XC Secrets Archives - Page 3 of 7

Flybubble Nancy making the most of sea thermals on a paraglider high above Beachy Head.

Making the most of sea thermals on a paraglider or hang glider

Thermals over the sea? How can it be? UK winter flying can be surprisingly good. We explain how to identify a good day for sea thermals, where to look for them, and what to do with them once you find them.

XC Secrets: Leeside thermals

What do you see? Analyze the snapshot above yourself, before scrolling down for the answers.

XC Secrets: Choosing a line

What do you see? Analyze the snapshot above yourself, before scrolling down for the answers.

XC Secrets: Coastal cloud puzzle

What do you see? Analyze the snapshot above thoroughly before scrolling down for the answers.

Catching the Drift: Thermals and Wind

Holding on to a drifting thermal can be very challenging, but improving this skill can yield exponential gains in airtime. Due to their buoyancy, thermals want to rise straight up. At some point the prevailing wind will overcome this inertia and tilt the thermal column. The winds at different altitudes can vary in direction and strength. The thermals therefore follow a wandering tilted trajectory as they rise, which can be difficult to map in three dimensions.

Light wind freedom on a paraglider (or hang glider)

Flybubble's Carlo Borsattino offers some tips for flying well on a paraglider (or hang glider) on light wind days.

XC Secrets: How To Fly XC (On A Paraglider)

Cross country (XC) flying is inspiring and adventurous. In its simplest form, you fly from one place to another. Because it’s so exciting when you achieve the impossible, it can be incredibly frustrating when you don’t. Why can I never leave the hill? you might wonder.

XC flying is an advanced skill, and it requires a broad foundation of training and practice to be able to do it consistently.

How To Fly Cross Country

You don't need a high-performance hotship. You don't need to take crazy risks. You just need commitment, a little faith, and a wing you trust.

And some of these tips >

XPYR 2016 Flybubble Team report

The XPYR is a race along the length of the Pyrenees mountains, which divide Spain and France. It alternates with the RedBull X-Alps race for the title of toughest paragliding event of the year. Contestants must carry their paraglider (or fly with it). The course is 480 km, the race starts at 05:30 and ends at 22:30 every day, and lasts about a week. Flybubble Team Pilot Greg Hamerton supported by James Hope Lang competed in the 2016 edition.

Bornes To Fly 2016

A tactical review from the midfield by Greg Hamerton: I don't like jogging. My normal day involves 10 hours or so of sitting at a PC, interrupted by exciting moments of coffee and chocolate. Occasionally, if the weather's good, I'll go flying instead. So to even consider something like the Bornes To Fly, I knew I needed some body-conditioning. Then there was the unavoidable fact that my name appears on the XPYR entry list for July, along with Maurer, Durogati and Coconea.