Belly Forward & Backward

Overview

Belly flying forward a backward movement is a skill that for primary control inside the flight chamber will be an essential tool. Understanding how to control forward and backward movements will help you to maintain a more central place inside the tunnel which ultimately will help you while learning other skills.

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Pre-requisites

To learn forward and backward movement while belly-flying, you first need to be able to belly-fly in a neutral body position and hold that position stable and under control throughout.

Objectives

The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully demonstrate forward and backward movements while belly-flying, remaining stable and on heading throughout.

Preparation

You will start in the center of the wind tunnel, off the net, facing in a direction that does not point you toward a doorway or have a doorway behind you; this will prevent you from hitting the doors during the maneuver. Before beginning one of these movements, make sure that you are stable and under control so that you get the correct results during the maneuver. When signaled by your coach, you’ll begin either a forward or a backward move until you approach the tunnel wall, where you will stop, return to a neutral body position and then begin a movement in the opposite direction.

Post-flight questions / suggestions

  • How did your performance match the initial objectives?
  • Were you able to maintain stability throughout while moving forward and backward? Both basic and advanced techniques?
  • What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?

 

As you move on to learning the next skill in your progression, advancing your turns and forward and backward movements will be essential to improving your overall bely flying skills.

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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.