How to Fly the Hill Like a Pro

Are you still holding the exit before starting the skydive on the hill? Want to start making points sooner? Read on to learn what the hill is and how to navigate it more effectively!

What Is the Hill?

The hill is the time in your skydive that you accelerate to terminal velocity. When you first leave the plane, you’re subject to wind from the prop’s direction, since the plane is moving forward. As gravity takes over, you stop experiencing that forward wind and begin moving downward.

This transition happens gradually over the first 5 seconds of your jump. It feels like sliding down a hill, and relative to other jumpers, it’s harder to move “back up” to the plane—just like climbing a hill.

Same Wind, New Direction

You always want your presenting surface (usually your hips in formation skydiving) pointed directly at the wind. As you exit, that wind comes from the front of the plane. Gradually, it shifts to come from the ground.

No matter where you are on the hill, you can move and fly just like you would belly-to-earth—you’re just on a different orientation to the wind.

Cut. It. Out!

via GIPHY

In debriefs, we often talk about “getting cut”—that means mis-presenting your body to the relative wind, usually by accidentally dipping part of your body into the wind too early.

If you’ve ever gone “instantly low” right after an exit, this might be the reason. You probably lost altitude relative to the group because your body cut into the airflow before you transitioned off the hill.

Stay Oriented with the Group

The hill can look weird visually—like you’re falling sideways through an Escher painting. Instead of focusing on your sight picture, keep your attention on the group. Stay on their sheet of wind. That’s your visual and aerodynamic anchor.

Feel the Wind

Let your body position naturally orient to the wind. With practice, you’ll develop sensitivity to where the wind is coming from—and when you’re starting to “cut” unintentionally.

Use Less Body Language

On the hill, small movements go a long way. Save your tunnel-style spins for later—large, exaggerated turns will likely get you cut. Instead, use light input and rely more on visual referencing.

Push Back to the Center

Exits tend to spread jumpers out. After you key the first point, consciously push your formation’s center closer before beginning any movement. A moment of compression keeps the jump tight.

Favor Down the Hill

It’s easier to move down the hill than up. If you’re higher on the hill (closer to the tail), expect to fly toward the lower-positioned jumpers to compensate. If you’re lower, be ready to push hard to keep your place.

The hill adds a fun and complex dynamic to your exit. Embrace it! With practice, you’ll be flying right out the door and scoring points before others even flatten out. The rest of the plane will be watching with oohs and ahhs.

Enjoy learning about the hill and exits? Subscribe to Fury’s newsletter to get more tips, stay tuned to events, and make sure you don’t miss an article!