Stalls and spins are situations that result from too high an angle of attack. These can be pilot and/or atmospherically induced (very rare). The most likely scenario is an atmospherically increased angle of attack aggravated by over-controlling by the pilot and exceeding the maximum angle of attack. There is NO WARNING prior to a stall or spin, so your clue should be the position of your hands. If you find yourself flying deep in the brakes, ease up slowly, and let the glider regain air speed.
A spin occurs when one side of the glider is stalled, and the other side accelerates around it, producing a negative rotation of the glider. A spin usually happens when flying the glider slow and then trying to turn the glider quickly, or when applying too much brake on the inside of a turn. A spin produces a negative rotation and should not be confused with a large asymmetric which will rotate positively towards the deflation. When a glider spins, you will feel as if you are rotating in an office chair. Immediately bring your hands back to the neutral position (trim) and let the glider dive to regain airspeed, checking the surge if necessary. Recovery from a spin, HANDS UP to shoulder level, and be ready to check the surge. By raising your hands to shoulder level rather than the pulleys you’ll be able to react faster to the surge.
Recovery from a stall can require a lot of altitude, and theories for the best way to recover change periodically. As a novice pilot, you should understand why a stall occurs and how to avoid it. Stay out of conditions that are above your skill level, have correct surge control, don’t fly deep in the brakes, and don’t over react to situations.
Again: the best way to experience these maneuvers safely is to take a maneuvers clinic or an SIV course when you are ready. A stall is one of only two maneuvers where releasing pressure on the brakes, and letting the glider recover on its own, can be dangerous. The other maneuver is a stable spiral and will be covered in a section later in this lesson.
Quick Review
Stall
Cause: Too high an angle of attack, lack of airspeed, or too deep in the brakes
Recovery: Consult an instructor experienced with coaching full stalls.
Dangers: Releasing the brakes when the glider is behind you will result in a violent surge.
Spin
Cause: Too high an angle of attack on one side of the glider, lack of airspeed, or too deep in one or both brakes.
Recovery: Release brakes to install the stalled side and dampen the surge when the glider regains airspeed.
Dangers: Stalling the flying side by applying too much brake or raining to release the stalled side - which will induce a full stall.