Pre-requisites

Before learning how to carve on your back aiming to be head down and in-facing, you will first need to be sure that you are a very comfortable at back flying, ensuring that you can confidently move in every direction comfortably, without any concern. It will also be helpful to have comfort in flying on your back while being able to fully rotate your head from one side to the other from a neutral position and then also rotating your head from a neutral, looking upward position, to rotating your head back to look behind you all while maintaining the same position within the flight chamber and not drifting toward the tunnel wall.

Being confident at moving your head from side to side and back and forth and understanding how to control yourself will help in overall control while learning to carve.

Finally, it will be very useful that you have some experience with the back to belly transition.

Objectives

Your objectives in mastering this skill should be the following:

o  To carve on your back in a consistent circle around the tunnel with your head toward the center of the tunnel, looking behind you toward the center of the tunnel

o  This carving technique should be done utilizing the correct body position, with special attention paid to your legs, a long body position when necessary and the correct amount of arch throughout your spine at the appropriate time

o  The carve should be performed in both directions in order to be considered mastered

Preparation

Preparing for this skill entails being comfortable at flying on your back at a range of different wind speeds and having a wide range of motion with your body position. Having these capabilites will not only make you a better flyer but it will also give you the confidence to place multiple skills together to create a carving momentum and give you comfort when placing yourself in a position that may seem disorienting.

Technique and Drills

Basic

In order to be successful with this skill, keep these elements in mind:

• Begin in a back flying orientation and start a rotation and slowly work your position as to slightly raise your body from a horizontal orientation
• In the beginning, your Instructor may support you or act as a reference point to help you throughout the maneuver
• Aim to master the understanding of how to control the speed of the rotation and building correct body position habits
• Monitor the position of your hips, raising them (slight arch) as the rotation begins to pick up speed and then lowering them as you slow to stop
• When you come to a stop, plan to remain the same distance from the center and still facing the center to either begin again in the same direction or start a rotation in the opposite direction

Post-flight questions / suggestions

·     Were you able to maintain the correct body position?

·     Did you maintain a consistent level and shape of the carve?

·     Are you comfortable carving in both directions at the appropriate wind speed?