15
Thermaling and Soaring
In turbulent conditions, the paraglider must be flown with the brakes softly applied. An
increase in angle of attack is achieved by this measure, resulting in greater canopy
stability.
The pendulum effect back and forth must be avoided! The canopy must remain on top
of the pilot. For this purpose, the speed must be increased by releasing the brakes
upon entering a thermal (depending on its intensity) or braking on exit. This is part of
the basic technique on active flying.
During flights over the lift, it is highly recommended a minimum height of 50m be kept,
for safety reasons.
It is extremely important to know and respect flying regulations, especially so when
the airspace within close proximities of canyons is shared among several pilots, where
last minute anti-collision maneuvers are not executable.
Turns
The
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is very sensitive, responding instantly to turn commands. Leveled
turns can be achieved with the shifting of weight on the risers with minimum altitude
loss.
A combination of weight shifting and breaking technique is the most efficient way of
executing turns in any situation. The given brake utilized determines the radius of
turns.
By activating the brakes on the outside edge of the turns, as well as applying maximum
weight shifting on the risers, the efficiency and resistance to collapse in turbulences (at
the edge of thermals) is increased.
In case it becomes necessary to perform turns in a constrained space with the
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, we recommend you to release the outside brake in the given turn and pull a
little more the brake on the inside of the turn.
The
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glides best when no brakes are applied.
Warning
By pulling either brake too strongly or suddenly, there is a danger of creating a
negative spiral!