Back Fly Side Slide

Overview

The back fly side sliding skill is the last skill as part of the 8 points of motion for the back fly orientation. Completing this skill will conclude the basic movements that you will need to progress to more advanced back flying skills. Although this is the more difficult of the basic individual moves, it may take a few flight rotations to begin to feel comfortable with the side sliding move. Following the IBA flight techniques described here will assist you in being successful with this maneuver.

Download Lesson Plan

Pre-requisites

Before you begin to learn back fly side sliding, you will first need to be very comfortable in your neutral back fly position, off the net at moderate to fast wind speeds, with controlled turns, forward, backward, and up and down movements. At this point, it’s likely you will already know how to enter and exit the tunnel on your back, but it is not required.

Objectives

The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully side-slide from one side of the wind tunnel to the other, under control the entire time, maintaining a consistent altitude and heading, without contacting the wall at any time.

Preparation

You will begin back-flying, off the net, at approximately waist level. You should be close to one side of the tunnel and positioned so that you are not facing with your head close to or pointed toward any doorway, as these are obstacles you want to avoid that are sometimes hard to see when you are back-flying.

Post-flight questions / suggestions

  • How did your performance match the initial objectives?
  • Were you able to maintain stability throughout, maintaining a constant speed, heading and altitude?
  • Did you feel the difference in power from the basic to the advanced technique?
  • What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?

 

As you complete the final skill for the 8 points of motion for back flying, it will be important to continue to develop all of these skills as you progress on to learning solo entrance and exits and building your fee flying skills with a partner. The next set of skills will help develop your abilities with the intention for you to enter tunnel competitions.

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The IBA distinguishes between the sport of indoor skydiving (engaged in by patrons with IBA accounts seeking approval of flight skills though the IBA’s Flight Progression System) and recreational flying (engaged in by entertainment customers who do not intend to pursue approval of skills). While indoor skydiving is safe for all ages, the inherent risk of the activity is necessarily greater for those engaging in the sport of indoor skydiving, particularly as they progress through more sophisticated maneuvers.