Head Down In Face (HS)
Overview
As you become more comfortable back carving at slow to moderate wind speeds, it will be at this point, you will increase the wind speed in order to develop a more vertical carving position. The fundementals of what you learn for the back carving maneuver will mostly apply to this more vertical head down carve. With the wind speed being progressively higher, you will need to progress in to the vertical orientation in stages in order to understand how to control the steeper pitch and faster movements.
Pre-requisites
Head-Down 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 beginning Head-Down In-Face Carving. Prior to learning this skill you will need to have Basic Head-Down checked off, and be in control of Intermediate Head-Down skills for movement. Additionally, it is helpful to have started learning the “Shelf” style flying position position, along with the Sit-to-Head Back Flip transition training, though these skills are not required.
Objectives
The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully carve around the tunnel on your head, 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 begin in a Head-Down orientation, positioning yourself near the wall, allowing for a small amount space for clean airflow behind you. If you are comfortable in the Shelf position, then switch from your neutral daffy position when you are ready to begin.
Post-flight questions / suggestions
- How did your performance match the initial objectives?
- Were you able to maintain stability throughout while maintaining a constant speed, radius, and altitude?
- What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?
As you are now aware, there are many aspects involved in the carving in face maneuver, in order to raise your comfort level, aim to vary each of the individual parts to the carve in order to change the speed of the carve and the size of the circle that you are carving. Try stopping the carve that is traveling in one direction and start again going in the opposite direction, this will continue to build your balance and strength while carving.