RTB 0 #1 January 17, 2004 When Swooping how important do you think it is to lean forward in the harness. Assuming the chest strap is opened. I haven't really done this much before but realized that this might be much more important than I had thought. Inputs? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #2 January 17, 2004 I would say that is very subjective. Some of the very best swoopers in the world never lean forward. JC Colclasure sits pretty straight up with his arms in and his feet pulled up. Clint Clawson, on distance runs, leans slightly back and has both of his feet and knees together, piked straight forward in front of him. Extreme examples of people who lean very-forward are Dusty Smith and Mikeal Stevens. TJ leans pretty far forward as well. The bottom line here is that you are searching for whatever technique that works best for you which helps you do two things: decrease wind resistance and possibly snap your body into a tighter position when you enter the corner like "pumping" a transition on a skateboard. Watching Clint pike his legs forward at that exact moment and lay back gives me exactly that impression. Chuck FWIW: I lean well forward in my harness. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 January 19, 2004 When you tuck in during your hook, do you also lean into the turn or away from the turn? I've been playing with leaning into the turn at the top and away from the turn towards the bottom.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #4 January 19, 2004 I lean in when I throw my turn and generally only lean opposite when I am carving my swoop across the ground. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BrianSGermain 1 #5 January 19, 2004 If you think about the geometry of your harness and riser system, there is absolutely no difference in pitch changes in the pilot's body. The risers are attached at two locations, one one the right, the other on the left. That's it. Therefore, leaning forward will not effect the performance of the parachute. There is a subjective difference, however, in the way the system FEELS. By leaning forward, with your shoulders against the main lift-web, you willhave a greater feeling of what is going on with your parachute. Further, you will be afforded a better view of the situation. There is another difference. Pilots who lean forward in the harness are speaking with their body language: "I am happy to be here". Leaning away from where you are going says the exact opposite: "When is this going to be over?" As for the aerodynamic drag associated with body position, there is very little difference, at least below about 20 mph. Drag increases dramatically with airspeed, so body position indeed has an effect at high speeds. The problem is, with the high "G" forces going on during the highest speed phase of the approach, it is hard to do anything to deliberately effect your body position. In a nutshell, it is really up to you. Whatever makes you feel comfortable, and allows you access to your field of vision as well as you control inputs. Whatever floats your boat, baby. Brian Germain President Big Air Sportz.comInstructional Videos:www.AdventureWisdom.com Keynote Speaking:www.TranscendingFEAR.com Canopies and Courses:www.BIGAIRSPORTZ.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflydrew 0 #6 January 19, 2004 Thanks Brian, very informative! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
