Simon, since you've been looking for a nickname, I think I've got one for you. How does "Simon says" sound? You like to talk, you have an opinion, and you're driving us all crazy just like the game does
Having a nickname like Tom Truax jr. commands a lot of respect and carries a big responsibility. I'm sure I speak for many when I say that it takes a unique and very talented pilot to adopt a nickname like that. Tom Truax casts a very large shadow and it may take you quite some time before you can begin to fill it. I'm not saying that you can't, in fact, I hope you do. You certainly have the enthusiasm, and that's a big part of it. For now though, lets give you some shoes that fit you a little better. Baby steps my friend Simon - baby steps...
Hey, I also wanted to give you a little flying advice and I thought I'd do it here so that some others that are new to the sport may benefit too. The other day when we were all flying at the Nuthouse I was paying close attention to your launch and flight. First, you did great, and you worked the scrappy lift well. What I want to focus on was your turning technique while you were low to the terrain. Andy D. and I both noticed you were really exaggerating your weight shift while turning. In fact we both saw you make a left turn 30-40 feet over the terrain with your entire body rolled 90 degrees in the direction of the turn. Plus, you threw both legs way to the left as well. Weight shifting is definitely more efficient and allows you to keep a little more speed while turning, and speed if definitely your friend when you’re low to the terrain. What I’m about to tell you comes from my own personal experience, and believe me, I’ve taken my fair share of lumps along the way. When I’m low to the terrain I prefer to weight shift less and apply a little brake to make up the difference. The reason I don’t weight shift more when I’m low is simply so that I can have some defense options should I take a collapse on the side that I’m turning to. Imagine just for a second what might have happened if you had taken a 40-50% collapse on the inside of your turn while you were that low to the terrain. Having your body weight exaggerated to the collapsed side leaves you without much in the way of collapse counter measures. There’s a good chance your body weight would accelerate the collapsed portion of the wing and slam you into the side of the mountain. If that were to happen we’d have to change your nickname to “pancake”. Your best defense for a collapse low to the deck is your body weight. When I’m cruising close to the terrain I generally weight shift slightly away from the terrain and apply a little brake to the opposite side to offset it. If I get a collapse in this position I’m already in position to easily correct the problem. I’ve adopted this style due to some very close calls that I was lucky enough to fly away from.
This is just something I wanted to pass along to you, take it or leave it. I hope I didn’t offend; I’m just trying to pass on some of my own lessons.