WHICH PARAGLIDER TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR LEVEL ?
BEGIN PARAGLIDING WITH AN EN A PARAGLIDER
For beginners to free flight and paragliding, it's essential to choose a glider suited to your skill level. EN A gliders are specially designed for novice pilots, offering increased stability and ease of piloting. These gliders have a moderate glide ratio and smooth flight characteristics, making them perfect for learning the basics of paragliding in complete safety.
In addition, EN A gliders offer a high tolerance of pilot error, allowing beginners to gradually familiarize themselves with the control of their glider. These gliders generally react slowly to the controls, avoiding sudden movements and unforeseen situations that could be difficult for a beginner pilot to handle.
PROGRESSING TO PARAGLIDING WITH AN EN B GLIDER
Once pilots have gained sufficient experience and confidence in flight, they can switch to an EN B paraglider. These gliders offer a good balance between stability and performance, making them ideal for intermediate pilots looking to continue progressing in their flying.
EN B gliders generally have better glide and speed than EN A gliders, enabling pilots to achieve more ambitious cross-country flights and fly in a wider range of weather conditions. However, they also require a certain mastery of piloting skills, as they can react more quickly to commands than EN A gliders.
PERFORM IN PARAGLIDING WITH EN C/D and CCC GLIDERS
For experienced pilots looking for performance of a certain caliber, EN C, D and CCC gliders are the ideal choice.
These gliders are designed to offer enhanced handling and responsiveness, making them suitable for advanced pilots looking to push their limits in flight.EN C category gliders offer an optimum combination of performance and stability, making them popular with cross-country pilots looking for long-distance flights. However, their passive safety remains relatively attractive. This makes for a healthier wing behavior than D or CCC gliders.
EN D-approved wings are even more efficient than C-rated wings. However, we are starting to see wings that require very good pilots under the wing, as performance is the main criterion for these wings. This implies better glide ratio, and compared to EN C wings, better accelerated glide ratio. As a result, pilots are bound to fly at high speeds and low angles of incidence. In the event of a flight incident, the wing's reactions will be sharper, and the pilot will need to know how to manage his bulk. These are the kind of wings we typically see in competition and on very long-distance flights, as they enable us to fly fast and far.
CCC paragliders are designed for expert pilots who practice paragliding and competition at a high level. They are designed to be extremely powerful and responsive, but they also require a high level of piloting skill to be used to their full potential in complete safety.
PARAGLIDING FOR TWO WITH A TANDEM GLIDER
For those wishing to share the magical experience of paragliding with a passenger, tandem gliders are the ideal solution.
It's important, however, that the pilot at the controls is experienced, so as to be fully aware of the risks involved.
These gliders offer great stability and a high load capacity, enabling passengers to enjoy a safe and comfortable flight.Tandem gliders are used for first flights or for pilots whose weight exceeds 110/120 kilos.
DISCOVER HIKE AND FLY WITH A MOUNTAIN GLIDER
Mountain gliders are specially designed for pilots who love to hike and fly.
These paragliders are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry when hiking in the mountains.
Mountain gliders are generally EN A or EN B gliders, offering good stability and handling for mountain flying. They are ideal for pilots who like to explore new flying sites in beautiful mountain environments.
OPT FOR THRILLS AND SPILLS WITH A SPEED RIDING GLIDER
Speed riding is an exciting discipline that combines paragliding with skiing.
Speed riding gliders are specially designed for fast, dynamic flights on snow-covered slopes.
These gliders are generally compact and responsive, offering exceptional maneuverability for fast descents and tight turns. Speed riding is an activity reserved for experienced pilots, as it requires advanced mastery of paragliding and skiing.
Speed riding is also available in a Speed Flying version. This is exactly the same type of flight as Speed Flying, except that take-off and landing are on foot. In this case, there's no need for snow. Adrenalin guaranteed!
TO CONCLUDE ON HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PARAGLIDER ACCORDING TO YOUR LEVEL :
Choosing the right glider for paragliding according to your skill level is essential to guarantee a safe and enjoyable flight.
EN A gliders are ideal for beginners, offering stability and ease of piloting. EN B gliders are for intermediate pilots looking to progress, while EN C, D and CCC gliders offer top performance for advanced pilots.
For tandem flights, two-seater gliders are perfect for sharing the paragliding experience with a passenger. For touring pilots, mountain canopies offer an excellent solution, while speed riding canopies provide thrills for experienced pilots.
Whatever your level or flying preferences, it's essential to consult a paragliding professional for personalized advice before making your choice. By following this advice and choosing a glider suited to your level, you'll be able to enjoy the magical experience of paragliding in complete safety and with optimum performance. Enjoy your flight !
DISCOVER OUR ONLINE GUIDE TO PARAGLIDER WINGS :
Paragliding gliders: choosing the right flight equipment
Paragliding : discover all types of wings and their uses
How to choose your paraglider : Selection criteria
Paraglider comparison: finding the best equipment
Which EN A paraglider to choose ?
Which EN B paraglider to choose ?
How much does a paraglider cost ? Criteria influencing price