Launching and Flight Basics
PARAGLIDING LESSON PREPARATIONS – How to check in for a lesson, including what to wear and bring.
LEARNING WINGLISH – A fun story imparting how to feel and connect your senses to your paragliding wing. Feel of the wing is translated to the word Winglish.
LIFTING THE PARAGLIDER WING – For A / Brake launches, how to use the hands to help the paraglider ascend, overhead, to a centered position.
KITING A PARAGLIDER – Detailed instructions on kiting methods. 3 videos to help you get there. This is the most important article to read and watch videos from before a kiting lesson
5 KEYS TO KITING PARAGLIDERS – Although it seems like 1000 + things to do for kiting, there are just 5 things that combine to make kiting good.
A/C LAUNCH METHOD FOR PARAGLIDERS – Safety and quick aborts, less “launched” (popped into the air) launches and more benefits from the A/C launch method.
RADIOS FOR SAFETY WHILE PARAGLIDING – Having radio communication during paragliding activities is good for safety, communication and reconnaissance.
REVERSE CONNECTION TO YOUR PARAGLIDER – Reverse connection to a paraglider needs a repeatable system and checks for proper connection. This is a system.
CONNECTION CHECK SYSTEM HHRB W/CCLEWS – Sytem for checking correct connection to the Paraglider.
FORWARD PARAGLIDING LAUNCHES – The easiest launch method for forward launches of a paraglider.
TORPEDO PARAGLIDING LAUNCH– Used for the running and incorporated into basic forward launches, this position helps pilots launch with power and speed.
FIRST TURNS IN A PARAGLIDER – How to turn a paraglider with weight shift and brakes. Also, how to avoid Pilot Induced Oscillations (swinging that results from incorrect timing and trying to fix this with the brakes)
GETTING PLUCKED – How to handle being pulled into the air while still facing the glider.
PREFLIGHT YOUR PARAGLIDER – How to inspect your paraglider and ensure it is airworthy prior to flying.
ACCORDION FOLDING YOUR PARAGLIDER – Folding accordion style and placing into a sausage or concertina bag is both better for the wing and more space efficient. Detailed technique with a nice video detailing a couple different methods for this.
PITCH CONTROL AND ABORTS WHEN LAUNCHING A PARAGLIDER– How to keep the wing in the stable zone (not too far back or forward) during launches. Also, when and how to quickly abort when things make this a priority.