Beginner paraglider buying guide

Just starting out and preparing your first paraglider purchase? Here is the whole path, from school to first wing, explained simply by pilots.

Start with a school

Paragliding isn't learned alone. Before any purchase, go through a school: you will fly suitable, supervised gear and find out what suits you. That is also where you will understand your real level and programme. Once the first hours are done, buying becomes much clearer.

Understanding EN certification

Wings are classed EN-A, EN-B, EN-C or EN-D. The class reflects how demanding the wing is to fly, not raw performance. To start, stay on an EN-A or an accessible EN-B: forgiving, reassuring wings. Most recreational pilots fly EN-B for life. To place the classes, see our EN-A and EN-B comparisons.

All-up weight sets the size

You don't pick a wing by your body size but by your all-up weight: you fully kitted (pilot, harness, reserve, gear). Each wing size is certified for a weight range. Aim for the middle of the range for comfort and margin. Give us your all-up weight and we validate the size with you.

New or used

A new wing guarantees original cloth and lines with a fully valid certification: reassuring while you learn. A checked used wing can be a good deal if it is recent, lightly flown and inspected. Either way, check the weight range and have the gear inspected.

Complete pack or piece by piece

A first set-up is a wing, a harness, a reserve parachute and a few accessories (helmet, radio, instrument). A complete pack avoids compatibility mistakes and often saves time. You can also spread the purchase, as long as the whole stays consistent with your all-up weight and your flying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a school to start?
Yes. Paragliding is learned supervised, at a school, not self-taught. You will fly suitable gear and know what suits you before buying. It is the best starting investment.
Which certification for a first paraglider?
An EN-A or an accessible EN-B. The class reflects how demanding the wing is to fly, not performance: a forgiving wing lets you progress faster and more safely than a sharp wing taken too early.
How do I find my wing size?
By all-up weight: you fully kitted (pilot, harness, reserve, gear). Each size is certified for a weight range; aim for the middle. Give us your all-up weight and we validate the size.
New or used for a first wing?
New guarantees original cloth and lines with a fully valid certification. A recent, lightly flown and inspected used wing can also fit. In both cases, check the weight range and have the gear inspected.
Is a complete pack better?
A wing, harness and reserve pack avoids compatibility mistakes and simplifies the first purchase. You can also spread the purchase, as long as the whole stays consistent with your all-up weight and your flying. Call us, we build a suitable pack.

Unsure about size, class or budget? Call us or drop by the Oderen workshop: we build your first set-up together.

See paragliders Build a pack

Fly safe,
Cyrille MARCK and the Rid'Air/CEM team