extreme spiral diving

[ckporter]

Posted this on Dropzone.com forums, and learned nothing from the replies. Let's see if PST people are more knowledgable

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Am wondering what could happen if I were to hold a toggle spiral indefinitely. I've sxperienced the increase in Gs and got pretty close to being on my side .. but then I run out of safe altitude, as well as psychological comfort zone

I've heard that it's possible to actually get above your canopy .. not sure what would happen after that .. I imagine it's dangerous

Anyone have experience with this? I love to spiral my canopy, but don't want to get "carried away"

[Telek]

It's really going to depend on the canopy that you're using.

On my XF2-99 after 5-6 revolutions I get pretty dizzy and my legs get tingly as the blood is pooling in them. I'd imagine that if I held that for a while I'd pass out. If you're not getting dizzy, however, then it likely doesn't have enough force to cause a problem.

It'd be pretty hard, I'd think, to get above your canopy doing a toggle turn unless you are significantly loading the canopy. Doing a quick front riser turn however and you can quite easily get above your canopy. However since there is significant centrifugal force the lines remain tense and there is no problem. If, however, you were to suddenly and abruptly let go of the front riser in the middle of that you could wind up getting line slack and that could knock you around quite a bit.

If you are interested in playing around more with this I'd suggest 2 things: first start pulling higher, second talk to people around the DZ who are experienced prior to your jump and figure out what to try. Gradually increase what you're doing and evaluate the differences from previous attempts, then discuss things with your coach prior to the next jump.

Playing with your canopy and increasing your canopy skills are things that can be done on every jump and are things that probably more people should be doing.

[ckporter]

That reply was way better.