Paragliding 101 Ways to Fly Better

The essential book to progress in paragliding

Paragliding 101 Ways to Fly Better is a must-read guide for anyone looking to improve their skills in paragliding, from beginners to experienced pilots. Packed with practical advice and expert insight, it covers every key aspect of free flight to help you become a safer, more confident, and more capable pilot.

Choosing Equipment

Learn how to select the right glider, choose the correct size, and recognize when it’s time to step up to the next level. The book also provides guidance on maintaining and caring for your equipment.

Fundamentals

Master the core skills: handling challenging launches, active flying, pitch control, rear-riser steering, effective speedbar use, top-landing, and developing your own flying style.

Thermals & Thermalling

Understand the cumulus cycle, anticipate where thermals are likely to form, improve your climbing technique, and confidently reach cloudbase.

XC Masterclass

Enhance your cross-country flying by learning to read the sky ahead, navigate airspace correctly, use technology to extend your flights, apply real-world speed-to-fly strategies, and fly efficiently in mountainous terrain.

Flatland Flying

Develop advanced lift-mapping skills, follow cloud streets, interpret flatland weather patterns, and turn low saves into successful recoveries.

Mountain Flying

Assess wind conditions in mountainous environments, choose the right line, manage lee-side flying, complete your first 100 km mountain flight, and explore hike-and-fly and vol-bivouac adventures.

SIV & Reserve

Discover when and why to take your first SIV course, learn the four key SIV fundamentals, train independently, progress toward acro, and understand how to manage a reserve deployment.

Safety

Build a strong safety mindset, learn how to fly with a buddy system, avoid common accidents, and follow a step-by-step approach to handling in-flight emergencies.

Headspace

Use sports psychology techniques to strengthen mental resilience, manage fear, build trust, apply mental anchors, and set meaningful goals for long-term progress.

With professional pilots Bruce Goldsmith, Théo de Blic, and Greg Hamerton leading the way, the book also includes contributions from top pilots worldwide. Featuring hundreds of illustrations and photographs that bring technical concepts to life, it is fully up to date and provides everything you need to progress safely in the sport—from your first wing to flying high-performance two-line EN C gliders.