Suicide Gybe

From KiteWiki

An advanced downwind turn in a Buggy.

So why use a suicide gybe?

This gybe has been used mainly during racing but i find myself using it a lot more when cruising also.

• The gybe maintaiins your speed during the transition between reachs or from a reach to a down wind mark.
• The idea is to travel in an arc from reach/downwind/reach.
• The size of the arc will increase with confidence.

How to suicide gybe

I found this easier at first to use a mark as a turning point and when fully powered up.

The basics required:-

• Abilty to travel on a reach,
• Turn down wind,
• Backloop kite

Technique:-

• Start by travelling on a reach to your mark.
• I find it helps if you head slightly up wind before the mark then turn slightly towards it before you begin the manoveuvre this enables you to begin your turn whilst still powered up.

For this example kite is on your left.

• When you reach the point you wish to carry out the manoeuvre send the kite above your head towards your right side.

Timing is critical here:

• As the kite moves over your head and into the negative part of the window begin your turn downwind at the same time as back looping the kite.

To start with it will be easier to turn the kite high in the window as you improve the kite loop will become bigger allowing you to travel further downwind

Problems:

• If kite is to far behind you it will luff and become a mess on the floor :-) (you may have turned to sharply when kite is overhead)
• You may feel a slight de-acceleration if it's not quite right but the manoeuvre will stiil work.

If you've got it right:

• It will feel smooth throughout.
• Your kite and buggy will continue to travel downwind as you complete your turn and kite back loop.
• Sometimes you may need a touch of brake to help kite around.
• There will be a slight delay as your kite catches you up as you continue to turn down wind and back into wind.
• You shouldnt have scrubbed any speed off during manoeuvre.

Tommy (firekarter)