Peej 0 #1 August 23, 2006 Hey there, My jump numbers are up to date and at the moment i am doing a combintaion of 90 deg and 180 deg riser turns on final. I will not be going to 270's any time soon, at least not within the next 100 jumps. But i am getting my swoops fairly consistent. I'd also like to start working towards competing at CP Nationals here in SA next year. My question is though: how do i start learning to hit gates? I'm afraid of fixating on the gates and pounding in. We don't have a pond here but there are plans afoot to build one. Any advice appreciated. Thanks. Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 136 #2 August 23, 2006 Quotehow do i start learning to hit gates? don't hit them too hard or use soft gates scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
breadhead 0 #3 August 23, 2006 I assume you already read this ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #4 August 23, 2006 I hadn't, thank you. Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #5 August 23, 2006 Hey Peej, 1. Put the gates up. 2. Go for them with plenty of outs. 3. Be ready to bail if you can't make it work. Swooping is a bit like shooting. You don't learn from the perfect shots. They build confidence and inspire you to continue. You learn from the misses. Each time you miss, you must know why. If you don't understand why, you will not learn. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #6 August 23, 2006 Tonto's post pretty much sums it up, IMO. A common mistake is to want to turn over the top of the gates. This often leads the pilot to drive themselves down lower, and harder, than they should resulting in either a bail to toggles or a less efficient swoop. Make sure you set your initiation point far further back from the gate than you think it should be and slowly shorten it up. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #7 August 23, 2006 Excellent, thanks to both you and T, i'll have to see what i can do this weekend. Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflyn 0 #8 August 23, 2006 Hey PJ good to hear you pursuing canopy piloting! if memory serves correct Jim Slaton at canopypiloting.com is offering free cyber-coaching in the forums sections. I think this might a good place to get more advice on top of the excellent information you have already received. Take care and drop me a line.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Peej 0 #9 August 23, 2006 Thanks Greg, i'll be sure to check it out! Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skreamer 1 #10 August 23, 2006 How about using pool noodles first as training gates? Then use proper gates when technique is there. I've seen this done at a couple DZs, quite a cheap way to mark out your swoop lane too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #11 August 23, 2006 Quote How about using pool noodles first as training gates? Then use proper gates when technique is there. I've seen this done at a couple DZs, quite a cheap way to mark out your swoop lane too. Eh, mixed emotions on that. They're not bad but they're low. To stack them two high and have them straight you've got to have a pole in them. They also don't help with wind direction, which is paramount in setting up a good swoop (using the drift of the wind to help push you right into the perfect altitude and approach for the gate). Such as crosswind setups, downwind, etc. Sure he won't be doing that yet, but its something that is on the horizon, might as well get him used to looking at wind indicators. I've used the "swoop noodles" and I've used real 10' gates, I really think the swoop noodles are crap for learning, but can be used inventively by a swooper for a fun afternoon.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ntacfreefly 0 #12 August 23, 2006 QuoteI really think the swoop noodles are crap for learning I still train on them, and Travis Stewart trained on the 10's at our DZ all season and did just fine. I see no problem with them. Put up a wind indicator nearby and use that. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #13 August 23, 2006 Did you use them because you didn't have 10' windblades you could put where ever you wanted for training or as a choice between the two?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ntacfreefly 0 #14 August 23, 2006 Dave, We used them cause it was the cheapest option for us. Getting a course of blades is pretty pricey, not all comps are run on blades anyway and when a blade grabs the end cell it's normally uglier than a noodle strike Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #15 August 23, 2006 Yeah?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ntacfreefly 0 #16 August 23, 2006 Yeah, been there, done that. Don't really like the marks the T-Shirt leaves To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #17 August 23, 2006 Every time I've snagged an end cell on a gate I haven't really had that big of a problem (besides penalities on the speed runs). I can feel the bump through the canopy so I know I bumped one, but the canopy keeps flying no problem. After that picture I brought the canopy back up over my head and landed no problem. Maybe its due to the size of the canopies I've been jumping or maybe its due to the blade design? The one time I hit a swoop noodle it wasn't as clean.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CanuckInUSA 0 #18 August 23, 2006 QuoteEvery time I've snagged an end cell on a gate I haven't really had that big of a problem (besides penalities on the speed runs). I can feel the bump through the canopy so I know I bumped one, but the canopy keeps flying no problem. After that picture I brought the canopy back up over my head and landed no problem. Maybe its due to the size of the canopies I've been jumping or maybe its due to the blade design? The one time I hit a swoop noodle it wasn't as clean. I didn't have as much luck when my end-cell snagged the 10' entry flags on this practice run. Of course this chow was all my fault as not only did I enter the speed carving course too close to the inside gates, I was also practicing making 5 footers on a 10 foot course. For a split second after I entered the course I thought I got away with it, but before I could think too much I was chowing hard into the pond. If I may add to the excellent advice that both Tonto and Ian have given Peej about learning to run gates, I would also like to add that it's best to learn this ever so not so easy skill of running gates in practice first before you attempt to run gates in the high stress realm of competition. