What is the best way to change the direction of canopy flight while conserving the most altitude?

Braked turns are the best method for changing the direction of canopy flight while conserving the most altitude. When a skydiver makes a braked turn, they apply brakes to the canopy, which causes it to slow down slightly and change direction more smoothly compared to other turning techniques. This method allows for a controlled descent and maintains more lift as the canopy angles into the turn.

These turns also generate less drag and turbulence compared to sharp turns or full-stall turns, which can result in significant altitude loss. Sharp turns can cause the canopy to lose lift rapidly due to the increased angle of attack and the abruptness of the maneuver, while full-stall turns can result in an unintended descent or loss of control entirely. Slight turns, while they do conserve more altitude than the sharper methods, do not provide the same level of directional change in a timely manner that braked turns offer.

Thus, braked turns strike the right balance between changing direction effectively and minimizing altitude loss, making them the preferred choice amongst experienced jumpers for tactical navigation during canopy flight.