diff --git a/examples/show_swept.py b/examples/show_swept.py
index 25212c14c..5139c7036 100644
--- a/examples/show_swept.py
+++ b/examples/show_swept.py
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@
 
     # user can  define the normal vector of the cross section, in case
     # the cross section is not planar in the x-y plane (default)
-    cs_nv = np.array([0, 1, 1])
+    cs_nv = np.array([0, 0, 1])
 
     ### SWEEP ###
     swept_surface = splinepy.helpme.create.swept(
diff --git a/splinepy/helpme/create.py b/splinepy/helpme/create.py
index c3131bee1..e08b6d50b 100644
--- a/splinepy/helpme/create.py
+++ b/splinepy/helpme/create.py
@@ -366,6 +366,8 @@ def swept(
     # setting default value for cross_section_normal
     if cross_section_normal is None:
         cross_section_normal = _np.array([0, 0, 1])
+        # add debug message
+        _log.debug("No cross section normal given. Defaulting to [0, 0, 1].")
 
     # make copies so we can work on it inplace
     trajectory = trajectory.create.embedded(3)