Selecting your first wing is often a bit overwhelming. The decisions you’ll need to make are which manufacturer, what size, lightweight, new or used, EN A or EN B.
The first and most important decision will be the size of the wing that you need to safely load the wing. Loading refers to your weight VS. manufacturers recommended weight ranges for each size of a wing. For example, Skywalk Paragliders Chile 5 size XS certified weight range is 70-95 KG. Determine Your total “all up weight.” All up weight is your bodyweight plus the equipment, clothing, water, etc. that you will be carrying when you are in the air hanging from the risers of your wing. For this example, we will say your all-up weight is 82.5KG. This places you at 50 percent of the recommended weight range.
Most new pilots like to be close to 75% on the recommended weight range and avoid being below 50 percent and more then 100 percent. Depending on your all-up weight you may have a difficult time finding a wing that places you exactly where you want to be.
Keep in mind that the lighter you are on the weight range the more difficult ground handling and launching can be due to the larger size and power of a wing sized for someone who weighs more. Once airborne on a wing sized larger than you need, you’ll find your ground speed is slower and it becomes more difficult to “penetrate” and move forward in higher winds. There are other advantages and disadvantages to consider as your flying skills improve.
NEW OR USED?
New VS. used, before purchasing a used paraglider find someone who can help you ask a few questions to the seller. Condition of a used wing depends on the use and care it has received. Porosity of the cloth, strength of the lines and if the lines have been recently measured and adjusted by a qualified technician (The lines shrink & stretch) are just a few of the considerations.
EN A Or EN B
Depending on the area that you fly and the skills you acquire during your training some new pilots will start on an EN A or a “low” B wing. Some beginner pilots are tempted to splurge and purchase an EN-B wing to avoid having to upgrade in the future, but for most people it’s recommended to start on the En-A and wait until you’re ready. A good benchmark to wait for is 30 hours of flight time in various conditions with at least 10 hours in thermic conditions. Flying regularly is important to maintain and develop your flying skills, so if you fly less than 50 hours per year you might feel safer with an EN-A paraglider.
Our advice is to enroll in a certified paragliding school and properly begin your training to fly a paraglider under the guidance of good instructor. Ask your instructors which class wing you should be considering and keep weight range and loading in mind.
For help selecting a wing give us a call or hit the contact button below.
