Even a simple hybrid can be a lot of fun for jumpers of different disciplines.

Hybrid skydives combine two freefall orientations, belly-flying and vertical flying, to create new, beautiful, multi-dimensional formations. Joining two nearly incompatible disciplines takes careful planning, extensive dirt dives and special attention to the skydiving gear.

Creating a skydive with a manageable, middle-ground speed is the first key to a successful hybrid jump. Sometimes, jumpers will need to fly at the extreme edges of their speed range for those orientations. Tracking dives and mixed belly and back pylon races seem to accommodate both flying styles the easiest, but there are a number of other possibilities. The McNasty-style jump, with upright flyers hanging below belly-flyers from their harnesses, has become popular.

Breaking a hybrid base and turning points will challenge everyone, especially the belly-flyers. Several different combinations of belly-flyers with hangers under them can fly independently. These pieces can maneuver quite well for multi-point hybrid dives.

This 23-way hybrid over Skydive Arizona includes many experienced flyers.

Breakoffs for hybrid dives, generally initiated at 5,000 to 6,000 feet, need specific procedures. The camera flyers must also be included in the breakoff plan. Breaking off out of sequence almost guarantees a nasty funnel. When a hybrid formation funnels, you'll have jumpers on their bellies and jumpers freeflying all together--a very dangerous combination.

Start experimenting with hybrids on small jumps first, and learn the necessary skills before attempting larger dives.

The collaboration of talent needed for successful hybrid dives allows a sharing of information between disciplines that can only improve each individual involved.

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