Cloud Drifter Posted September 22, 2018 Share Posted September 22, 2018 I'm planning to get formal training next spring when the weather is much better and I'll be able to fly more frequently afterwards during the nice summer mornings & evenings. but over the winter on the 'calm and not so windy' days I was thinking about getting an old & cheap wing off eBay to practice with so I can go into training next spring with at least a bit of experience. is this a bad or good idea? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted September 22, 2018 Share Posted September 22, 2018 Welcome to PMC. Ground handling is a good idea but ideally get some idea of what it involves or hang out with pilots a few times too. Also, wear gloves and a helmet. And don't do it high winds or near power lines. Don't misjudge the winter either, we get superb conditions sometimes in the winter, often better than summer. It's colder but the air can be amazingly co-operative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e2vdavidb Posted September 22, 2018 Share Posted September 22, 2018 I started with a ground course in Paragliding to learn how to handle the wing. The wing is much the same and the ground handling same mostly alternate technique for launch. Really good to get the initial wing inflation to be muscle memory and good fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwi k Posted September 22, 2018 Share Posted September 22, 2018 Like Steve said get to know local area pilots go have a chat, and they might give you a few tips and pointers, but IMO i wouldn't advise GH'ing without training as it's easy to get annoyed/injured when doing it wrong, Where abouts you live might be someone on here local who could help you a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cianpars Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 Make sure you get an appropriatwly sized wing. How heavy are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwi k Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 1 hour ago, cianpars said: Make sure you get an appropriatwly sized wing. How heavy are you? IMO For GH'ing the smaller the better as it sharpens up your reactions, plus you can kite in stronger winds which gives more practicing days at the beginning when learning. Then when more confident and getting to grips with Wing handling, yes kite your Flying wing as you learn its characteristics and how it feels and input needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud Drifter Posted September 23, 2018 Author Share Posted September 23, 2018 thanks guys!! I'm around 80kg I'm in Beverley, East Yorkshire it would be great to meet up with some other pilots to practice and get some tips! I guess i'll start looking for a cheap used wing on eBay, i've seen some old paragliding wings from the 90s for about £100 on there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
admin (Simon W) Posted September 24, 2018 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Hull Aero Club would be your best bet from Beverley Chat to @Hullaeroparamotorclub who I am sure will help SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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