## What is the Starfish Position in Skydiving?
The starfish position is a skydiving body position that is used to stabilize the body and control the descent. It is the most basic and commonly used body position in skydiving.
In the starfish position, the skydiver’s body is spread out like a starfish. The arms and legs are outstretched and the back is arched. The head is tilted back and the eyes are looking up.
The starfish position is used to:
Stabilize the body and prevent it from spinning or tumbling.
Control the descent rate.
Steer the body in the desired direction.
### How to Get into the Starfish Position
To get into the starfish position, follow these steps:
1. Start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Bend your knees slightly and arch your back.
3. Spread your arms out to the sides and tilt your head back.
4. Look up at the sky and keep your eyes focused on a fixed point.
### Tips for Maintaining the Starfish Position
Once you are in the starfish position, it is important to maintain it throughout the descent. Here are a few tips to help you stay in the starfish position:
Keep your eyes focused on a fixed point. This will help you stay oriented and prevent you from spinning or tumbling.
Keep your body relaxed. If you tense up, you will be more likely to lose control.
Spread your arms and legs out as wide as possible. This will help you stabilize your body and control your descent.
### Variations of the Starfish Position
There are a few variations of the starfish position that can be used to achieve different results. These variations include:
The flat starfish: This variation is used to achieve a faster descent rate. In the flat starfish, the body is spread out flat and the arms and legs are straight.
The arched starfish: This variation is used to achieve a slower descent rate. In the arched starfish, the back is arched and the arms and legs are bent.
The side starfish: This variation is used to steer the body in the desired direction. In the side starfish, the body is turned to one side and the arms and legs are spread out on that side.
### Conclusion
The starfish position is a versatile and effective skydiving body position that can be used to stabilize the body, control the descent, and steer the body in the desired direction. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can master the starfish position and improve your skydiving skills.