What is the required response if experiencing a hard opening?

Experiencing a hard opening during a skydive can be a jarring and potentially dangerous situation. The correct response—to conduct a thorough check of the equipment and assess for any injuries or concerns—emphasizes the importance of gaining control over the situation. After a hard opening, it's crucial for the skydiver to evaluate their parachute's condition and their own physical state.

This thorough check allows the skydiver to determine if the parachute has deployed correctly and whether there are any malfunctions that need to be addressed, such as twisted lines or a partially deployed canopy. Additionally, assessing for injuries is essential, as the force of a hard opening could lead to personal injury. By taking these steps, the skydiver ensures their safety and the safe continuation of the jump or makes an informed decision about deploying the reserve parachute if necessary.

The other responses do not address the immediate need for assessment and safety. Immediately pulling the reserve parachute without checking could lead to further complications if the main parachute is still functional. Accelerating the descent rate is counterproductive and can heighten the risk of injury. Ignoring the situation altogether is dangerous and could lead to severe consequences. Thus, assessing the situation carefully is the best and safest