Paragliding is fantastic, but it can also be very frustrating. Flying cross country tests your skills to the limit, but when you make a wrong decision the learning stops (and the long walk/bus/hitch/donkey ride begins). If only I'd stayed up a bit longer, I'd have learned ... who knows how much more? In the spirit of sharing my experiences to accelerate your learning, here are the main things I picked up during the year.
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Safety notes regarding the Acro Base System harness have been issued by Supair. These notes relate to a possible lateral adjustment straps tear as well as BASE parachute release system and handle solidity checks. Download the safety notes for Adjustment straps tear and BASE release system & handle solidity checks.
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The closer you are to the terrain, the less time you have to react. Keep that in mind as we discuss ‘scratching’: it’s entirely your choice, and you can control how much danger you expose yourself to when cross country flying. You’ll see many experienced pilots flying really close to the terrain because it’s sometimes the only way to stay up, so let’s have a look at how to do it safely.
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I was excited when PHI released a lightweight version of the TENOR. The original wing (also a mid-B) has impressive performance, nippy handling and great passive safety. How does the new TENOR LIGHT compare to the full fat version? I flew it in the UK winter and then for 30 hours in Colombia in a wide spectrum of flying conditions whilst leading a cross country paragliding tour, which gave me a great opportunity to test the responses and compare it with other current wings. Is it any good? Let’s find out.
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The brakes offer a direct link to the paraglider. How you hold them affects your power, control and safety. In this article we discuss some options for your brake grab and demonstrate the best technique.
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The Lightness 3 is a lightweight pod harness for everyday XC. It builds on the success of the Lightness 2, with improved roll stability and back protection. The characteristic sleek shape with a taut speedbag has been retained and small elements have been refined to produce an outstanding package for regular pilots. Carlo and Nancy share their experience of the Lightness 3.
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Flying in light lift takes a lot of skill. It can take a long time to learn because every time you get it wrong you land, and the lesson is over. Here are some tips to help you soar for longer.
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The Skywalk ARAK is aimed at the centre of the large EN B pilot target market, mid-way between the ‘low B’ Tequila 5 and the ‘high B’ Chili 4. Nancy Elliott flew the ARAK M in the winter (UK) and in varied conditions in Tenerife, and shares her experience. Light but durable, agile but calm, simple but efficient. Did they get the balance right?
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The Supair SKYPPER 2 has everything else you’d expect from a top of the range harness: two reserve containers, thick 18cm back protection, generous storage pockets, a wide instrument cockpit and removable panel, and drogue chute pockets on both sides. It is a slightly different take on the competition harness that makes it more appealing to a broad range of experienced XC pilots.
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From the moment you arrive in Delhi or Amritsar the smells, sights, sounds and vibrations of India explode onto the senses. Far more than just another trip to a paragliding destination, a visit to the Himalayas takes you into a different world, one which will change you in unexpected ways. India is a vast sub-continent, an incredible fusion of culture, chaos and magic that cannot be described. It has to be experienced.
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