This article is part 7 in a series by our intern, Jack. Enjoy!
As much as skydiving is about the thrill of freefall, I’ve come to realize that learning to skydive also means learning how to fly the parachute, and land it, with confidence. When I had the chance to take a canopy course at Skydive Colorado Springs, I didn’t hesitate. Most people take it closer to their B license, but honestly, I think it’s a game-changer even during A license training. It gave me a whole new level of trust in myself and in my canopy.
Loosening the Chest Strap
One of the first things we practiced was loosening the chest strap under canopy. It’s a small thing, just adjusting your harness, but it completely changes how the parachute flies. With the strap loosened, the canopy breathes a little more, and you gain freedom of movement in the harness. At first it felt awkward, even a little uncomfortable, like I was giving up some control. But in reality, it gave me more. I could shift my weight better, lean into turns, and feel how the wing responded.
Learning Riser Turns
Next came riser control, using both front and rear risers to steer. It was strange at first, like switching to a whole new steering system. Front risers make the canopy dive and pick up speed, rear risers are more subtle, but incredibly effective for gliding and flaring. We practiced both, and I learned how to fine-tune my inputs depending on the situation. Understanding these tools made me feel less like a passenger and more like a pilot.
Facing the Stall
Then we tackled one of the more intimidating parts of the course, stalling the canopy. It’s exactly what it sounds like, pulling down on the brakes until the parachute slows to a near-stop, hovers, and then collapses. That moment before it folds in half? Yeah, that’s a rush. It goes against every instinct you’ve built while learning to skydive. But feeling that stall point helped me understand how much control I actually have. And knowing how to avoid an accidental stall, or recover from one, is a skill I’ll carry into every jump.
More Than Just Maneuvers
This course wasn’t just about techniques. It gave me the full picture. Before, I saw canopy flight as the part that gets you down after freefall. Back when I was learning hop and pop techniques, it felt like just a way to land. But now I see it as its own discipline, one where subtle inputs and constant awareness make all the difference. I’ve started to actually enjoy the time under canopy, planning my pattern, adjusting to the winds, feeling the feedback from the wing. It’s a whole new layer of skydiving that I hadn’t appreciated before.
Moving Forward
Looking back, I’m really glad I took the course this early in my training. It’s easy to focus on the adrenaline of freefall, but the canopy is where your jump ends, and where you need to be sharp. For anyone working toward their A license, I’d say a canopy course isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
If you’re just starting your journey or somewhere in the middle, Skydive Colorado Springs has the instructors and support to guide you every step of the way, from the plane to the ground.Book your jump today
Want to understand more about canopy progression? Check out USPA SIM Section 6-10 on canopy control and performance.