How to Forward Launch a Paraglider

Paragliding is one of the most exciting extreme sports around. To fly a paraglider, you use your body along with the paragliding equipment to launch into the wind. One of the first launches learned by paragliding enthusiasts is the forward launch. The forward launch is ideal for days when the wind is low.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Check the positioning of your paraglider. You should have laid it in a horseshoe pattern with the wings facing straight into the wind. When preparing to do a forward launch, your body needs to face forward.
2. Grab the brake and put the A riser in your arm. You are going to then reach under and back in order to place the A riser in your palm.
3. Pull risers. After you have correctly positioned the brake and A risers, you are going to pull on the risers. Then take a quick look behind you to make sure that everything is correctly positioned.
4. Take a half step back. When performing a forward launch, it is only necessary to take a small step back. You are then going to run as fast as you can with your hips pulling forward. You should launch with ease without the need of high winds.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you master the forward launch, you can move onto the reverse launch. This is a more difficult maneuver and requires that you rotate to a forward facing position.
• You should keep your palms open during a forward launch in order to prevent you from pulling on the equipment.