingsuit are essential for comfort, maneuverability, and safety during flight. Follow these guidelines when sizing and fitting your wingsuit:

Consult Sizing Charts: Each wingsuit manufacturer provides sizing charts that correlate body measurements to suit sizes. Measure your height, weight, chest, waist, and inseam according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use the sizing chart to determine the appropriate size.
Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try on different wingsuits before making a purchase. This will give you a better understanding of how the suit feels and fits on your body. Ensure that the suit allows for full range of motion and doesn’t restrict movement.
Professional Fitting: If you’re unsure about sizing or fitting, consider seeking professional fitting assistance. Many wingsuit manufacturers offer fitting services or have experienced staff who can guide you in finding the optimal size and fit for your body.

Remember that wingsuit fitting can vary among manufacturers, so it’s important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the wingsuit you choose.

By understanding the different types of wingsuits, considering the relevant factors, and ensuring proper sizing and fitting, you can choose a wingsuit that enhances your wingsuit flying experience and helps you master the art of wingsuit flying with confidence.

Essential Flying Techniques

Body Position and Stability

In order to master the art of wingsuit flying, it is crucial to understand the importance of maintaining proper body position and stability throughout the flight. The body position plays a crucial role in controlling speed, direction, and executing various maneuvers. Here are some key techniques to focus on:

Neutral Body Position: Maintaining a neutral body position is the foundation for stability in wingsuit flying. This involves keeping your body in a straight line, with arms extended and legs slightly bent. By aligning your body properly, you can minimize unnecessary movements and reduce the risk of instability.
Arching the Back: Arching your back during flight helps to create lift and stability. By arching your back, you can enhance the wingsuit’s performance and maintain a steady forward motion. It also helps in achieving a balanced body position and reducing the chances of tumbling or spinning uncontrollably.
Keeping Limbs Tucked: While wingsuit flying, it is important to keep your limbs, especially your arms and legs, tucked in close to your body. This minimizes drag and reduces the chances of getting caught in the wind. By keeping your limbs streamlined, you can maintain better control over your speed and direction.

Controlling Speed and Direction

Controlling speed and direction is a crucial aspect of wingsuit flying, allowing you to navigate through the sky with precision and confidence. Here are some techniques to help you maintain control:

Body Adjustments: Making small adjustments to your body position can significantly impact your speed and direction. For instance, leaning slightly forward can increase your speed, while leaning backward can help you slow down. Experimenting with different body angles and positions will help you find the sweet spot for maintaining your desired speed and direction.
Wing Adjustments: The shape of your wingsuit greatly affects your flight characteristics. By adjusting the wings of your suit, you can fine-tune your speed and direction. Spreading your arms wide can increase lift and slow you down, while tucking them in can enhance speed. Similarly, adjusting the angle of your legs can help you control your descent rate.
Using Control Inputs: Most modern wingsuits come equipped with control inputs such as grippers or handles located on the suit’s arm wings. Learning to use these inputs effectively can provide additional control over your speed and direction. Practice using the control inputs during your training sessions to familiarize yourself with their impact on your flight.

Executing Turns and Maneuvers

Executing turns and maneuvers adds excitement and versatility to your wingsuit flying experience. However, these actions require proper technique and practice to ensure safety. Here are some key points to consider when performing turns and maneuvers:

Weight Shifting: Shifting your body weight is crucial for initiating turns in wingsuit flying. To execute a turn, lean in the desired direction while maintaining stability with other parts of your body. By shifting your weight, you can initiate smooth and controlled turns without losing stability.
Starting with Small Turns: When attempting turns and maneuvers, it is advisable to start with small, gradual turns. This allows you to get familiar with the sensations and dynamics of turning in a wingsuit. As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually increase the intensity and sharpness of your turns.
Using Visual Cues: Visual cues play a vital role in executing precise turns and maneuvers. Focus on a reference point, such as a cloud or a distant object, to maintain orientation and gauge your turning angle. This will help you stay on track and avoid overcompensating or losing control during turns.

Remember, mastering the art of wingsuit flying takes time, dedication, and continuous practice. By focusing on these essential flying techniques, you can enhance your skills, improve control, and unlock the true potential of this exhilarating sport.

Safety Measures and Precautions

Wingsuit flying is an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping sport that requires proper safety measures and precautions to ensure a thrilling yet safe experience. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with wingsuit flying and maximize your enjoyment of this extreme sport.

Proper Gear and Equipment

Helmet: A well-fitted and sturdy helmet is essential to protect your head from potential impact during flight. Look for a helmet specifically designed for wingsuit flying, which provides adequate ventilation and maximum protection.
Wingsuit: Invest in a high-quality wingsuit that fits you properly. Ensure that the wingsuit is in good condition, with no tears or loose fabric. It is crucial to choose a wingsuit that matches your skill level and experience.
Wing Load: Understanding your wing loading is crucial for safe wingsuit flying. Wing loading refers to the ratio of your bodyweight to the surface area of the wingsuit. It is essential to maintain a wing loading within the recommended limits to ensure proper flight control and maneuverability.
Altitude Awareness Devices: Always use altitude awareness devices, such as an altimeter or audible altimeter, to track your altitude during the flight. These devices help you maintain a safe altitude and avoid flying too close to the ground.
Reserve Parachute: Carrying a reserve parachute is a must for any wingsuit pilot. Ensure that your reserve parachute is in optimal condition and regularly inspected by a certified professional. Familiarize yourself with the proper deployment techniques and emergency procedures associated with deploying a reserve parachute.

