Got Burbled? Reduce the impact.

Monday, March 21, 2022

Landing on someone is not something you want to do. But it happens. Here are some tips to reduce the risk to both parties if it is inevitable.

Miss, if you can

Well, obviously, try not to hit someone. Stay aware, fly your slot, and make all your effort to avoid that collision if you get in close quarters. BUT if you are thinking of balling up or doing some fancy maneuver to squeak through a hole in the formation – STOP! Don’t get smaller because you’ll increase your speed and probably increase the damage done.

Get big

So in the blink of an eye, you are about to collapse into a burble. Do not get small – get big. Make a giant loving “X” shape with all the surface area you can muster. You will catch the most air and slow down (maybe even avoiding the situation!) Slowing down is good.

Hulk Smash flat

And when you cannot slow down enough, smash flat. Hit with even surface area as opposed to a concentrated surface like your hand. If you stick your arm out to stop yourself, you will dump lift and speed up. Focusing all your force into a small area risks breaking your wrist. Spread out the contact.

Don’t grab anything

Ah. Now you are on each other. Ok. So do not grab for anything. If you reach out for a handhold on the other person’s gear, you could grab a handle. I have seen a fair share of accidental dumping.

Crawl off

Are you enjoying your impromptu rodeo? Ok, you are now free to crawl off each other being mindful of gear. Stay chill during the extraction.

Check each other

Now that you are flying again, check to make sure the other person is alert and ok. If everyone is, continue your jump!

 

In conclusion, if you are going to hit, do this:
  • get big to fall slow
  • smash evenly
  • don’t grab anything
  • calmly crawl off
  • check each other

 

 

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I've watched Christy develop as a competitor and coach for 17 years and I've seen her do this again and again. There is one risk when working with her. You're going to want more, lots more!

» Dan BC – Airspeed

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