## How to Avoid Line Twists When Skydiving
Line twists are a common problem for skydivers, and they can be dangerous if not corrected quickly. A line twist occurs when the lines of your parachute become twisted around each other, causing the parachute to malfunction. This can make it difficult to control your descent, and it can even lead to a collision with another skydiver.
There are a few things you can do to avoid line twists, including:
Check your lines before you jump. Make sure that all of your lines are clear and free of tangles.
Deploy your parachute smoothly. When you deploy your parachute, do it smoothly and evenly. This will help to prevent the lines from becoming twisted.
Fly your parachute in a straight line. Once your parachute is deployed, fly it in a straight line. This will help to keep the lines from becoming tangled.
Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid flying near other skydivers. This will help to reduce the risk of a collision.
If you do experience a line twist, there are a few things you can do to correct it:
Try to untwist the lines by hand. If you can reach the lines, try to untwist them by hand.
Use a line cutter. If you can’t untwist the lines by hand, you can use a line cutter to cut the twisted lines.
Deploy your reserve parachute. If you can’t untwist the lines or cut them, you should deploy your reserve parachute.
Line twists are a serious problem, but they can be avoided and corrected if you take the proper precautions. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience.
### Additional Tips
In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to avoid line twists:
Use a swivel. A swivel is a device that can be attached to your parachute lines. It will help to prevent the lines from becoming twisted.
Fly in a group. Flying in a group can help to reduce the risk of line twists. This is because the other skydivers in your group will help to keep your lines clear.
Be patient. Learning to avoid line twists takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you experience a few line twists. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
### Conclusion
Line twists are a common problem for skydivers, but they can be avoided and corrected if you take the proper precautions. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience.