Flap Boost

"I don't know how the %$#* do i get boost from those lame jumps, but well, seems like this is slow boost at it's slowest!"

- Авалоки Тешвара

The Flap Boost may be considered a variation of the Slow Boost, but it may also be a boost of its own, unique kind. Its name comes from the fact that for most of the "dive," you're not actually diving; the angle is subtle enough that the wayfarer still flaps normally.

How to Do a Flap Boost
Difficulty: (mastering takes a lot of practice)


 * Start by finding a ledge that you can fall off of (instead of walking down from it). If you're a beginner, try to start from a ledge that's not too close to the ground.
 * Point the camera all the way down.
 * Walk/Run as fast as you can off the ledge, and allow yourself to dive just a little. Immediately pull most-of-the-way back on the movement stick, still keeping it far enough forward that you move slightly forward.
 * Flap, allowing yourself to fall a little between flaps.
 * Around the same time as your final flap (just after it), either aim your wayfarer toward the camera, or aim the camera upward.

https://youtu.be/sTKmAorXMdA

https://youtu.be/I0-9er0vMaI

Further Advice
The trick is to get just the right amount of pressure on the movement stick while flapping. Too much pressure and you'll get a dive. Too little pressure, and you won't boost. If your wayfarer is spinning when you flap, you're probably using too much pressure. If you're starting to fall forward when you flap (or just in general), you're definitely using too much pressure. If your wayfarer is flying up, but not at all forward, you're definitely using too little pressure.

Try not to flap too fast; a longer "fall" is usually what the game looks for, and that means that more time between flaps will often help the boost - at least as long as you're not letting yourself get too close to the ground.

Make sure that you're moving forward while you're flapping. If you're not sure if you're moving forward, you probably don't have enough pressure on the movement stick.

Like with most cases, getting too close to the ground can ruin your boost, or at least subtract height from it. A good place for beginners to practice is at the Broken Bridge, close to the banner on the right that activates the second bridge segment; specifically, around the head of the War Machine.

On the final flap, try to push the movement stick forward just enough that your wayfarer spins (about enough pressure for a Slow Boost). This seems to give better height. Alternatively, if you have enough height still, try to go for a full-on dive before your final flap to REALLY add height - the longer the better.

Having the wayfarer fly toward the camera may (at least on PC) negatively affect the boost; you may need to move the camera up for a better boost.

You don't need to move the camera all the way up; in fact, it might be better to keep your goal point in sight, or just below the bottom of your window. This can help with both aim (especially if you need practice on that front) and distance.