Head Down Breaker
Overview
A full head down breaker is when a flyer can, from either a carve or layout, dive toward the center of the tunnel, facing the center throughout and perform a 540º barrel roll type maneuver and finish in a head down orientation, either to a carving movement and to a layout maneuver.
Pre-requisites
Before learning breakers head-down you should be able to perform barrel rolls while carving at lower speeds along with being comfortable performing head down half breakers. These barrel rolls should be performed with your chin up, looking into the center of the tunnel. The technique should be strong because when the speed of the tunnel is faster, any flaws in the technique will be much more noticeable. You should also already be comfortable executing belly and back flares, and half-breakers.
Objectives
Your objectives in mastering this skill should be the following:
o First, create a diving belly flare maneuver and then at the end of the move, perform a belly-to-back 540° barrel roll.
o The technique should be performed while looking into the center of the tunnel and at the bottom of the flare and throughout the rotation.
Post-flight questions / suggestions
- Were you able to maintain the carve during the technique?
- While performing the breaker did you manage to not ascend?
- Where you able to keep your chin up and maintain awareness of your position in the tunnel during and after the breaker?
Breakers are a fun trick to fly solo. Once you are comfortable flying them solo you can add them to a routine or begin flying them with others. If you haven’t already, check out the dynamic dive pool, it’s a great way to put together all of your skills!