What we choose to do between exit and pull is of practically no consequence as long as two things happen: That we are able to get belly-to-Earth to pull in a stable position (and even this takes a back seat to just pulling) and that we can do our pulling away from anyone else (which, though dangerous to forego, also takes a back seat to simply pulling). Let's be clear on one thing before proceeding. Pulling is in the front seat at all times. Everything else is in the back seat in comparison. There's a way-back seat but we're not talking about that here. We're just talking about the seat right behind pulling.
It is hoped and - dare I say it - assumed, that having completed formal initial instruction we can all return to a stable position at pull time. (If this is not the case, please, by all means, run, don't walk, back to school or get some dead serious coaching or bowling lessons). So the discussion then is of turning and tracking for clear air.
If you're doing traditional RW, then you simply have to turn & track. vRW, sit-flying and freestyle all require the return to belly-to-Earth first then turning and tracking. So once you've assumed the belly-to-Earth position one way or another, you still have to turn away from the others and track away, assure clear air and pull, and have this all done by the appropriate altitude for your license. (Recently changed by USPA to have 'A' license holders up the altitude by 500' to 3,000' instead of 2,500'. 'B' is still 2,500' and 'C' & 'D' are still 2,000'.)
What occurs a little too often for comfort is " direction shopping ." This is when a skydiver turns, turns again, maybe again, till he or she finds a direction to their liking and then makes a small, feeble track if any and then pulls practically in place. (As a videographer of many Basic Skills Camps I've observed this first hand too many times. Scared the shit out of me every time.)
Know where your friends are before you turn from them. If you have no clue where they are then it's entirely possible you were either on a jump with more people than you're ready for, or that you're on a skydive you and/or the others have too little experience or skill to be on. Here's a typical scenario that would be good to follow: Generally, there's a central area of the skydiving formation whether it's a four way RW jump, or a twenty-way vRW jump. There's a main point of focus - usually, but no guarantees. You can see your jump mates (because they're near enough to you, not off in some distant country and you just happen to have eagle eyes) and it's time to go. Return to the belly-to-Earth position if you're not already there, note with your keen peripheral vision the uncongested space to your side and behind you, turn your head so that your vision precedes your movement and turn in that direction all the while noting traffic and the decisions of others above, below and to your sides. You should have your head on a swivel and your eyes scanning everything in the air. (Be aware too of your line-of-flight in relation to those who are in other groups getting out both before and after you. It is best to track perpendicular to the line of flight, not back toward the DZ or forward toward the groups behind you. A decent horizontal separation and proper delay in the plane will help assure safe tracking space. (Again, no guarantees.) It is important that you anticipate your direction before it's time to break off from the group, or you'll be trying to make that decision as you plummet ever surely toward the unforgiving Earth. You should always know how many you were jumping with, know if they're all accounted for, know where they are and then avoid them like the plague at track time. Complete your turn and track off in your own space, wave off and pull. The turn and track should be as near as possible to being a single, smooth movement. The turn more or less blends into the track.
That's really all there is to it. Anticipate. Don't jump outside your skill level unless it's a coach jump and you're learning with guidance rather than trying to prove what you aren't yet capable of proving. Which means that you shouldn't try to prove your incapability's. You should be trying to improve your capability's. Make damn sure you get clear air and allow clear air when it's time to get out of Dodge . If you're unsure or are having difficulty with the turn and track, seek reliable coaching and by all means get video so you can see for yourself.
And as always,
Thanks for listening and please, come back in one piece!
Kim Emerson, S&TA