Hop-N-Pop Explained: A Brief Overview
Skydiving, an exhilarating sport that pushes boundaries, also offers a unique experience known as hop-n-pop. This practice, popular among experienced skydivers, offers a different approach to the traditional skydiving experience.
In a hop-n-pop, skydivers exit the plane and deploy their parachute immediately, with little to no freefall. This technique is particularly useful when low clouds roll in at lower altitudes, making them the only 'jumpable' option. Hop-n-pops can also be performed at higher altitudes, but with minimal freefall.
The primary purpose of a hop-n-pop is to focus on the parachute or canopy portion of skydiving. This practice helps in creating better canopy pilots and overall safer skydivers. Hop-n-pops play a crucial role in perfecting parachute piloting skills, which are essential for safer skydiving.
Low altitude jumps, often referred to as hop-n-pops, take place between 3,500 ft and 5,500 ft. These jumps allow skydivers to exit the aircraft before others and have more space to maneuver. As a result, hop-n-pops are an excellent option for those who want a more intimate skydiving experience.
Another parachute-only discipline, swooping, involves increasing descent rate and is best done by experienced skydivers, often preferring hop-n-pops. Swooping, combined with hop-n-pops, offers a thrilling experience for those who seek adrenaline-pumping activities.
Hop-n-pops are also essential during the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. In this program, hop-n-pops are utilized for practicing emergency exits and getting a feel for subterminal parachute openings.
While tandem skydiving requires a minimum altitude of 8,000 ft, hop-n-pops are available only for licensed and student skydivers. This lower altitude option offers an accessible way for licensed skydivers to hone their skills and for students to gain more experience.
Performing a hop-n-pop during a sunset jump allows more time to take in the scenery and enjoy the tranquility of floating above the air. The slower descent rate provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the sky and the landscape below.
In summary, hop-n-pops offer a unique and exhilarating experience for skydivers. They provide an opportunity to focus on parachute piloting skills, practice emergency exits, and enjoy the tranquility of a slower descent. Whether you're an experienced skydiver or a student, hop-n-pops offer a thrilling and accessible way to enhance your skydiving skills.
For those interested in trying out hop-n-pops, Skydive Orange, Virginia's premier drop zone, offers an excellent opportunity. You can contact one of their amazing team members to learn more and get some jumps in.
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