Emergency Procedures

Aircraft Exit: Properly exiting the aircraft is crucial for a safe wingsuit flight. Ensure that you receive proper training on exiting techniques to avoid any mishaps. Maintain a stable body position during exit and be mindful of other skydivers or wingsuit flyers around you.
Canopy Flight: In case of an emergency, it is essential to know how to handle your canopy. Practice emergency procedures regularly to ensure a quick and controlled response. Maintain a clear airspace around you and avoid collisions with other flyers.
Landing: Landing safely is a critical aspect of wingsuit flying. Choose a landing area that provides sufficient space and clear visibility. Practice landing techniques, such as flaring at the right moment, to ensure a smooth touchdown.

Weather Conditions and Terrain Awareness

Weather Analysis: Before every flight, thoroughly analyze the weather conditions. Avoid wingsuit flying in adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, storms, or low visibility. Check weather forecasts, wind speed, and wind direction to make informed decisions about your flight.
Terrain Assessment: Familiarize yourself with the terrain where you plan to wingsuit fly. Be aware of potential obstacles, such as trees, power lines, or bodies of water. Choose a flying location with suitable terrain that allows for a safe and unobstructed flight path.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when engaging in wingsuit flying. By adhering to these safety measures and precautions, you can minimize the inherent risks and enjoy the thrill of wingsuit flying to the fullest.

Training and Progression

Building a Foundation: Basic Jumping and Flying Skills

To master the art of wingsuit flying, it is essential to start with building a strong foundation of basic jumping and flying skills. These fundamental skills form the building blocks upon which more advanced techniques can be developed. Here are some key aspects to focus on during this stage of training:

Body Positioning: Learning to maintain the correct body position is crucial for stability and control while wingsuit flying. Proper body alignment, with arms and legs extended, helps reduce drag and enhances maneuverability in the air.
Flight Navigation: Developing skills in controlling flight path and direction is essential for safe wingsuit flying. Techniques such as adjusting body angles and using arm movements can help navigate through the air and maintain a desired course.
Opening and Flying the Wingsuit: Mastering the process of deploying and flying the wingsuit is a critical skill. This includes proper wing inflation, maintaining a stable flight posture, and adjusting body position to optimize lift and glide.

Advanced Techniques: Formation Flying and Acrobatics

Once a solid foundation in basic jumping and flying skills has been established, wingsuit pilots can progress to more advanced techniques like formation flying and acrobatics. These techniques require a higher level of skill and coordination, and they add an extra layer of excitement and challenge to wingsuit flying. Here are some aspects to focus on when advancing to these techniques:

Formation Flying: Wingsuit pilots can learn to fly alongside and in formation with other wingsuit flyers. This involves precise proximity flying, maintaining consistent speeds, and coordinating movements to create visually stunning formations in the sky.
Acrobatics: Wingsuit acrobatics add an element of creativity and skill to flying. Pilots can learn to perform various maneuvers such as flips, rolls, and spins while maintaining control and stability. These acrobatic moves require exceptional body awareness and precise control of body movements.

Physical Conditioning and Mental Preparation

Apart from mastering the technical aspects of wingsuit flying, physical conditioning and mental preparation play crucial roles in achieving success and safety in this extreme sport. Here are some important considerations for physical conditioning and mental preparation:

Strength and Endurance Training: Wingsuit flying demands physical strength and endurance, as it requires maintaining specific body positions and resisting the forces of the wind. Regular exercise routines involving strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and flexibility exercises can help improve overall fitness for wingsuit flying.
Mental Focus and Visualization: Developing a strong mental focus is essential for wingsuit flying. Visualizing flight patterns, maneuvers, and emergency procedures can help pilots mentally prepare for different scenarios. Mental exercises, meditation, and mindfulness techniques can enhance concentration and decision-making abilities during flight.

By following a systematic training approach that focuses on building a strong foundation, progressing to advanced techniques, and preparing both physically and mentally, aspiring wingsuit pilots can increase their skills and experience the exhilaration of mastering the art of wingsuit flying.

In conclusion, mastering the art of wingsuit flying requires a combination of techniques and dedicated training. By understanding the principles of aerodynamics and practicing proper body positioning, wingsuit flyers can achieve a remarkable level of control and precision in their maneuvers. Additionally, building strength and endurance through physical conditioning is essential for enhancing performance and ensuring safety. As with any extreme sport, it is crucial to seek professional guidance and gradually progress through the training process. With determination, practice, and a commitment to safety, aspiring wingsuit flyers can unlock the exhilarating experience of soaring through the skies and truly master the art of wingsuit flying.