What is the term for the initial portion of the skydive before opening the parachute?

The term for the initial portion of the skydive before opening the parachute is freefall. During freefall, the skydiver experiences a rapid descent through the air, typically reaching terminal velocity before deploying the parachute. This phase is characterized by the sensation of falling freely, with the skydiver's body positioned to reduce drag and control their speed and orientation in the sky.

The significance of freefall lies not only in the thrilling experience it provides but also in the important skills that skydivers develop during this phase, such as body positioning, awareness of altitude, and deployment timing. As skydivers gain more experience, they learn to perform various maneuvers and formations in freefall, adding to the excitement and complexity of the jump.

The other options describe different phases or aspects of the skydive. The exit phase refers to the moment the skydiver leaves the aircraft, deployment phase is the period when the parachute is opened, and canopy flight is the stage after the parachute has been deployed and the skydiver is gliding back to the ground. Each of these phases has its own unique focus and characteristics distinct from the experience of freefall.