Swing’s new low-EN-B Arcus RS is now certified in the first three of five sizes. The RS signifies the the wing sports Swing’s RAST (Ram Air Section Technology) system.The RAST system partitions off an area at the front of the canopy, with valves between the sections. The system means the leading edge always inflates first at take-off, […] …read more
Author: winguu
Karpofly Arrow X-Alps 4 paraglider harness
Czech harness manufacturer Karpofly have announced the fourth generation of their Arrow X-Alps paraglider harness. It is a classic, lightweight no-pod design, that uses Karpofly’s inflatable airbag protector, which is inflated on launch by blowing into a tube, and can be deflated with a valve for packing away. This design is very light (just 344g) and takes […] …read more
Safety notice: Advance Easiness / Easiness 2 harnesses
The connection between the V-lines and the reserve on Advance Easiness and Easiness 2 harnesses should be replaced at the next opportunity. A replacement connection line can be obtained from Advance free of charge. In a safety bulletin released on 8 June 2017, Advance stated: A routine spot check of Advance incoming goods has revealed that the […] …read more
Scott Mason and Parahawking – the next step
“Vultures don’t get enough pages in paragliding magazines. Leaf through scuba-diving magazines and you’ll see lots of articles about wildlife. Beginner pilots should be introduced to birds – many of us are inspired to fly because of them.” Scott Mason tells us how he’s hoping to bounce back after the devastating closure of his world-famous […] …read more
AirDesign Vita 2 SL: Review
“For me, it’s the perfect wing: great feeling, fun to fly, but safe. And I can use the same wing with a minimal harness for hike-and-fly.” If you’re looking for a lightweight EN B with feel and handling, AirDesign’s Vita 2 SL ticks all the boxes, says Charlie King. See what else is in Cross […] …read more
A trick of the light? Can you ‘see’ thermals?
“The rational part of my mind dismissed it as a trick of the light. That evening, I told people of my lucky escape but not of how; I think for fear of being thought crazy or not believed. I wasn’t very sure myself.” Stuck in a perilous position above a thickly-forested hanging valley, Steve Charles […] …read more
Notes from a masterclass: Gavin McClurg on mountain flying
“The mental side of things is super important. As soon as you think ‘I might land’ you probably will. “To keep going you have to think about not landing. In the Rockies Traverse, we flew for hours with nowhere to land … unless you count the lake or the river.” Gavin McClurg shares his hard-learned […] …read more
Temple Tours: Flying sacred Kailash in India
“Our mad game was back on. I turned around a second time, pointed my pod towards the summit of sacred Mount Kailash, and sped after Jim.” John Silvester and Jim Mallinson leave Bir in their wake, grit their teeth – and embark on a daring flight into the spiritual Himalayan heartlands. See what else is […] …read more
Theo de Blic: ‘Never, ever think it is too late’
“Never, ever think it is too late. It is your life we are talking about so try everything you can to save it.” Our resident acro champion Théo de Blic knows the value of a good rescue. He shares his top tips for dealing with a reserve throw. See what else is in Cross Country […] …read more
Bruce Goldsmith’s Icaristics: Pulling collapses
“Be aware, pulling a small amount of brake can actually make things worse, removing any reflex in the profile and making the wing shoot more.” Bruce Goldsmith fine tunes the fickle art of pulling a collapse. Now, when’s that SIV course? See what else is in Cross Country 181, July 2017 …read more