Ideal Paraglider Size

What should be the right paraglider size for you?

This is a very interesting question and one that, in my opinion, is wrongly (or innocently) evaluated by the vast majority of paragliding pilots - when thinking about the paraglider performance. The current analysis pattern of most pilots takes into account only the static numerical variables of the pilot and the equipment: Pilot Weight + Weight of Equipment Carried in Flight + Weight Range Supported by the Paraglider. In other words, the pilot calculates its takeoff weight and evaluates the size of the paraglider to support its full load, staying there around the middle of the tolerated weight range. In my last XC classes (Distance Flight Techniques) i started to divulge a little more some fundamentals that are used in other sports and that can (or should) be applied to paragliding thinking about the aerodynamic variables of the equipment (static) and also in the variables of meteorological conditions (dynamic). ALERT: This subject is aimed at the practice of distance flying (XC) looking up for the maximum performance.

Let's remember that the weight range of a paraglider means the window between the minimum and maximum weight, for which the paraglider is designed to operate while maintaining its performance and safety level, and that every paraglider is tested for maximum load (3s with 8g applied on the maximum weight - and other shock tests) and for recovery from incidents (being flown at minimum and maximum weight). Note: The paraglider is rated with its worst score considering both the minimum and maximum weight tests. Aerodynamic Note: The larger an airfoil (paraglider), considering the same model, the more efficient it is (Reynold's Number). EVALUATION OF SIZE AND WEIGHT RANGE What I have recommended is that the pilot keeps in mind that, when taking off for a long and good XC day, he will face two or three distinct phases of intensity of the flight conditions. If you take off too early you will face three phases, if you take off later you will face two phases. So, perhaps should have a flight set more adaptable to all of these phases.

Ideally, the pilot could take off lighter to better deal with the weak conditions of the beginning of the day (early), then (middle of the day) could go to a higher flight load, for better performance in the stronger conditions of the day, and then (final) go back light to make the best use of the weak and decaying conditions at the end of the day. Unfortunately, we know that we cannot take off with less weight and, later, have more weight (which would require in-flight loading). What we can do is just have a certain load and then, at the end of the day, go to a lighter load by releasing weight (ballast). Imagine a pilot who uses the traditional approach of having a paraglider (canopy) in which his take-off load is static (cannot vary), which weighs 85kg, and whose full bag weighs 20kg. It will take off with a load of approximately 105kg and, using the standard formula to identify the ideal paraglider size for its total static takeoff load, should be the 90kg to 110kg (M or ML).

Formula: 20kg of weight range (110kg - 90kg); 70% of usage (20kg * 70%) = 14kg. The result (14kg) is added to the minimum range limit (90kg) and you have the ideal takeoff weight for that canopy size: 104kg. Note: My 70% weight range recommendation try to give the pilot a takeoff load that works well in the 3 phases of the day (start, middle and end) balancing pilotability, buoyancy and speed.

Note, in the figure above, that the pilot ends up having a flight load that is more adequated for only one of the phases of the day, but being less efficient in the others, because it is too light or too heavy. The technique I apply is to give the pilot a new vision when choosing a paraglider to buy (aiming at the more serious XC mode). I recommend that the pilot look for a paraglider size in which he is a little over the minimum weight, with his normal equipment load, and always use a water ballast to complete his take-off load, according to the forecast intensity of wind and thermal activity of the day. I recommend that the pilot do the following calculation, considering 10kg (10L) of ballast: - My weight with the full backpack on my back = 105kg - My total weight (105kg) + 10kg of ballast = 115kg - Choose a paraglider size where the minimum weight is not more than 105kg and, if possible, 115kg represents the use of 70% to 90% of the weight range. In this case, the ideal size of the paraglider, for maximum performance on the XC, would be 105kg to 120kg. The first undeniable gain is to fly a paraglider at least one size bigger, obviously with an adequate wing load - using ballast. So, in all situations of absolute performance, the pilot will have a performance superior to what he would have with a smaller paraglider (Reynold's Number). The second gain, the icing on the cake, is being able to adapt the paraglider to the conditions of the day or time. If I'm going to fly on a stronger day, more intense with wind and thermal activity, i'll take off with more ballast. If the day isn't looking like a big deal to me and the wind isn't blowing strong either, i'll rather take off with less or, even, no ballast. And I can also, on a good, intense day, after 4 pm - when the conditions gets weak, get rid of some or all of the ballast and start floating more and use the conditions in its smallest manifestations until the end of the day. Something a pilot flying with a perfect naked pilot fit paraglider size cannot do.

Note in the figure above that, having the possibility of releasing weight at the end of the day, the pilot is able to adjust his load to one that is more suitable for the end of the thermal day. The main objective of this technical content is to demonstrate that there is a greater or lesser adequacy of the wing load according to the thermal profile and time of day and that, if you make better use of the resources available for our sport, you can have a superior performance. Think about it!!!

CB