Pre-requisites

Head up In-Face Carving is among the first of the dynamic movements for free flying bodyflight. First, your instructor will give you a briefing that will cover all of the safety aspects of this movement, along with the basic information for increasing the wind speed for in-face carving. You should be very comfortable performing the low wind speed carving move in-face before increasing the speed as it can create the potential for unwated or un-controlled drive.  

Objectives

The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully carve around the tunnel head up, while facing the center of tunnel. Having this position down pat will allow you to start carving with others, and is one of the fundamental skills of dynamic flying routines.

Preparation

You will need to either begin in an upright sit flying position if you're comfortable with it, or you may wish to begin at the low wind speed more back flying position and then increase the wind in order to become vertical. Ideally you'll position yourself as close to the outer edge of the tunnel in order to maximize the use of the entire diameter of the tunnel.

Technique and Drills

Basic

Helpful tip: Don’t get too comfortable in the “traditional” sit position! Take a few rotations to just try and fly different, awkward, and strange positions in a static sit, especially with your legs! One leg down, both legs down, legs in a split, kick…Get creative with it. This not only develops leg awareness, but it increases your willingness to just go for it when the instructor asks you to. Many flyers progress too slowly because they are too comfortable in their traditional sit.

The technique you are looking for while in-face carving:

o  Hips out, leading leg down. You’ll want to achieve both simultaneously. When you bring your leg down, bringing your hips out will present more back surface to the wind, thus keeping you level and your rudder (shoulders and chest) engaged. It is helpful to think while bringing your leading leg down, to bring the leg back slightly towards your back as well. This alone will bring out your hips. Remember you are piercing the wind or “tucking” your leg down.

Post-flight questions / suggestions

·   Can you carve in both directions at the same wind speed?

·     Are you comfortable completing the carve without adjusting the speed of the wind?

·     What could you improve on during the next session?