Briefing and debriefing We all know that dirt-diving is free and that we should do lots of it to get the most from our jumps.  But do we know what to look for, what areas to cover and in which order? Pete Allum goes through a foolproof method of covering everything before and after the skydive… Many teams and coaches are spending a lot of time, money and effort to work out what the most efficient methods of briefing and debriefing skydives are. Although most people now use the same method it is still worthwhile clarifying these techniques or learning them for the first time.   The benefits of a well briefed skydive are obvious; you know what you are doing, how you are supposed to be doing it and at what time; not only that but the rest of the group has that information too!   The PAKSS system is still the most commonly used technique for briefing (I first heard about PAKSS from Scot Meek of the Visions/Coors team). PAKSS The idea of this system is to go from simple to complex, so that you are not trying to work out the little details whilst you are learning the dive at the beginning. This system works as well for a 4 or 8-way team or a fun load of any size and ensures you cover everything. Puzzle - Work the dive out at its basic level, who goes in what slot and, what the formations are. This part normally starts standing up but you may have to move to the creepers in order to check the logic of some moves. Go through the dive until everyone has grasped the puzzle. Now move on to... Angles - This bit is generally best done on the creepers. Work out the precise angle that each formation is built on. It is best to use a grid (a taped or painted cross on the floor of the creeping area) in order to be accurate. Everyone should understand if their move is a turn or translation and to what degree. Add the angles to your dirt dive. Now think about...

Keys - Who gives what keys. Work out the most logical person(s) to be giving a key on each formation. This is normally one of the centre people in the dive, usually the one holding a grip on the other so that the action of releasing the grip is also the key. If there are no obvious grips to be released then 'flashing' (a short sharp move of the lower arms) your arms in or out shows a clear key.

Secret Stuff - These are the fine details, the technical information for a block, the exit presentation, showing extra separation from one particular point to another or what your references are, etc.

Creeping

Well made creepers make dirt-diving so much easier. The best creepers that I have used are light with excellent (translated as expensive!) double-bearing wheels, the centre wheel is best just a fraction (a few millimetres) lower than the other four. Handles on the front really help for some block moves (and carrying).
 
The creeping surface should be the smoothest and most level area at the DZ (airport terminal buildings have the nicest surface but the most unwelcoming hosts). It is best to creep in your jumpsuits as they have the same grips that you will be taking in freefall, also they help build up the images that you can use for visualising the dive. It is worth getting your creeping technique down, as it will help you to focus on the briefing and the moves. Learn what it feels like to do all the different turns and slides on each new creeper that you use, also make sure that your centre point is in the middle of the creeper.
 
If you don't have creepers, I suggest you get some pretty soon (if you are doing FS!), in the meantime, bend over and make the formations as real sized as possible and even lay the odd one down on the ground to work out if the grips that you have are feasible.
Try running through the dive with your eyes closed as you do your move between points, opening them can be quite a revelation!

Debriefing

The benefits of a positive, pro-active system for debriefing are that it maintains a sense of fun and achievement as well as fixing any problems. If you use a video and coach you will be gaining more from each dive but the same system can be used without.
 
First (assuming you have video), watch the dive through and state, in turn, your objectives for the dive. Then, one by one, say what objectives you achieved and other good points that you or someone else on the dive did. (ie, what did you like about the skydive?) After that, you should recognise what mistakes you made and state a way to improve them. (ie, what would you like to do better next time?) You are responsible for your good and weak points so work on your skydive in order to improve your job. Being honest about your own performance encourages the same in others. Slagging someone else off does not promote good team vibes! 

If you are without video, follow the same plan. After the debrief get back on the creepers and work on those improvements (if there are any!).

Article by Pete Allum
Pete_Allum@compuserve.com

Back to Apr 96 Contents

Forward to next Sebastian article

Back to previous Sebastian XL article

Forward to Control Your Deployment article by Pete Allum