Bender Tunnel Training
01.01Belly Flying

Neutral Belly Position

Fly at a neutral wind speed with full control in a stable, neutral belly position and without excessive movement or rotation.

Prerequisite: Signed off by an IBA instructor as safe to begin the IBA Flyer Progression.

Desired outcome: Fly at a neutral wind speed with full control in a stable, neutral belly position and without excessive movement or rotation.

Key points:

  • Maintain a symmetrical arch with the head raised and legs shoulder-width apart.
  • In the basic position, keep the arms near 90 degrees with elbows around eye level, toes pointed, and knees slightly higher than the hips.
  • In the advanced position, press the elbows down, bring the hands closer together, and raise the chest without losing symmetry.
  • Use a fixed heading and visual reference; avoid facing directly toward or away from the doorway.

Coaching and safety: Begin at an agreed wind speed and keep the student's altitude within their ability. Early instruction should emphasize relaxation, symmetry, and small corrections rather than too many inputs at once.