Paragliding Skills: Master the Forward Launch

Learn the forward launch. Take-off safely in light winds. Getting confident with the forward launch will make taking-off in light winds much less stressful so you can focus on what matters: that first thermal.

In this video:
- How to select the right place to launch
- How to avoid taking off with twisted brakes
- How to set up the wing
- The FOUR PHASES of the forward launch

The FOUR PHASES of the forward launch:
1. Cupping the Air
2. Inflation
3. Catching the wing
4. Rotating and Accelerating

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[SergeyProskurnya]

Probably, the best tutorial video for the forward launch I've seen.

[XC_Tom]

I'm a paragliding instructor from germany, it's interesting to see quite some differences.

[whitejtw]

Lol at 8:18 when you say "push onto the chest strap" then fly by with yours unbuckled. Sorry, really helpful video. I'm learning some exciting new things here, thank you.

[philipling]

This video is so informative for beginners. Clearly demonstrate every movement and explain the tips of launch. Thanks a lot Toby!

[jamest]

As I return to Paragliding I find myself re-learning all the basics again, much enjoyment in learning the basics!
This is one of the best Froward Launching Techniques, and modality that promotes a positive attitude and successful Launch.
It was of course the first launching technique that I learned when I started, however, it was never presented in such a manner as this.
Over the years I have notice students learning the Risers to the Shoulder technique, and prefer the Riser at the Shoulder technique, as it is more stable and sure way to successfully launch.
With myself as well, I became lazy with my launches, as I put too much trust in the Wing, and relied on the wing; to always correct the little errors, that comes along with over confidence when gaining experience.
Thanks for this great tutorial, and when I go kiting or flying, will be more attentive to the reminders of a simple launch, yet secure technique to get you going.

[neilhampson]

Just about to go and redo my PCP after 5 years. This time in sunny Bavaria and not rainy Wales! This video was a great reminder, not having been flying in five years.

[billcallahan]

Well done sir! What caught my attention was your emphasis on priority for wing center to ascend first! Thank you!

[conradobuhrer]

I trained a lot in a shallow coastal takeoff with nil wind. As well as the reverse launch with nil wind. Chances of landing in the trees with a bad takeoff are pretty big when you don't get it right.
One won't usually fly on such days at a coastal site, so it is a good day to train as there won't be many people there.
Take a buddy and have fun landing at the beach and getting an açaí after the exercise

[gbessone]

Man! i am doing a paragliding course now in real life with Russian teachers, and i don't speak russian so your videos are life saver! thank you so much!

[MaEtUgR]

Student from Switzerland here: Nice video, great insights. I definitely learned something! There's two for me important points not stressed enough:
- The visual check of the wing before committing to accelerate and leaving the point of no return behind. It gets out of focus as you statistically get more success with launches but stays as important for that one fail because of whatever unfortunate previously unnoticed circumstance.
- You can easily rush and go too fast. I myself usually rush(ed) forward launches having no hesitation in mind. But especially rushing at the initial inflation which is tempting for a beginner will make corrections, brake input and possible abortion so much more complicated because it requires quicker and more accurate timing. While if you get to appreciate to take your time to not only run but do a smooth slow to normal paced inflation you'll have it under better control and it gets so much easier.

[marklabelle]

Paramotor is my thing (22 flights), forward take offs are not on my “got it” list. Thanks for the video!! I appreciate it. Your description for lifting the wing was very helpful.

[scaryberrygroupie]

I was a like a dry sponge as I began watching this. Now I am completely saturated with knowledge. Learned a great deal from your video. The pointer to hold off on accelerating for a half a second to allow the wing to cup the air was like having an epiphany. You and your production crew are to be commended for your video here. Positively lovely. 💋💋💋

[Schuboxde]

Thanks for another great video Toby. I found it very interesting that you stress 'not' looking up to check the wing once it's overhead. Perhaps it's changed since I was a student but, standard practice in German schools used to be: release the As, quick brake, and then take a quick look up to ensure 'alles in ordnung'. I like your method better because, (especially for us old guys) in order to really see your wing, it's necessary to stand straight up and crane your head back and by the time you get back into a forward leaning run, things might be going wrong!

[garyjagodzinski]

What I found helped me was to keep the risers tight from the waist like you showed. but have your arms back instead of out to the sides, that makes less uneven or forward pull on one side or the other. Also tell the pilot to feel the pull on the waist carabiner once the glider is overhead so he knows which brake to pull and how much brake-just think to pull the high side down.

[SkidzFPV]

Looks like great information, I’m starting my first lesson in Santa Barbara in two days, couldn’t be more excited ive wanted to do this for 20 years

[MaxDubovsky]

It is a great video ! Thanks ! I will share it across friends. But I would like to add one very important moment. It is possible to look behind the shoulder(s) and visualy check the glider before launch. Because sometimes forward launch is performed with null wind or even slight backwind.

[fransknops]

Fully agree. I’ve seen too many strained ankles and turning the wrong way with reverse launches. I only reverse launch when there’s so much wind that I have to run towards the wing on launch. Two comments: I’ve got the same wing (Gin Explorer, fantastic wing btw), it likes to be pulled up by the inner A’s. However some wings (especially A and low B) like to be pulled up by all A risers. Just do some ground handling and you’ll find pretty quickly what works best. The other comment is a mistake I made in the beginning. Keep full tension on your risers between your hands and the carabiners; as in hold the A’s and try to pull up the harness. If you have slack here your wing loading will disappear as you let go of the risers.

[JerryPoe]

You are an excellent instructor that is very passionate about the safety of your sport. Great video!

[atmaneahdach]

Greetings from Morocco! Thank you very much, sir! This is very clear and helpful!

[timoatley]

Thanks for the video Toby, I have always done my best to avoid a forward launch in the past as I've never been confident with them and because they are generally not needed them in the UK. On a couple of occasions on trips abroad, I've not flown because the forward launch was the only option and I just wasn't confident enough with the takeoff due to lack of practice. I will be practicing over the winter to nail this so it's not an issue for me.