Pre-requisites

Back-flying forward and backward movement is one of the primary skills for back-flying that you will need to learn in order to control yourself while flying on your back.

Prior to learning how to move forward and backward while back-flying, you will need to be comfortable in the neutral back-flying position. It is quite possible that you will initially learn how to control this movement while still low to, or even on, the net before your instructor increases the wind speed to have you perform the skill off the net. It is common for people to learn how to control heading before learning to move forward and backward. However, each student learns differently, so it isn’t a requirement to learn one before the other.

Objectives

The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully begin in a neutral back-flying position, fly yourself forward toward the wall, stop and then fly backward, under control the whole time. Ideally, if you begin learning this skill while you are still on the net, you will eventually want to be at a point where your instructor can increase the wind speed so you can become proficient at flying forward and backward off the net.

Preparation

You should plan to enter the tunnel on your back into your neutral back-flying position. Ideally, you will want to position yourself either in the center of the tunnel or at one side, allowing space to complete either the forward or backward movement first. You will want to set yourself up so that you are not moving toward any doorway at any time, as they can be an obstacle to overcome.

Post-flight questions / suggestions

• How did your performance match the initial objectives?
• Were you able to maintain stability throughout each move and maintain the same heading and altitude at all times?
• What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?
• Are you at a point where you can have the wind speed increased and adjust your position to move faster?

As with the entire progression, once you have suitably mastered this skill, you will want to move on to other skills. Ensure that you continue to advance your knowledge and exposure to higher wind speeds and more challenging goals with your back flying position and being able to move forward and backward as you begin to learn your next skill.