Mastering High-Wind Ground Handling: A Key Skill for Paragliding
When learning to paraglide, ground handling is often taught as a single skill set, but high-wind ground handling deserves its own focused training. Managing a glider in strong wind isn’t just about using your hands—it’s about understanding how to use your body, particularly your hips, as the primary control mechanism.
Two Schools of Thought in Ground Handling
There are two distinct approaches to teaching high-wind ground handling:
1. The Traditional Method – Hands on Toggles, Always
The old-school philosophy insists that pilots should keep their hands in the brake toggles at all times, no exceptions. This approach is deeply ingrained in pilot training, especially as students work toward their P2 certification, which allows them to fly independently.
The reasoning behind this method is simple: Pilots need to develop the muscle memory and reflexes to use brake inputs in the correct orientation for flight. While this is crucial for launching and flying, it doesn’t necessarily provide the best foundation for handling a glider in strong wind with no danger of actual take off.
2. The Modern Approach – Controlling the Glider with Your Body First
An alternative method, especially effective for beginners, starts with using the body—specifically the hips—to control the glider in high-wind conditions before incorporating brake inputs, with the instructor providing hands-on guidance throughout the process.
When the wind picks up beyond a certain threshold (typically 9–15 knots or more), traditional ground handling becomes significantly harder. At this stage, a student must first feel the forces acting on their body before relying on their hands.
Why the Hips Matter
When ground handling in high wind, your hands can correct minor movements, but your hips and overall stance are what truly control the wing. Here’s why:
Maintaining Forward Pressure – By keeping the force through your hips forward and into the wind, you create a stable, anchored position that resists being pulled off balance.
Following the Wing – If the glider starts to drift left or right, your hips should follow and open to the glider while maintaining that forward/downward pressure into the wind.
Small Corrections with the Rear Risers – With this method, students typically hold the rear risers instead of the brake toggles(to start) ,allowing for quick and efficient wing control.
Simply bringing the hands with rare risers down to the hips disables the glider immediately if things get out of control.
This technique provides students with a solid foundation in wing management before they ever leave the ground.
The Role of the Mini Wing
At this stage, the goal isn’t flight—it’s mastering control and stability. That’s why instructors often use a mini wing instead of a full-size paraglider. A smaller wing:
Simulates the same forces and control inputs as a full-size glider during inflation and launch.
Reduces lift, ensuring that the student stays on the ground while learning proper technique.
Allows students to make mistakes safely without being overpowered by a larger canopy.
Putting It All Together
This isn’t to say that one method is better than the other—rather, the best training incorporates both approaches at the right time. By first developing body awareness and control in high wind, students build confidence in handling the glider. Once this skill is solid, brake toggles are introduced, and everything comes together in a seamless transition to flight preparation.
For new pilots, high-wind ground handling is one of the most challenging but rewarding skills to develop. Mastering it early sets the foundation for smooth launches, better active piloting, and ultimately, safer flying.
