Why Do You Need Weights For Skydiving

If you want to go skydiving, having the proper equipment is a must. Although there are some equipment that are considered to be staples or standards when diving, there are also those that can be add-ons depending on your body and the type of jump you'll be doing. One of these extra equipments is called weights.

What Are Weights For?

Physics has a lot to do with skydiving, which is why your weight can affect how fast or slow gravity can pull you. If it's the case that you're reasonably light, you would sometimes have to fly at your range's edge in a rather extreme body position that is very uncomfortable to you just to keep down with your diving mates.

As a solution to this problem, wearing weights can help you assume a more versatile and comfortable flying position. However, the kind and amount of weight can still vary on the diver. They would usually base it on your body mass and size. Also, factors such as the neutral position you'll use and your level of experience can play important roles too.

For you to maintain a comfortable neutral while flying in a varied group, having a good jumpsuit and weights are both very helpful tools. You should also learn to adjust the amount of lead that you are wearing. Doing so would highly depend on the type of jumping that you will be doing. All of these are essential so that you can maintain a comfortable position with that specific fall rate.

However, you should also take note that 12-14 lbs of lead would cause your parachute to work as if it is approximately a size smaller. Additionally, you should be aware that you should have the capability to jettison the weights easily, if ever you have an accidental incoming water landing. There are different kinds of weight apparatus, here are some of them.

Weight vest

If you'll be making use of a box position, like the photo right, using a weight vest would be the best choice. Additionally, this would be your pick if you're heavier down your hips than your shoulders. Conditions like these are critical since, if majority of your weight is lower than your center of gravity, you would have a predisposition to backslide.

Being able to fly neutral would require you compensation, such as executing bigger legs-out position during your freefall. This can drastically reduce your capability to move dynamically forward; and ironically, can create more drag. If you wear a chest weight, your legs could come back to having a 90-degree position, which would enable you to have a faster fall rate and at the same tie allowing you to have movement with fuller range.

Even though weight vests are efficient, they also have some limitations. After an assured point, you may also need to wear weights in the middle of your body. If this is the case, getting a weight vest that can accommodate upper and lower weight would be the right choice. It is really uncomfortable if you'll wear more than 12 lbs of lead in a single vest. This can put a big strain on your shoulders and neck; thus, weight belts would do the trick.

Weight Belts: Another Alternative

If you have an evenly balanced body, then a weight belt would be perfect. This is also preferred when doing the mantis position. You can wear it outside your jumpsuit and is one of the most comfortable ways to wear weights. However, you should make sure that it won't interfere with your handles, especially if your torso is short.

Rig weight

This kind of weights can be placed in your rig itself. There are some rigs that have pockets in which you can put weights. However, the rig size would be the one to determine the amount of lead you can put.