What does a “hard opening” refer to?

A "hard opening" refers specifically to a parachute deployment that results in a sudden and harsh jolt upon opening. This phenomenon occurs when the parachute canopy fully inflates rapidly, causing a significant force to be exerted on the skydiver. This jolt can lead to discomfort or injury if the forces involved are strong enough, making it an important consideration for jumpers in terms of safety and equipment choice.

Understanding hard openings is crucial for skydivers because they can indicate issues with the deployment process or the type of parachute being used. Para-chooters often study these occurrences to determine best practices for deployment and to learn how to mitigate the negative effects of hard openings, such as adjusting their body position or using alternative rigging techniques.