This week's tip is from the latest issue of Cross Country, and is from an article by Felix Woelk about how to fly big distance in Quixada, northeastern Brazil.

So it's 'low save time'. Try to stay cool and confident. First, don't be surprised you are here, getting closer to the ground. If you are flying a long way across the flatlands then low saves are part of the game. Expect to find yourself at less than 100m above the ground more than once.

Down at this level the wind might increase because of the hoovering effects of thermals in front of you. This feels dramatic, but it's not a bad sign. It just says that it's soon time to put 'all in': lay your bet on the last place you expect a bubble to lift you up again.

If this fails too, your last chance is the so called 'tiger line': go as fast as possible with the airflow. Imagine you're in a canoe paddling straight down the river, travelling with the flow. You will cover maximum distance this way – and you might just find a low save thermal.

Once in it circle slightly to the upwind side of the centre. This is so you don't run the risk of falling out on the leeside, which means struggling against a strong headwind while trying to get in again.

Flying like this means playing seriously with the 'bomb out fire' but it does work: my lowest save in Quixada has been from 30m above the ground.

Photo: Felix Wölk