Skydiving is more than just a bucket list adventure or an adrenaline rush-it’s a sport where safety, teamwork, and progression matter. If you’re searching for the best dropzone, “tandem skydiving near me,” or “learn to skydive AFF program,” you’ll quickly discover that the best skydiving centers have one thing in common: skilled, approachable Load Organizers (LOs) who keep every jump running smoothly and safely1
https://skydiveperris.com/blog/what-is-a-load-organizer/)2
https://www.skydivelangar.co.uk/load-organising/)3
https://skydiveparacletexp.com/2018/05/22/get-organized/.
Why Load Organizers (LO) Matter: Stopping Skill Gaps Before They Happen
Let’s skip the boring “LO responsibilities” talk. Here’s the real deal:
LOs stop skill gaps before they happen.
They design group jumps for success, matching jumpers by skill and experience so no one gets in over their head. That means you don’t waste time or money on a skydive that’s doomed from the start, and everyone gets a chance to shine and progress1
https://skydiveperris.com/blog/what-is-a-load-organizer/)4
https://www.skydiveforum.com/articles/events/load-organizing-basics-r1187/.
Progression to Your Next Skill Milestone? Ask an LO
Want to join bigger groups, try new disciplines, or push your limits?
Your next skill milestone? Ask an LO.
LOs are your mentors and advocates. They’ll give you honest feedback, help you build the skills you need, and cheer you on as you level up. At many dropzones, LOs even debrief jumps and help you analyze your flying with video-so you’re always learning and improving1
https://skydiveperris.com/blog/what-is-a-load-organizer/)2
https://www.skydivelangar.co.uk/load-organising/.
Who Has Seen an LO Prevent a Risky Situation?
Every experienced skydiver has a story: the time an LO caught a missed safety detail before boarding, or when a group plan was adjusted to match the least experienced jumper. LOs routinely coordinate with pilots on jump run, spotting, and landing direction, ensuring every load is set up for a safe exit and canopy pattern4 https://www.skydiveforum.com/articles/events/load-organizing-basics-r1187/.
“LOs are like air traffic controllers-they keep the skies organized so everyone lands safely.”
The LO Whisperer: How to Be the Jumper Everyone Wants in Their Group
Want to be the jumper that LOs and peers trust?
Become an “LO Whisperer”-someone who listens, learns, and levels up with every organized jump. Respect group decisions, ask for feedback, and use every LO-led experience as a stepping stone to more advanced skydives.
Pro tip: Ask, “What can I work on to join the next level group?” and watch your skills soar.
How LOs Make Every Jump Better
- Briefing and Debriefing: Every jump starts with a clear plan and ends with feedback, so you know exactly how to improve
- Safety First: LOs ensure everyone understands the jump run, exit order, breakoff, and landing pattern-no guesswork, just safe, fun skydives
- Skill Progression: Whether you’re working on your AFF, joining your first big-way, or chasing a new discipline, LOs help you build the skills to get there
- Community: LOs foster a supportive, welcoming environment where everyone can learn, progress, and have a blast
What Happens When You Organize Your Own Jumps?
Not every jump will have an LO. When you organize your own skydives, follow these gold-standard guidelines:
- Match group size and plan to the least experienced jumper’s skills.
- Always dirt dive the exit, freefall plan, breakoff, and landing pattern.
- Coordinate with other groups and the pilot about jump run and spot.
- Never invite jumpers who aren’t ready-you’re protecting everyone’s safety and wallet.
- Debrief after every jump and own your growth