Parakiting: The True Next Level for Experienced Paragliders
(Because circling at 1500 m/ground level gets old after five minutes)
If you already have over 150-200 flight hours, know your wings inside out, and are starting to find cross-country flying a bit repetitive, parakiting is exactly what you need. We're talking about low, fast, reactive flying, where every movement counts and the terrain truly rushes by beneath your feet. It's not a new "side" discipline to paragliding: it's another way to fly, more intense, more technical, and frankly more exhilarating once you've mastered the basics.
No need to start from scratch like a beginner. Your reflexes, wing awareness, and terrain management are already there. It's mainly about readapting all of that to higher speeds, stronger wing loadings, and a proximity to the ground that is usually avoided in classic paragliding.
Gear That Truly Changes the Game
Forget the big travel EN-B wings or 3-line competition gliders. For parakiting, you'll switch to compact, nimble, and ultra-reactive wings.
Niviuk Jester
Sizes from 14 to 24 m² – robust, Nitinol structure, 53 cells, aspect ratio 5.5. The real plus: the PKS (Para-Kite System) which allows continuous modulation of the angle of attack via the rear risers. You gain a dimension of control never seen in classic paragliding. The wing dives or climbs instantly, turns are incisive, and it remains stable even at full speed in strong winds.
It's the ideal wing when you want to move directly into committed flying: dunes, steep slopes, speed riding on snow. It requires active piloting, but with your experience, you'll be operational in very few sessions.
→ View the Niviuk Jester on Ridair (all sizes and colors in stock)
Level Wings Fuze
From 10 to 22.5 m², 51 cells, 2.7 kg in small size. Taut reflex profile, magnetic ground depower, very progressive brakes that become ultra-direct at the end of their travel. It takes off from 8-10 km/h and remains unflappable even when heavily loaded.
Extremely versatile: dunes, mountains, snow, seaside. It's often the choice for pilots who want a wing that's a bit more forgiving at first while still offering enormous potential later on.
→ View the Level Wings Fuze on Ridair (full stock)
How to Step Up Your Game Without Wasting Time
- Take a 2 to 4-day course with a specialized speedflying/parakiting instructor (Waggas School, CEM... we can recommend the best ones).
- Start directly with a 16-18 m² wing (or even smaller if you already fly heavily loaded in paragliding).
- Dedicate the first few days to intensive ground handling on a windy site: the wing should become an extension of your arms in fewer than 10 sessions.
- Then, short and committed flights right from the start. With your level, you'll progress much faster by going directly to real sites.
In 15-25 well-supervised flights, you'll already be autonomous on classic lines and will start to experience the true pleasure of low-level flying.
In Summary
Parakiting isn't a gadget for those who are bored: it's the logical evolution when you want to push your limits while maintaining a reasonable safety margin. With a Jester or a Fuze, you'll rediscover sensations that classic paragliding hasn't provided for a long time.
Both wings are in supplier stock, ready to be shipped. If you're unsure about the size or color, call us or stop by the shop: we fly with this gear all year round, so we know exactly what will suit you.
So go for it, you'll never look at soaring the same way again.
See you soon flying low,
Cyrille
