Description:
Basically this is a quite simple but very spectacular trick. Actually this is a negative Spin, performed only few meters above the ground.
Basic technique
If your brakelines are long take a wrap on one side and sit out from your harness. In headwind, slow down the glider as much as possible according to the ground. Once you are stationary about 1-2 meters over the ground, release the left brake, grab the left riser and yank down the right brake immediatey at the same moment. The glider starts to spin and you’ll hit the ground in few seconds after about a 180 degrees turn. If you did everything well, the landing will be pretty smooth.
Advanced technique:
For more beautiful helico landings, you have to take some energy before.
For example: 1-2 meters high above the ground slow down the glider, than release the brakes and let it surge. You have to pass close to the ground (if you have enough speed you can even touch it with your harness, then you’ll climb back). When you are at the lowest point (or just a moment later) pull the brake to spin the glider. After it started to spin, release the brake, to keep the wing open, just like in a helicopter (it will also turning faster this way)! When you hit the ground, the canopy will be still in the air, so you have time to grab the „A” risers and pull it back over you. If your technique is right, the glider won’t even touch the ground!
Dangers!
Of course the biggest danger is if you hit the ground too hard, so I advise to practice only over a clean area, sand or snow and from low height (at most 1-2 meters) at the beginning! Anyway you don’t need more altitude to do it nicely! Don’t do this trick in strong or zero wind because you will hit the ground with a high horizontal speed and you can hurt yourself! Always use boots to protect your ankles!
Video:
Check the Wagas Festival video collection for more tips and tricks