Many people consider CRW to be a dangerous activity. The truth of the matter is that it can be if not conducted in an appropriate manner. Refer to the Emergency Section for examples of what can happen. But you can make CRW very safe if you know what you are doing. Thousands, upon thousands of CRW jumps are made each year without incident. This is for a reason. When incidents do occur, the root cause is usually due to the participants not following fundamental safety and technique principles. This section attempts to explain what these principles are.

     There are many facets to CRW safety that need to be considered or undertaken to ensure that the experience is not only enjoyable, but safe for the people and the equipment involved. The main factors are:

• fundamental knowledge of general skydiving/parachuting safety.
• knowledge of CRW specific techniques and safety.
• knowledge of CRW emergency procedures.
• participation in a structured training program that is run by suitably qualified and skilled teachers.
• adhering to the fundamental techniques and principles whilst undertaking CRW.
• utilising CRW specific equipment (including accessories such as hook knives).

     Detailed information about the above factors are available throughout this website. A prospective CRW jumper should read through and gain a basic understanding of the following sections prior to undertaking their first theory course and practical jumps:

• Safety & Training (Safety, Training, Emergencies, and if you are a lover of beaurocracy, Regulations).
• Techniques (Docking, Landings, and Benefits of CRW).
• Equipment (Aerodynamics, CRW Canopies, Packing, and Rigging).

    Safety and training are interdependent components that are the foundation of a skilled and safe CRW jumper. It is almost impossible to be a safe jumper without training. Hence, you will find a great deal of information overlap with regards to safety and training on this website. Hence, the steps you should follow are:

1. ensure your general skydiving & parachuting knowledge and skills are suitable.
2. research available information on CRW (use this website as a guide).
3. find a qualified instructor at a CRW friendly DZ.
4. procure appropriate CRW specific equipment.
5. do the initial theory course.
6. undertake a structured skill development program such as the one described in the Training Section on this website.
7. stay safe and have fun.

    Again, it is imperative that prospective participants undergo a structured training program where they are exposed to CRW fundamentals. 

This site is developed and maintained by Tom Begic. Send mail to Tom with any feedback.
Copyright © 2005 OzCRW. Last modified: May 16, 2005