Why do skydivers first learn to fall stable face to earth?

Skydivers first learn to fall stable face to earth primarily because it is the best position for deployment. This body posture ensures that the parachute opens correctly and efficiently, as it aligns the skydiver's body to face the relative wind. In this position, stability is maintained during freefall, minimizing the risk of tumbling or spinning, which could interfere with the parachute's opening sequence.

When in the stable belly-to-earth position, a skydiver can experience consistent airflow over the parachute, which is crucial for proper deployment. If a skydiver is in an unstable orientation, there’s a higher chance of the parachute opening incorrectly, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Learning this position also allows skydivers to gain comfort and confidence in freefall, making it the foundation for further skills and maneuvers they will learn.

The other aspects, such as safety, maneuverability, and air resistance, play roles in the overall skillset of a skydiver but do not capture the primary goal of learning to fall face to earth with respect to deployment effectiveness.