180 with positive drive by KiteLife

Transcript

1. Why the 180

   0:00

   This time around we're going to talk about the basic 180 with positive drive. The 180 is a fairly simple maneuver, but it's used very regularly in team flying, because it lets you turn your kite around without losing altitude: an under turn, just like that. It's worth breaking down, because if we don't get it right, kites can sandwich each other top and bottom, which obviously creates a problem.

2. Bottom wing back, then go

   0:32

   As I fly across, I fly my bottom wing backward to turn the kite around, instead of turning underneath. Let's stop and break it down so you can see it: I fly that grey wing backward right here, then give a very soft tug on the top lines to start the kite again. Reverse on the bottom wing, then a soft tap to go.

3. Positive drive

   0:59

   We train with positive drive after a 180 because if we 180 and try to hold position, the kite naturally bobbles — you can see it wiggling. Watch the difference when we 180 to a go: once the kite is moving, it's stable, it locks in. So once more: fly to the edge, squeeze that bottom wing, then tap forward. Done correctly, the kite almost rises very slightly, though it's nearly hidden. Push on the bottom thumb of the bottom wing, fly that wing backward, then tap the top lines to go: squeeze and go. That's your basic introduction to a team-style under 180. Have a lot of fun with it.