In this issue, we will explore our final trick in the axel family and the name assigned to this variation is the ‘Coin Toss’.  This maneuver also falls under the general classification of ‘ground work’ since the kite spends very little time in the air, but nonetheless, requires skill to properly execute.

To begin, let’s describe what a proper Coin Toss would look like.  The trick is basically comprised of three segments:  First, the kite will be balanced on one wing tip.  Second, from this wing tip stand, the kite transitions into an axel.  Third, as the kite completes the axel it is immediately landed and balanced on the opposite wing tip.  Now you can see how the name for this trick was coined (sorry for the pun) - it’s just like flipping a quarter!

Before even attempting a Coin Toss, it’s best to know how to both axel and hold a tip stand.  Of course, the axel was already thoroughly covered (and you are all experts now, right?).  But here are a few pointers on tip stands:  To balance your kite on the right wing tip, begin by positioning your kite on the ground near or at the center of the wind window.  Next, orient the kite so the right wing tip is about a foot closer to you than the left (very important!).  Further, make sure the kite is leaned back about 20 degrees.

Ok, the kite is now properly situated to start a right tip stand.  To begin, gently pull on the right line which will cause the left wing tip to rise off the ground.  When this occurs, stop pulling the right line (or else the entire kite will take off) and then use the left line to steady the kite.  Try smoothly pushing and pulling on the left line to get a feel for how to raise and lower the left tip.  Also, while still in a tip stand, take a step forward.  You’ll be amazed at how far the kite can dip back!  Now, if you had no luck in getting the left wing tip to rise off the ground, try setting the kite up directly down wind.  If that still doesn’t work, there is simply not enough breeze (at least a 5 m.p.h. wind is typically required for tip stands).

So, you know how to axel and can tip stand also?  Let’s combine those talents into performing a Coin Toss!  From a steady right wing tip stand, let the kite’s left wing begin to rise higher.  Once the left wing tip is at or near it’s maximum height, ‘pop’ the left line while simultaneously feeding the right (yes, the same hand motion used for the axel!).  This should cause the kite to flip belly down and flat spin.  As the kite completes the axel just a few feet off the ground, conclude the Coin Toss by setting the kite back down on the left wing tip.  And remember, the kite will need to again be oriented properly to hold a steady tip stand.  Therefore, just before ground contact, give a slight push on the right line while also pulling on the left - this will angle the kite back with the left wing tip closer to you as desired.

After getting proficient at the Coin Toss, try flipping the kite back in the opposite direction.  Or, you can let the kite over rotate slightly so it ends up landing on the same wing tip as it started.  Then, you can do a multitude of these Coin Toss variations in the same direction.  Rather intriguing to see your kite go through several tip stand and axel cycles as it hops along the ground and across the wind window!

Whew, we dedicated three whole articles to the axel and it’s related maneuvers!  But, as they say, all good things must come to an end and it’s now time to move on.  But don’t despair - there are plenty of great dual-line tricks yet to discuss.  In fact, Flat Spins (including the 540) will be covered in the next installment of ‘Wing Tips’ so stay tuned!