It needs little explanation that learning how to launch a paraglider successfully is a critical step which beginners must master. A staggering 40% of accidents occur during take-off! With many take-offs occurring from a cliff or other type of sudden drop-off, there’s often little room for things to go wrong. Ideally, paragliders should take off in an action which mirrors an aircraft. There should be no jack-rabbiting or hopping style launches, however this is something which you often see.
Paragliders take off once they’ve reached a certain level of airspeed or lift over the wing’s surface has been achieved. The wing creates a force perpendicular to the air which flows over it, and also against the forces of drag. The wing is designed to leverage lift by deflecting air from the top of the wing towards the center and airflow on the bottom of the wing towards the far edges. Together these forces create lift.
There are three main forms of launch, the forward launch, reverse launch and a towed launch.
The Forward Launch
The forward launch involved the pilots wing being spread out on the ground with the pilot running forward. This is done in an airstream, often on higher ground. Some pilots prefer this as they only have to run forward, and get the thrill of takeoff. However the disadvantage of this is that the wing is behind you, making it harder to check for that the wing is inflating correctly and that the lines are not tangling.
To perform a forward launch successfully, pilots must fully load the wing with air and take off with the wing perfectly overhead. This can be achieved by performing the run-up in a gradual and smooth manner to avoid sudden inertia which could swing the wing too far forward or backwards. Pilots should resist the urge to launch until the wing is fully loaded with air, as a partially inflated wing is significantly more likely to deflate and lose control.
Pilots using a forward launch should also remember to launch directly into the wind. Running at an angle to the wind can cause the wing to be pulled to the side causing an unstable launch and partially losing inflation of the wing.
The Reverse Launch
In strong winds, particularly at high altitudes, a pilot may choose a reverse launch. A run-up isn’t required and the pilot can also watch the wing and lines as they leave the ground. However, skill is required to execute this launch successfully, requiring the pilot to hold the brakes, turn to the side and avoid tangling the lines. You may wish to use the brake a little to ensure the wing doesn’t swing too far in front when it lifts off the ground. Like the forward launch, it’s important to take off with the wing perfectly overhead and fully loaded. When the wing is almost overhead, it’s time to turn and face forward.
The reverse launch is often more difficult to master, and takes time to learn how much force to use to elevate the wing and keep sufficient tension on the lines. However, pilots gain a great deal of satisfaction from mastering this launch. Often, depending on the conditions pilots paraglide in, it becomes their most common form of take off.
The Towed Launch
A towed launch can involve the aid of a stationary object such as a winch, car or boat. This can make it easier to paraglide from flat ground where airstreams and thermals are not easily accessible. This is often used in beginner training or for those wishing to take off from a boat with ease so they can enjoy some nice water scenery.
Best Places to Learn How to Take Off Safely
You may see pilots taking off from a cliff-face, however this probably wasn’t where they learnt how to launch, and it shouldn’t be where you learn either! Like snowboarders learning on the “bunny slopes”, paraglider pilots also start launching on gentle slopes with little obstacles such as trees, roads or buildings.
When moving on to intermediate paragliding locations, it’s a good idea to pick those with a ‘bombout’, particularly one which is visible from the launching area. These have been to known to save many pilots, and not just the newbies.
Final Tips for Take-Off Triumph
- If you’re learning how to take-off, make sure you’re using a wing that manage comfortably. For most this means starting off in an EN-A certified paraglider wing which is easier to control and in the event that things don’t go well, it’s easier to regain control. Avoid the temptation of borrowing an experienced friend’s wing or buying something too fancy for your experience level.
- Get comfortable using your body. Avoid excessive braking by making minor corrections through shifting body weight, particularly the shoulders, ever so slightly, centering your body under the wing.
- Practice for an effortless transition into your harness. This can be done by using your body, particularly the biceps and forearms by pressing them against your risers during your launch and pressing your buttocks against the harness. Rocking to get properly into the harness is likely to create uneven loading on your paraglider.
- Focus – don’t rush and don’t get distracted. Take each launch seriously!
If you’re keen to get into paragliding, view our paragliding locations guides. It’s time to get some airtime!
