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Leading Movement Groups
kickass movement coaching
Flight Lab Overview
This course is designed for intermediate to advanced skydivers who want to safely and effectively lead movement jumps, including tracking, angle, and dynamic flying. Emphasis is placed on risk management, communication, and flight planning.
Requirements:
- +200 jumps
- Proficient at flat-tracking
- Proficient at tracking exits
- Must be able to follow a leader
- Must be able to stay in slot
- Knowledge of movement breakoffs
Skills Covered:
1. Foundations of Leading
- Understanding the leader’s role: responsibility, awareness, and communication.
- Situational awareness: airspace, traffic, jump run, winds aloft, canopy winds and DZ layout.
- Pre-jump planning: setting group size, establishing flight paths, break-off altitudes, exit slots, exit order, other movement groups and dirt diving.
2. Flight Mechanics and Navigation
- Leading on various headings and angles.
- Using hand signals and body language to guide the group.
- Adjusting speed and trajectory for follower manageability.
3. Group Dynamics and Safety
- Matching group skill levels and briefing expectations.
- Risk mitigation: vertical separation, over-under awareness, and horizontal drift control.
- Contengency Plans and when to abort.
- Emergency procedures and communication signals in freefall.
4. Feedback and Debriefing
- Reviewing video for feedback on trajectory, spacing, and decision-making.
- Leading progression: when to start, how to scale difficulty, and when to say no.
Chris Fikes
My coaching philosophy is rooted in structured, intentional learning that bridges theory with practical movement. I emphasize clear communication, personalized feedback, and the importance of fostering confidence through skill-building. I believe all body flight is merely moving our bodies in a way that allows the wind to push us where we want to go. Thus, all levels, skills and disciplines of body flight are building blocks that are intimately connected.
Lab Details
More Flight Labs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a certain number of jumps to join?
It depends on the lab. Some labs have requirements for participants; i.e. number of jumps, experience with big groups, ability to flat-track, etc. If the lab you are interested in has requirements, it will be listed under the lab overview.
Can I join from anywhere?
Of course! Fly at your local DZ, upload your videos, and train with us from anywhere in the world.
What disciplines and skills do the Flight Labs cover?
Each lab focuses on a different discipline or core skill area — like head-up, angle exits, or canopy control. Check the details for each lab to see what skills are covered.
What if I miss a session?
If you miss a group session we won't be able to make it up, but the session video will be made available to you so you can go back and catch up on what you missed.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the lab. Under the lab details you'll see the cost per week and the total cost for the lab. Most labs are around $50 per week and last for about six weeks for a total of $300. The lab details will tell you how many group sessions and if it includes a 1-on-1 session or not.
How many people are in each lab?
Most of the labs are capped at 10 jumpers to keep coaching sharp and personalized. Check the lab details for specifics.