A Figure 8 approach is the most common approach pattern for Paragliders. The figure 8s are done to adjust out extra height in the landing approach downwind of the spot. The goal is to hold the pattern until the height is right to turn upwind toward the landing target at the appropriate altitude for the final glide. The turns in the 8s are always started into the wind.

The Figure 8 size, location and how far from the spot vary based on wind speed and specifics in regards to the landing area. In moderate to stronger winds (5 - 12 mph), the figure 8 pattern is easier to do because the turns will be less than 180 degrees. In fact, the turns might be as little as 90 degrees in winds near 10 mph. This is because of the the effect of crabbing and the resultant direction in relation to the ground.

The below image depicts a Figure 8 Approach for a day with about 5 mph wind at Ed Levin Park. To have success in this approach, the pilot would need to be around tree-top level as he or she turns out of the figure 8 pattern into the outer circle / final approach area. In lighter winds or 0 wind, you would need to be just below tree-top level. In winds up around 10 MPH, it would be better to be 10 to 20 ft above the top of the corner tree as you cross the outer circle.

The Figure 8s should be done directly downwind of the Target landing spot. Imagine a pie slice directly downwind of the target spot and do the figure 8s in this. Make sure that there is always enough room to complete the turns without getting closer than about 40+ feet of the trees.

Do the Figure 8s in a zone downwind of the spot.
At Ed Levin, you need some imagination to de-reference
the corner tree for the correct height.

The most important part of the approach is making the adjustments prior to turning onto final as you cross the Outer Circle. The target height is best to include a little extra height to adjust out via speed or some "S" turns during the final. It is crucial that the you don't just do S turns instead of Figure 8s. If you do, you will move into the Outer Circle too high, we call this crowding your approach. This is because you will be too close to the spot and this severely limits your safer options for the final approach.

Once you break out of the figure 8 pattern, you then need to continuously monitor and adjust your glide. This means looking to see if you are crossing the outer circle at the correct altitude. If you turn toward the outer circle and realize after doing so that you are going to be higher than you want, add turn or two to adjust out on the way to the outer circle. After crossing the outer circle, you can then make final adjustments. All of these adjustments need to be made as high above the ground as possible. The last 25 - 30' of altitude should have only minor turns (less than 20 - 30 degrees, sharper turns lose altitude and this is very dangerous near the ground).