Ready to Fly: Explore the Diverse Disciplines of Paragliding

Although Paragliding is one adventure sport, this branches into numerous disciplines, each appealing to different interests and skill levels. Here's a more comprehensive look at the different types of paragliding:

Recreational / Local Site Flying

This is the entry point for most Leisure Paragliders. It involves launching from a familiar site, flying for a relatively short duration (minutes to an hour or two), and landing back at a designated area, often near the launch. The focus is on enjoying the scenery, practising basic skills, and simply being airborne in calm conditions.

Typically uses EN-A or EN-B class wings (designed for stability and passive safety).
Flights are often within visual range of launch/landing.
Great for building airtime and foundational piloting skills.
It can involve gentle ridge soaring or catching small, predictable thermals near the site.

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Thermal Flying

This is the "engine" of most prolonged paragliding flights. Pilots actively seek out and ascend within columns of rising warm air (thermals) to gain significant altitude. This allows them to stay in the air much longer than a simple glide down.

Requires a strong understanding of micrometeorology (how the sun heats the ground, wind effects, cloud formation).
Pilots learn to "core" thermals by circling efficiently within the rising air.
Essential skill for Cross-Country flying.
Can be practised on various wing classes such as an EN B or C, with more advanced wings offering better climb rates and efficiency.

Soaring (Dynamic Soaring / Ridge Soaring)

This discipline harnesses the lift created when wind flows over an obstacle like a hill, mountain ridge, or coastal cliff and is forced upwards.

Pilots fly along this "dynamic lift band," maintaining or gaining altitude without the need for thermals.

Ideal for consistent wind conditions, often found on coastlines or long mountain ridges.
Requires precise wing control to stay within the narrow band of lift, often close to terrain.
It can be practised on a wide range of wings, from beginner-friendly to specialised high-performance gliders.

Cross-Country (XC) Flying

The ultimate goal for many experienced pilots, XC flying involves covering long distances (tens to hundreds of kilometres) away from the launch site.

Pilots link together thermals and periods of gliding to traverse the landscape.

Demands advanced meteorological knowledge, navigation skills (using GPS and maps), and strategic decision-making.
Requires the ability to find and efficiently core thermals, as well as optimise glide between lift sources.
Often involves higher-performance EN-B, EN-C, or EN-D wings, which offer better glide ratios and speed.
Often forms the basis for Competitive Flying, but can also be purely recreational Leisure Flying.

Hike & Fly

This blends mountaineering or hiking with paragliding. Pilots trek into remote areas, often carrying lightweight paragliding gear, to launch from otherwise inaccessible peaks and fly down.

Emphasises lightweight gear (ultra-light wings and harnesses).
Requires strong physical fitness, wilderness navigation, and self-sufficiency skills.
Offers unique access to remote and stunning landscapes.
Can be combined with XC (cross-country) flying for true wilderness adventures
Find out how Hike and Fly originated

Tandem Paragliding

A commercial activity where a certified tandem instructor flies with a passenger on a large, specially designed paraglider. The passenger sits in front, enjoying the views and the sensation of flight without needing any prior experience.

Often, the first exposure to paragliding is for many people.
The instructor controls all aspects of the flight.
Ideal for tourism and experiencing the sport safely.
We can cover Tandem Paragliding.

Competitive Flying

This discipline focuses on organised Paragliding Competitions where pilots complete specific tasks designed to test their skills in speed, distance, or precision.

While often based on XC (cross country) flying, it can also involve dedicated precision landing (Accuracy) competitions.

Pilots compete to complete predefined tasks, such as flying to specific "turnpoints" and returning to the goal as quickly as possible (race to goal), or flying the furthest distance within a time limit (open distance).
Requires a high level of tactical decision-making, strategic route planning, advanced thermal flying skills, and precise navigation.
Often uses high-performance (EN-D, CCC/Competition Class) wings designed for maximum speed and glide, requiring advanced piloting skills.
Competitions range from local club events to national championships and international World Cups, culminating in the Paragliding World Championships.
Find out more about European Paragliding competitions in 2025

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Paramotoring / Powered Paragliding (PPG)

Paramotoring involves attaching a small engine with a propeller (a "motor") to the pilot's back, allowing them to take off from flat ground without needing a hill or thermals.

Provides independent power, offering flexibility in launch sites and flight duration.
Allows for sustained flight at lower altitudes and in still air.
Considered a separate aviation discipline by many, with its specific regulations and training.
Can be foot-launched or wheeled (trike/quad).

Speedflying / Speedriding

While distinct from paragliding, these disciplines utilise very small, fast, and highly dynamic wings that are miniaturised versions of paragliders.

Speedflying: Involves very fast, often low-level flights close to terrain, sometimes launching by "skiing**" off a steep slope. The focus is on high-speed descent and precise control.
Speedriding: A hybrid sport combining skiing with a mini-wing, allowing practitioners to alternate between skiing down a snow-covered mountain and soaring above it.
Much higher speeds and sink rates than traditional paragliding.
Requires extreme precision, quick reactions, and significant experience.

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