Head Up Side Slide
Overview
Head up side slide is a skill in itself that will be used in conjunction with other head up flying skills especially for moving around other flyers and positioning yourself within a group. Unlike the other basic head up flying moves, it is unlikely that you will have learned the basics of this skill during your progression. However, with having control of the other movements such as turns and upward and downward movement, side slides will be a straight-forward skill to learn. The techniques outlined here will help to identify the specific areas of focus in order to create smooth side slides.
Pre-requisites
Before you begin to learn Sit Fly Side Sliding, you will first need to be very comfortable in your neutral Sit Fly position, off the net at moderate to fast wind speeds, with controlled turns, and with forward, backward, and up and downward movements completed. At this point, it is likely you will already know how to enter and exit the tunnel while Sit Flying, 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 Sit Flying off of the net, at approximately waist level. You should be close to one side of the tunnel and positioned so there is no doorway in the flight path of your side slide as this can present an obstacle.
Post-flight questions / suggestions
- How did your performance match the initial objectives?
- Were you able to maintain stability throughout each side slide?
- What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?
- Did you have a preferred direction to slide? What can you do differently to be proficient going both directions?
As you become comfortable controlling your sit flying side slides, you will progress on to the next skill, while doing so, continue to challenge yourself on this maneuver, increasing wind speed where it is appropriate to do so and begin flying fast movements and stronger stops.