Paragliding – When it comes to paragliding, there’s something magical about floating in the air, feeling the wind beneath you as you navigate the skies. But let’s be real, it’s not all serene and effortless—control can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. Over the years, I’ve picked up some techniques that have dramatically improved my flight control, and I’m excited to share them with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot looking to refine your skills, these three techniques will help you get a better grip on your paraglider, giving you the confidence to soar.
The Top 3 Paragliding Techniques for Improved Flight Control
1. Weight Shifting for Precise Turns
Okay, let me start by saying this: weight shifting is hands-down one of the most powerful techniques in your paragliding toolkit. I’ll be honest—when I first started, I thought I could just yank on the brakes to make a tight turn. Wrong move! Over-controlling with the brakes can lead to stalling or worse, a spiral dive. Instead, learning to use weight shifting is a game-changer.
When you’re preparing to turn, shift your weight to the side you want to turn towards. This means leaning your body into the turn, rather than relying on the brakes to do all the work. Think about it like riding a bike—if you want to turn right, you lean right. The same concept applies here. You’re essentially guiding the glider with your body’s movement, allowing it to respond naturally.
I still remember the first time I nailed this. I was flying in moderate winds over a mountain range and trying to make a sharp left-hand turn. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with my body. I was pulling on the brakes way too much, trying to force the turn. But then I remembered what my instructor told me: “Don’t fight the wing; guide it.” So, I shifted my weight and just let the wing follow my body. The result? A smooth, controlled turn that didn’t cost me any altitude.
A key tip: Make sure to keep your weight shift gradual and controlled. Too much lean too quickly can cause the wing to tip and potentially lead to a collapse. Trust the process and let your body flow with the glider.
2. Brake Input for Subtle Adjustments
Another crucial skill for improving flight control is mastering the use of brake inputs—not too little, not too much. It’s easy to get frustrated when your paraglider doesn’t fly exactly how you want it to, especially in turbulent air. The trick is to learn how to make small, subtle brake adjustments rather than large, jerky movements. Trust me, I’ve been there, pulling the brakes too hard in panic mode. I ended up sinking like a rock or, worse, spiraling. Not fun.
The key here is understanding how your brake inputs affect the wing. A small pull on the inside brake will cause the wing to turn, while a slight pull on the outside brake can help you adjust your speed and maintain a balanced attitude. I’ve found that making very small corrections keeps the wing in a steady position, especially in turbulence. For example, when flying in rough air, I lightly pull the brakes to maintain level flight rather than trying to fight the wind. You don’t want to overdo it and risk stalling the wing.
A great tip I picked up from an experienced pilot was to always look at your glider’s trailing edge. If it’s fluttering or uneven, that’s a sign you’re pulling too hard on the brakes. Instead, try lightening your grip and allowing the wing to regain its stability. This technique has helped me a lot when dealing with changing wind conditions.
3. Understanding and Using the “Big Ears” Maneuver
Okay, this is where things get a little more advanced, but trust me, learning how to execute the “Big Ears” maneuver is a real game-changer for flight control. For those unfamiliar, “Big Ears” is a technique used to reduce altitude quickly and regain control in turbulent conditions or when you need to avoid a dangerous situation. Essentially, it involves collapsing both of the wing’s tips (ear sections), making the glider more compact and stable.
I remember the first time I tried Big Ears during a cross-country flight. The winds picked up unexpectedly, and I was getting tossed around. My heart was pounding as I realized I needed to descend quickly but didn’t want to risk losing control. My instructor had drilled Big Ears into me, so I took a deep breath, pulled both brake handles evenly, and watched as the wing’s tips folded in. It was like the paraglider transformed into a completely different beast—much more stable and controlled, despite the turbulence.
Here’s a crucial tip: Always practice Big Ears in calm conditions before attempting it in challenging weather. The technique can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with it, but once you understand how it feels, it becomes an essential tool in your flight control arsenal. Don’t forget to gradually release the brakes once you’ve descended enough to return to normal flight.
One thing to note is that while Big Ears is great for controlled descents, you don’t want to use it in extreme turbulence. It’s designed for moderate air and situations where you need to stay calm and descend without putting yourself at risk.
Final Thoughts
Improving flight control in paragliding isn’t about being perfect. It’s about understanding the nuances of your wing, learning to trust your instincts, and refining your skills through practice. These three techniques—weight shifting, subtle brake inputs, and the Big Ears maneuver—have been absolutely crucial for me as I’ve worked to become a more confident and capable pilot. But remember, no matter how many techniques you learn, experience is the best teacher.
So, the next time you’re up in the air, take a deep breath, relax your grip, and trust your glider. There’s a lot of room to grow, but with time and practice, you’ll gain the control you need to enjoy the freedom of flight with confidence. Happy flying!
