🔁 When do you need to reverse the turn?
In part 2 you completed your first 360. But after a turn or two you may realise you are circling the wrong way: the thermal core is clearly off to the other side of your circle, or another pilot is already turning in the opposite direction in the same thermal. The most familiar way to reverse is a decisive weight shift to the opposite side while swapping brakes: release the brake on the side you were turning and pull the other one.
⚠️ Key points to stress: ✅ Although this is a legitimate technique, an abrupt change of direction will always cost you height. ✅ If the lift is strong, you will still be fine, because the thermal makes up for an inefficient reversal. ✅ However, throwing your weight across aggressively makes the wing roll hard from side to side, as if you were doing a wingover. That is great when you want to lose height fast, but it lacks the finesse needed for light lift.
💡 The fix: a gentle side-slip
In this situation, use a side-slip to reverse the turn more efficiently: ✅ Keep your weight neutral, or shift it only very slightly. ✅ Brake to slow the wing down noticeably on the side of the new turn, so it "slips" sideways towards the lift. ✅ Then gradually shift your weight to that side, gently easing off the outside brake while adding more inside brake.
🎯 Practical advice
This is a far more refined way to reverse and it is very efficient. However, if the thermal is both weak and narrow, take care not to slip for too long, or you may fall out of the front of the thermal.
🔄 After completing your 360
Once you have flown a full 360, it is time to start thinking about your next tactics to get the best possible climb rate!