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bak_peter 0 #19 August 24, 2006 Canuck, It looks like that the reason you slammed into the water was that you grabbed the blade with your left hand Mayby you have invented a new freestyle move Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Peej 0 #20 August 24, 2006 QuoteI didn't have as much luck when my end-cell snagged the 10' entry flags on this practice run. DUDE! OUCH! [repl]I would also like to add that it's best to learn this ever so not so easy skill of running gates in practice first before you attempt to run gates in the high stress realm of competition. Yeah that's kind of the reason that i decided not to enter intermediate swoop at nationals this year. i was encouraged by a few senior pilots but after watching an experienced dude get fixated and slam into the ground, i pulled out. That's the mean reason i ask now so i can start doing some practice in time for next year. Thanks for the advice Canuck! Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #9 August 23, 2006 Thanks Greg, i'll be sure to check it out! Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #10 August 23, 2006 How about using pool noodles first as training gates? Then use proper gates when technique is there. I've seen this done at a couple DZs, quite a cheap way to mark out your swoop lane too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #11 August 23, 2006 Quote How about using pool noodles first as training gates? Then use proper gates when technique is there. I've seen this done at a couple DZs, quite a cheap way to mark out your swoop lane too. Eh, mixed emotions on that. They're not bad but they're low. To stack them two high and have them straight you've got to have a pole in them. They also don't help with wind direction, which is paramount in setting up a good swoop (using the drift of the wind to help push you right into the perfect altitude and approach for the gate). Such as crosswind setups, downwind, etc. Sure he won't be doing that yet, but its something that is on the horizon, might as well get him used to looking at wind indicators. I've used the "swoop noodles" and I've used real 10' gates, I really think the swoop noodles are crap for learning, but can be used inventively by a swooper for a fun afternoon.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #12 August 23, 2006 QuoteI really think the swoop noodles are crap for learning I still train on them, and Travis Stewart trained on the 10's at our DZ all season and did just fine. I see no problem with them. Put up a wind indicator nearby and use that. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #13 August 23, 2006 Did you use them because you didn't have 10' windblades you could put where ever you wanted for training or as a choice between the two?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #14 August 23, 2006 Dave, We used them cause it was the cheapest option for us. Getting a course of blades is pretty pricey, not all comps are run on blades anyway and when a blade grabs the end cell it's normally uglier than a noodle strike Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #15 August 23, 2006 Yeah?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #16 August 23, 2006 Yeah, been there, done that. Don't really like the marks the T-Shirt leaves To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #17 August 23, 2006 Every time I've snagged an end cell on a gate I haven't really had that big of a problem (besides penalities on the speed runs). I can feel the bump through the canopy so I know I bumped one, but the canopy keeps flying no problem. After that picture I brought the canopy back up over my head and landed no problem. Maybe its due to the size of the canopies I've been jumping or maybe its due to the blade design? The one time I hit a swoop noodle it wasn't as clean.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #18 August 23, 2006 QuoteEvery time I've snagged an end cell on a gate I haven't really had that big of a problem (besides penalities on the speed runs). I can feel the bump through the canopy so I know I bumped one, but the canopy keeps flying no problem. After that picture I brought the canopy back up over my head and landed no problem. Maybe its due to the size of the canopies I've been jumping or maybe its due to the blade design? The one time I hit a swoop noodle it wasn't as clean. I didn't have as much luck when my end-cell snagged the 10' entry flags on this practice run. Of course this chow was all my fault as not only did I enter the speed carving course too close to the inside gates, I was also practicing making 5 footers on a 10 foot course. For a split second after I entered the course I thought I got away with it, but before I could think too much I was chowing hard into the pond. If I may add to the excellent advice that both Tonto and Ian have given Peej about learning to run gates, I would also like to add that it's best to learn this ever so not so easy skill of running gates in practice first before you attempt to run gates in the high stress realm of competition. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bak_peter 0 #19 August 24, 2006 Canuck, It looks like that the reason you slammed into the water was that you grabbed the blade with your left hand Mayby you have invented a new freestyle move Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #20 August 24, 2006 QuoteI didn't have as much luck when my end-cell snagged the 10' entry flags on this practice run. DUDE! OUCH! [repl]I would also like to add that it's best to learn this ever so not so easy skill of running gates in practice first before you attempt to run gates in the high stress realm of competition. Yeah that's kind of the reason that i decided not to enter intermediate swoop at nationals this year. i was encouraged by a few senior pilots but after watching an experienced dude get fixated and slam into the ground, i pulled out. That's the mean reason i ask now so i can start doing some practice in time for next year. Thanks for the advice Canuck! Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
