Jack Lane flies his Freak over the PNW, photo by Caleb Brown.
Caleb Brown flies his SQRL canopy after completing a wingsuit skydive with friends. Photo by Dennis Sattler.
Joshua Colby flies a parachute with friend Steve Barker (photographer).
Raul Zaharia swoops the landing area at Airborne Petawawa.
Joshua Colby swooping a very small parachute at the Skydive Perris slip-n-slide.
Inside Skydiving: The Art of Downsizing Parachutes and Upsizing Wingsuits
In skydiving, bigger isn't always better—unless it is. Whether you're swapping out a canopy for something faster or stretching your wings (literally) with a larger suit, you're making a statement about progression, risk tolerance, and personal goals. Downsizing your parachute is often seen as a mark of increased skill and performance—and believe it or not, wingsuit progression follows a similar path, just in reverse. The bigger the wingsuit, the greater the performance—and the more skill required to fly it well.
Downsizing: A Slippery Slope
What is downsizing? Downsizing means shrinking your canopy to gain speed and responsiveness. It’s a natural—and very human—desire to chase the enhanced flight performance that comes with a smaller parachute. We always say it’s like driving a minivan versus a Ferrari. And let’s be honest—everyone wants the Ferrari!
Why people do it:
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Faster landings
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Smaller pack volume
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"Cool factor" and peer perception
What the Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM) says: The 2025 SIM (Section 6-10) warns against premature downsizing, noting that reduced canopy size comes with a higher wing loading, faster landings, and a smaller margin for error.
HOW TO DOWNSIZE SAFELY
Downsizing isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a calculated decision that affects your safety, consistency, and overall skydiving journey. Here’s how to do it the right way:
1. Know Your Numbers
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Track jump count on your current canopy, especially landings in varying conditions (wind, heat, turbulence).
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Maintain a canopy progression log with notes on every landing—flaring technique, accuracy, wind, wing loading, etc.
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Wing loading should be calculated (Exit weight ÷ Canopy size in sq. ft.) and referenced against SIM guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
🧠 If you can’t recite your wing loading, you’re not ready to downsize.
2. Master Your Current Wing
Before even thinking of going smaller, you should:
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Land consistently within 10 meters of target in varying wind conditions.
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Demonstrate controlled, staged flares—not “stab and pray.”
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Handle rear riser and toggle turns with minimal altitude loss or instability.
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Execute controlled braked landings and crosswind approaches.
3. Don’t Skip Sizes
Never downsize more than one size at a time, especially under 170 sq. ft.
Example:
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210 ➝ 190 = Okay
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210 ➝ 170 = Risky
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210 ➝ 150 = Red flag
Use intermediate sizes to build experience with increased speed and reaction time.
4. Consult with a Coach or S&TA
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Book a canopy coaching session to get an unbiased assessment.
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Ask for video debriefs or hop-and-pop evaluations.
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Coaches can help identify bad habits you may not notice—like diving turns, braked landings due to fear, or improper flaring technique.
🎯 Your buddy saying “You’ll be fine” isn’t a safety plan.
Want to learn more about canopy coaching and wingsuit course?
WINGSUIT PROGRESSION: THE BIGGER THE BETTER?
What is upsizing a wingsuit?
Moving to a suit with more surface area—larger arm and leg wings—which increases glide, range, and flare power
A larger wingsuit isn't easier—it's harder. Bigger wings mean:
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More drag and power to manage during the flight and especially on deployment
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Greater risk of instability from poor technique
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Increased burden on the pilot to fly cleanly
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More overall fabric to manage
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SIM Guidance (Section 6-9):
The 2025 SIM cautions that wingsuit size should be matched to skill and experience. Pilots should demonstrate consistent control, clean pull sequences, and stability before moving to larger suits.
💬 “The suit won’t fix your flying—it will expose it.”
WINGSUIT PROGRESSION: EARN YOUR SURFACE AREA
Take it from someone who has experienced the rapid wingsuit upsizing mistake:
✈️ “If you can’t control a small suit, a big one will control you.”
1. Start with a Coach and Small Suit
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Your first wingsuit should prioritize stability and control, not performance.
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Typically, this means a low-surface-area suit with short arm and leg wings.
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You’ll focus on:
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Stable exits
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Clean deployment procedures
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Body position awareness
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Emergency procedures
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2. Log Your Flights and Get Feedback
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Record every wingsuit jump—exit technique, body position notes, deployment altitude, and any instability.
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Use video debriefs with coaches or experienced flyers.
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Progression isn’t just about time—it’s about quality of flight.
3. Don’t Skip Sizes
Just like with canopies, jumping from a small intermediate suit to an 'expert' suit is a huge leap in:
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Surface area
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Arm pressure and fatigue
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Responsiveness and stall potential
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Difficulty with transitions
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Exposure to increased likelihood of malfunctions at deployment (i.e. line twists, handle miss, instability etc)
Take time in each suit class (beginner → intermediate → expert) before moving up.
If we are using SQRL suits progression it would look something like this
Swift → ATC → Freak
BRIDGING THE TWO: LESSONS FROM BOTH WORLDS
Two different disciplines in skydiving, but surprisingly similar progression paths. At Airborne Petawawa, we’re proud to have both a full-time canopy coach and a manufacturer-rated wingsuit coach on staff. Whether you're looking for a formal course or just want to chat about best practices, our door is always open.
Here’s a quick recap:
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Patience trumps ego.
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Mentorship and proper coaching accelerate safe progression.
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You don’t level up by gear alone—flight discipline is everything.
Whether you're downsizing your parachute or upsizing your wingsuit, make your moves with intention—not emotion. In both cases, the SIM is clear: experience, self-awareness, and coaching should guide your choices—not peer pressure or personal hype.