Head Up to Head Down Front Flip
Overview
The head up to head down front flip is likely the first transition that you will learn when wishing to move from orientation to the other. It should be the most natural transition to learn, mimicking the movement from learned during your head down training, where you are forward transitioning your body to place your head on to the net, exposing wind to your front side. A front flip is usually the safer option when initially learning the transition to head down flight, so we recommend it as the first transition to master, in order to gain the awareness and ability to safely link head up to head down flying together.
Pre-requisites
When you finish learning basic Head Down and can fly Head Down by raising off the net with no assistance from the Instructor, you are ready to begin learning the transition from Sit flying to Head Down. The step-by-step learning process for Head Down is similar to the step-by-step phases of mastering a solid body position. Now you are ready to start putting together one vertical flying position with another and ultimately working toward flying smoothly through every axis.
Objectives
The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully transition from a neutral Sit flying position through a front flip maneuver and finish in a neutral Head Down position in the center of the tunnel, without generating any lift or movement.
Preparation
You will start in the center of the tunnel in a neutral Sit flying position. For your early transitions, your Instructor will manage the speed of the wind so it is strong enough for the orientations, although not fast enough that it will cause you to gain altitude during the movement. Your Instructor will be assisting you early on and will aim to keep you approximately waist to chest height above the net.
Post-flight questions / suggestions
- How did your performance match the initial objectives?
- Were you able to consistently transition without creating any unwanted lift or drive?
- Are you ready to perform the transitions with an assisted grip by the Instructor?
- What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?
This maneuver is one of a few Sit to Head Down transitions that you will learn. Usually it is the first one to learn due to the fact that most flyers will be comfortable performing a front flip type move. It won’t necessarily be the most common transition you will use when flying, but still a vital skill to be able to perform.