In the last installment of Wing Tips, we explored the technique for performing axels.  Hopefully, most of you are having success learning this trick.  So, what’s next?  Well, once you have the basic axel mastered, there are several related maneuvers to attempt.  Without further ado, let’s jump in and examine some axel variations.

Power Zone Axel –   As previously discussed, it is best to learn the axel at the far edges of the wind window since the kite will stall easily.  For an added challenge, try performing some axels directly downwind.  The technique will be the same, but requires the flyer to be more aggressive in two areas.  First, the kite will have to be forcibly stalled via a snap stall.  Second, the slack phase typically requires running forward a good 10 to 20 feet.  This will decrease the effective wind on the sail, thereby enabling the kite to rotate a full revolution with zero tension on the lines.  

Half-Axel –  This is a great maneuver to use when changing directions at the edge of the wind window.  Start by flying a low horizontal ground pass to the edge.  Just as the kite stalls and with the nose still pointing out towards the edge, give a sharp tug to the top line (i.e. ‘pop’ the right line at the left edge and vice versa) while simultaneously feeding the bottom line.  Then, with both lines slackened, the kite should flip 180 degrees while belly down.  At that moment, quickly pull back on both lines to stop the rotation and power the kite back up for a second ground pass in the other direction.  With practice, you will be able to fly a ground pass with the kite just inches from the ground, execute a half-axel, and then head back the opposite way with the kite still just inches from the ground.  Quite a spectacular feat!

Three-Quarter Axel –  Think of this trick as a half-axel with an extra 90 degrees of rotation thrown in for good measure.  Use the same low horizontal approach as the half-axel, but ‘pop’ the line a bit harder with an extra bit of slack as well.  The kite should then rotate 270 degrees until nose up.  At that point, I prefer to have both wingtips immediately stab the ground for a dramatic landing at the edge.  Another option is to perform a wingtip stand after the three-quarter axel.

Cascade - The cascade is nothing more than a series of half-axels done in quick succession.  On a light wind day, start by climbing your kite about two-thirds of the way up in the window and then executing a half-axel.  Immediately follow this with a second half-axel initiated with the opposite hand. Repeat these contradictory ‘popping’ motions so the kite will continue to alternate between left and right 180 degree flips.  During this maneuver, it is normal for the kite to slowly descend towards the ground.  Also, keep in mind that the cascade does takes a lot of practice to develop the required rhythm.

Spin Axel –  Personally, I love this trick and it involves turning the kite and axelling together.  Start by executing a push and tuck turn at the edge.  Let the kite over rotate and just as it starts to turn nose up, feed both lines slightly and then perform an aggressive axel (‘pop’ the right line at the left edge and vice versa).  As a variation, you can also start this move from a vertical dive and then complete the turn up with an axel.  For best results during spin axels, all these motions should happen without delay such that the turn and axel appear to mesh together as one maneuver. 

Multiple Axels –  Instead of just one revolution, why not shoot for multiple flat rotations?  This can be done with a super aggressive ‘pop’ at the edge and then lots of slack.  Depending on your kite design, it may rotate two full revolutions.  A better way to perform multiple rotations is to do a normal axel and then skillfully manipulate your line tensions.  For example, lets say you initiated an axel with a right hand ‘pop’.  Once the kite has rotated through the first 180 degrees (so it’s nose away and belly down), gently pull back with the left hand.  This will help add some momentum to the rotation.  When the kite has completed the first full revolution, you can then ‘pop’ your right hand a second time.   This will start the second revolution which will again have some assistance with a well timed pull back on the left line and so on.  As you can imagine, doing multiple axels in this manner is very graceful and is best saved for light wind days.

Whew, that sure was a lot of information to digest!  But what’s great about sport kiting is that there are always new tricks being developed for you to learn and master.  Who knows, maybe you will even invent a few of your own along the way.