Paragliding Skills: Master Strong Wind Launching

Without the right skills, launching in strong winds can be scary and even dangerous!!

How to master strong wind paragliding launches:
- How to stay safe whilst preparing to take off
- How to avoid common launch mistakes
- The FIVE phases of a perfect reverse launch
- FOUR Advanced Take Off Techniques

Check out the Passion Paragliding website for:
- Beginner Paraglider Courses
- Best Trips at THE best time of year
- SIV Training
- XC Training
- Professional Equipment Advice

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[sailor-rick]

Another new subscriber. This is a great instructional video. It's too advanced for me... for now, but I will keep watching your videos because some of this knowledge may seep into my leaky brain and stay. I'm still 40 pounds (3 stone?) too fat to try flying. Until then I am going to practice ground handling on a too small wing. Since I will be kiting for about a year, do you think it unwise to buy a higher performance wing-- say a hot EN-B wing-- to start. Or should I just go with the A wing. I am a patient guy, but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew (sorry for the platitude).


Thanks for the videos.

[KlingbergWingMkII]

Having been a pilot for nearly 50 years and having flown all types of aircraft (including hang and paragliders) I can, with high confidence, say that the best method for handling high wind conditions is to pack up your wing and go to a bar. You can always fly another day, if you live to see it!

[CitadelPhotography]

Holding the As and Cs is much better for high wind launching than relying on brakes. I tried the brakes only method on my first high wind launch and felt extremely ill equipped. As and Cs helps tremendously with building a wall in high wind and keeping it pinned to the ground. Then you already have the Cs in your hands if you need to fully kill the wing. Looping the brakes over your hands lets you hold the Cs while also having quick access to the brakes. This is better correct?

[robinhoughton]

Great video. Thanks for the tip on mushrooming, I have never heard the fix of taking in the C's/d's and have had the problem of the leading edge catching the wind. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[AI_Studio_]

Soaring like a bird, embracing the sky! I love this paragliding video—two thumbs up! 🪂👍👍

[NelsonsWings]

Some great tips in this video, for example the one about getting more rear-risers in hand when balling up the wing, and to carefully loop the lines out when stepping away from the ball.
Where we fly in the USA desert South West, relying on brakes to keep the wing on the ground or kill it is a recipe for being plucked and/or dragged. Before stepping away from the balled-up wing, after getting the brakes in hand, the next step is to get the C's one hand and then the A's in the other - yes, the Mitsos technique. Glad you went into detail on that! If the wind is anything above 15 Mph, brakes will just lift the pilot off the ground as the wing come up - many of our launches don't allow for a lot of running under the wing to control the energy. Plenty of force on the C's will not only moderate the inflation, it's the only reliable way to kill the wing if it gets away. Only after the wing is overhead and stable will I let go of the brakes - either to turn, or to control the wing if I am already flying with my back to the wind. If, after I have turned and I'm getting lifted back and am unable to move forward, pulling on the C's will keep my feet planted.

[FaisalKhan-jgkg]

Thanks, One of the best videos on take offs, as well as aguergor at its best

[susankent]

I've taken several trips with Toby. When Covid is over, I highly recommend his tours. I heard his SIV is good as well. He is very patient and an excellent tour guide and pilot.

[daniilfyodorov]

Clear and technical training video! Want to see the second part: launch with the a+с lines, and only two central A'-lines, and others methods. And will see the methods of how to landed the wing in a strong wind - is also very important.

[ChristianSchebitz]

So great how your show us what to do! Thx!

[azukichiromaro]

This is the greatest video I have ever seen for rising up a glider. Thank you very much

[CitadelPhotography]

As low airtime P2 I loved this. Although explaining which way to turn your hips when controlling roll would have been good to hear. I hope you have a whole video on the cobra launch. That will be a fun skill to practice

[kushalkumar]

Very informative video for me I struggle some time for windy launch

[matteomancuso]

Those launch demos are so impressively clean! You make it look easy! Massive congratulations ! 👏
And now I know that I need to go train a lot more! 😅

[cihanemre]

Hi! this is the best launching video which gives really valuable information and tips! I've just looked at other videos.. well, I expect you to load more videos which may give really good understanding such about SIV, Soaring, XC, meterology etc.. I will be following you always!

[nickluck]

Excellent video - really clear and well explained - and worth watching several times! Many thanks!

[clivedavis]

Thanks Toby. Great advice. Well done to the camera man Kieran

[THESkiViking]

I like this video. I've learned these techniques and demonstrated them flawlessly about 4 years ago. I've since forgotten some as I primarily fly paramotor. Thank you for the tips for strong winds. I needed that.

[SkyLoveForever]

Excellent video. Watched it several times already. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[svetre]

Great video. Hurts to look at the wing and the rocky environment