⚠️ Key Points to Emphasize: ✅ While this is a valid technique, abruptly changing direction will inevitably cause a loss of altitude. ✅ If the lift is strong, you'll likely be fine, as the thermal can compensate for this inefficient reversal. ✅ However, shifting your weight aggressively will cause the wing to roll violently, similar to performing a ‘wingover’. That is great for losing altitude quickly, but lacks the necessary finesse for working light lift.
💡 The fix: the slight side slip
In this situation, use the slight side slip technique for a smoother reversal: ✅ Apply neutral weight-shift to one side, or use only very minimal weight input. ✅ Significantly slow that side down to "glide" into the lift. ✅ Gradually shift your body weight to the opposite side while gently releasing the outside brake and increasing the pull on the inside brake.
🎯 Practical advice
This approach is much more refined and highly effective. However, if the thermal is both weak and narrow, be careful not to slip for too long, or you might fall out the front of the lift zone.
🔄 After a full 360
Once you have completed a full 360-degree turn, it is time to start considering your flight strategy to maximize your climbing efficiency!
