Sunday July 1, 2007 - Anatomy of a new trick

If it's Sunday, you'll find me flying with friends along the Hudson River. Here's Judy, me and little Amanda. Amanda is the 12-year old girl I mentor and she, an accomplished swimmer, has graciously agreed to help me train for the swim portion of my August triathlon. It's very cool...the mentor becomes the mentee....once again reinforcing my belief that we've always something to learn from each other.


Along with Rachel (who wasn't in class tonight) we are the "leftover ladies" from the 2006 Sunday Night Intensive Flying Workshop (IFW). Here's a shot that includes newcomer Lidia and TSNY staffer Adam...

I learned a new trick tonight...a Backend Whip. I've wanted to try this ever since I saw Cirque du Soleil's "O" in Vegas earlier this year. There is a time in the show when all the flyers are throwing their Flexus on a ship suspended high above the stage/pool...the Whip position is somewhat similar. Dino deserves huge kudos for working the position on the low bar with me last Thursday and here's a video of my first attempt. As you'll see, I was very nervous and flying tentatively. There's very little "oomph" in my swing. Throwing a new trick is always really scary. I rushed it, totally wimped out my swing and footed my way into position. Basically, I was just glad to have the first time over and done.

My second try was better. I worked my swing this time and popped right into the position...

Enough practice, time to throw to our catcher, Jeff. We're still working our timing; late HEP on the first try and I don't know why we missed the second, we were right there...

Sadly, no catch for me tonight...I was all chalked up and no place to go!!!

No worries, there's always next week and best of all, our little group is quickly coming together. Here's the whole crew including Instructors Frederique & Hal (front row) and Catcher Jeff (center). It's going to be a fun Summer!