What could be more crucial to your safety than a rescue parachute? During your paragliding outings, and throughout your paragliding career, your parachute will follow you like a shadow, to keep you safe in case things don't go according to plan. Stability, sink rate and shape are all factors that will influence your choice. You'll also need to make sure you carry out regular maintenance on your rescue parachute to ensure it's in good working order.
If you'd like to find out more about paragliding, take a look at our Paragliding Guide.
Choosing a paragliding rescue parachute starts with the question of its weight, or total weight in flight rating. It goes without saying that there are several sizes of rescue parachute to choose from, depending on the size of the pilot. The aim is to ensure that the airbrake is adapted to allow a reasonable sink rate when the pilot hits the ground. It's important to understand that when you're suspended under the reserve parachute, you're doing nothing more or less than falling from the sky. So the greater the braking surface of your parachute, the more it will slow your fall. It's therefore essential to choose a rescue parachute that's adapted to your weight, to ensure vital reduction in fall speed in the event of a flight mishap. For guidance, manufacturers generally indicate the Maximum Total Flying Weight (MTFW) supported by the different sizes of reserve. Don't forget to include the weight of your equipment in your calculation!
Originally, all rescue parachutes were round. Over time, however, these essential safety devices have been greatly improved, and other shapes have gradually appeared on the market.
The two main characteristics of a rescue parachute are fall rate and stability. While a round parachute in itself guarantees good safety, square, triangular or Rogallo-shaped parachutes offer greater stability. This stability avoids large pendulum movements that could be dangerous on impact with the ground.
In terms of price, round parachutes are often more expensive than square or triangular ones, but the differences are tending to narrow over time. This is partly due to the popularity of the new square/plane models, which are becoming increasingly common on the paragliding market.
For some paraglider pilots (especially those practicing Hike & Fly), the weight of rescue parachutes is nowadays mostly between 1 and 2 kilos. Some fall below 1 kilo, but these parachutes are suitable for light people weighing less than 75 kilos (bare weight), generally with a maximum Takeoff Weight of 85.
A rescue parachute should never be bought on its own. In fact, it cannot be used as is, unless you already have all the necessary equipment.
In addition to the main component, you'll need quick links, or carabiners, and risers to use your parachute properly. These are the devices that will connect the parachute to your harness.
If necessary, you may need a rescue bag or rescue container. This is usually the case with lightweight harnesses, as most of them don't come with an integrated rescue container.
Few people realize that paraglider rescue parachutes are also suitable as paramotor rescue parachutes. You'll need to make sure, however, that the total weight of the pilot and his paramotor equipment is well supported by the size of the chosen rescue.
Finally, when it comes to maintaining your paragliding equipment, in addition to servicing your gliders, you can air and repack your rescue parachute.
If possible, we recommend regular annual maintenance, including a visual check of the fabric and lines, as well as refolding the paragliding rescue parachute.
Finally, it's important to know that once a rescue parachute has been opened, it requires special packing before being replaced in its pod. Manufacturers usually provide instructions or videos on their websites to make this task easier, but it can be difficult to master.
Beware: a badly packed rescue parachute may no longer play its role in the event of an in-flight incident. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, Air et Aventure offers you the option of packing your rescue as an additional service.This is carried out by paragliding professionals.
We can also check your rescue parachute. Don't hesitate to contact us!
At Air et Aventure, our online paragliding store offers a wide range of rescue parachute brands and models.These include SKYWALK's well-known Tapa X-Alps, GIN's Yéti Cross and NIVIUK's unmistakable Octagon 2.
Air et Aventure offers attractive prices all year round, often enabling you to buy your rescue parachute at the best price on the market.What's more, our team regularly comes up with exceptional offers, so stay tuned!
Our online paragliding shop makes it easy for you to order your paragliding rescue parachute in just a few clicks. To do so, go to the rescue parachute section, where you'll be able to filter by the shape of your reserve's fabric, or by the weight of the reserve, such as ultralight. If you already have your model in mind, you can also carry out a quick search via our search box in the top menu.
Please note that when choosing your rescue parachute, to ensure your safety, we recommend that you choose a model adapted to the rescue pocket of your paragliding harness. Finally, let us guide you through the various steps involved in buying your rescue parachute.You'll be able to choose your delivery method (in-store, point relais, home delivery or Chronopost).
We also offer a range of payment options (credit card, cheque or bank transfer). You can even pay in 3 or 4 instalments via Alma.
Advice and after-sales serviceGet top technical advice on choosing your paragliding rescue by phone or e-mail.With over 10 years' experience in paragliding, our advisers and paragliding instructors will be able to provide you with their knowledge of piloting, as well as perfecting your handling of the rescue release. Our advisors are available during store opening hours (8.30am - 12.30pm / 1.30pm - 5.45pm) to answer any questions you may have.
And if you have any problems with your rescue parachute, don't hesitate to contact us.Our after-sales service will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
As soon as we receive your order, we start preparing it as quickly as possible. In general, your order is prepared the same day or the day after we receive it (excluding weekends, public holidays and exceptional periods).It is then entrusted to La Poste or Chronopost for rapid delivery.
This usually takes 3 to 4 days.
Please note that rescue parachutes are personal protective equipment (PPE). In accordance with current legislation and the FFVL, Air et Aventure cannot accept any returns. In fact, it is impossible for us to certify that the fabric or components have been handled properly, or if they have undergone any transformations, for example. Our company could therefore be held liable in the event of resale and future in-flight incidents.
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