Seven Tunnel Flying Resolutions for 2024
By Connor Figg
As the clock strikes midnight and we look towards the new year, it’s traditional to think about our resolutions and plan out how we wish to be better for this lap of the sun than we were for the last. So for this article, we’ll touch upon some personal resolutions for the tunnel that can help anyone make the most of their time.
- STRETCH! (BECAUSE PRE-FLIGHT SHOELACE TYING SHOULDN’T BE THE EXTREME SPORT)
You’ve probably heard this a thousand times now, but before you get in the wind, it’s crucial to make sure your limbs are as ready to party as you are. Stretching is beneficial for everybody, but after working full-time in the industry for over a decade, we can tell you: the benefits far outweigh the cost. If pulling some weird shapes for a moment helps you to avoid injury for the season, that’s a good return on investment! So, take five minutes before your session, channel your inner yogi and get those limbs limber.
- FLY ABROAD! (YOUR TUNNEL GEAR NEEDS A VACATION, TOO…)
There’s a whole world of opportunities that lie just beyond your doorstep. If you haven’t already, make this the year where you take the leap and use the tunnel as an excuse to go somewhere new! Not only will you get the chance to potentially fly more time for a cheaper price, but you will also get to experience other people’s take on flying from different places around the world! Have you had a chance to fly in Abu-Dhabi’s Big One (CLYMB) yet? Maybe you should make this the year of your pilgrimage.
- REWATCH, RELIVE, REPEAT (BECAUSE EVERY SINGLE SESSION DESERVES AN ENCORE)
Your flying videos are like fine wine – they only get better with time. Make it your mission to watch every single video of your flying this year. Analyse your moves, compare them to those of your coach, and untangle the knot of confusion surrounding your new skills. Then, a few weeks down the line, watch them over again and see if you can spot the difference from your latest session. It’s not vanity; it’s homework. But the good kind.
- EMBRACE ZEN SKYDIVING
Let’s face it; sometimes the biggest obstacle in tunnel flying is the one between your ears. This year, make it your resolution to master the art of Zen flying. We covered a lot of this in the last article, but learning to manage fear and deal with frustration are just as important as understanding the mechanics of flying. Just imagine – you, the wind, and a mind as clear as the sky.
- ASSEMBLE A SQUAD FOR CHEAP (AND CHAOTIC) PROGRESS
Flying solo is fun, but flying with a squad? Now, that’s a whole new level of awesome. Who doesn’t love a Huck Jam? Whether you’re at the start of your journey, or a seasoned professional, there will always be improvements you can make that will only be possible in group settings. Not only does it give you the opportunity to practise your visual awareness, it also makes everything a LOT cheaper. Win-win, right? So assemble your team of like-minded and like-skilled humans, and get those weekly sessions booked in!
- UPDATE YOUR THREADS
Are you tired of using the same old, flappy, smelly rental gear from the tunnel? Or perhaps your personal gear has seen better days? This year, it’s time to put your best foot forward and get yourself something nice! Even if you don’t have the budget now for a brand-new suit or helmet, remember that often the most important items are – drumroll, please – the accessories. Find yourself some bright new socks, or even a pair of colourful shoes! You’ll be the talk of the tunnel.
- BRING IN SOME FRESH MEAT (THE MORE, THE MERRIER!)
Tunnel flying is just too much fun to keep to ourselves. Spread the love by resolving to bring in some fresh meat for the machine – introduce someone new to the sport. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or unsuspecting colleague, let them experience the freedom that flying brings. Who knows, you might just be creating the next World Champion.
We’ve just shared seven ideas to put some panache in our flying this season. So, dear reader: will this be another year repeating the same old patterns? Or will we use this as an opportunity to elevate our flying and our sport together? May your wind be steady, your socks be colourful, and your 2024 be the best year of flying yet.
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