Paragliding Wing Overs Essential Techniques and Safety Tips

If you’ve been paragliding for a while and want to push your skills, wing overs are a challenging and dynamic maneuver to add to your flying experience.

A paragliding wing over involves making a series of linked, sweeping turns that generate smooth, rhythmic swings up and over your wing, giving you a sense of weightlessness at the top of each arc.

Mastering this maneuver not only improves your wing control but also opens up the door to more advanced acro flying.

Wing overs are a building block for acro paragliding, but they require a solid understanding of your wing, good glider handling skills, and an awareness of safety techniques to reduce risk as you progress.

With the right training, you can learn the specific techniques needed to perform wing overs safely while getting the most out of your equipment.

Find out what makes wing overs both deceptively simple and deeply rewarding in paragliding techniques articles and get ready to take the next step in your flying journey.

Key Takeaways

• Wing overs are fundamental dynamic maneuvers in paragliding.
• Safety, technique, and proper equipment selection are essential.
• Building your skill with wing overs enhances overall flying experience.

Understanding Paragliding Wing Overs

Paragliding wing overs are dynamic maneuvers that play a key role in both acrobatic and advanced flight techniques.

They involve a coordinated series of turns and swings that challenge your control, understanding of aerodynamics, and your ability to work with the forces acting on your wing.

What Are Paragliding Wing Overs

A paragliding wing over is a maneuver in which you swing back and forth in a series of increasingly steep and banked turns.

Each turn increases your roll and pitch angle, taking you higher above one side of the wing and then the other.

You move in a smooth, pendulum-like motion, swinging above and to the sides of the canopy.

Mastering wing overs starts with learning to coordinate weight shift and brake input.

Proper timing and control are essential to keep the maneuver smooth and avoid risky situations.

This dynamic motion forms the foundation of acro paragliding and helps pilots develop better wing handling skills, as described in detailed guides such as this overview on justACRO.

Aerodynamics and Forces Involved

During a wing over, you experience significant changes in both the aerodynamic forces and the motion of the glider.

The wing is subjected to alternating forces as you transition between turns.

You manipulate airspeed and angle of attack with every movement.

The roll created by brake and weight shift causes lift to tilt sideways, resulting in rapid changes in trajectory.

These forces combine to create increased loading and unloading on the wing.

Managing these aerodynamic forces is crucial to maintain energy and prevent dangerous situations like collapses or stalls.

As your wing banks and climbs over each oscillation, the change in direction and airspeed causes you to feel increased G-forces.

Having a solid understanding of these aerodynamic principles will help you perform wing overs smoothly and in control.

Benefits and Purposes of Wing Overs

Practicing wing overs offers multiple benefits for your paragliding progression.

They build advanced control skills by teaching you how to manage dynamic energy and coordinate your inputs.

This maneuver is used for acro training but is also valuable in honing reaction times and spatial awareness.

Wing overs let you safely explore higher bank angles and rapid axis changes, which can simulate flight turbulence or evasive motion.

Understanding this maneuver improves your grasp of how your wing responds to energetic input and sudden shifts in flight attitude.

Key purposes also include preparing you for further acrobatic moves and helping identify the limits of your wing’s handling.

Regular practice of wing overs under supervision enhances your confidence and technical skill in flight.

Skill Requirements and Safety Considerations

Proper technique, training, and awareness of risks are essential for safely performing paragliding wing overs.

Understanding prerequisites, safety systems, potential dangers, and how to avoid common mistakes can reduce the likelihood of accidents when advancing your skills.

Prerequisites for Practicing Wing Overs

Before attempting wing overs, you should have strong basic piloting skills and feel comfortable with moderate maneuvers such as 360° turns and pitching exercises.

Flying under the close supervision of an experienced instructor is highly recommended, especially for beginners.

Complete confidence in using your reserve parachute is critical.

You must also know how your glider responds to brake input and body movement.

Practice your skills in calm air first, with plenty of altitude and away from turbulent areas.

It is advisable to start with a seated harness, as it offers better stability and control.

Once you are competent, you can progress to more advanced supine harness configurations, which are common among experienced PPG pilots.

Never attempt wing overs when you are physically fatigued, emotionally stressed, or unfamiliar with the specific wing you are using.

Passive Safety Mechanisms

Modern paragliding wings incorporate a range of passive safety features.

These include reinforced leading edges, increased stability through design, and materials that help the wing recover more easily from collapses.

Beginner wings typically prioritize passive safety, making them more forgiving of pilot error and spontaneous turbulence.

These designs help maintain canopy inflation and reduce the risk of stalling or spinning unintentionally.

Some harnesses include back protection and quick-release systems.

You should always verify that your equipment, including your reserve parachute, is up-to-date and properly installed.

Knowing how passive safety elements work gives extra reassurance but should not replace skill or caution.

Risks: Collapse, Stall, and Turbulence

Wing overs carry a real risk of canopy collapse, especially if performed incorrectly or in turbulent air.

Sudden loss of canopy pressure can cause a large portion of the wing to fold, resulting in rapid descent or spin.

Serious collapses may require either aggressive pilot input or use of the reserve parachute.

Incorrectly timing the brake input can cause the wing to stall, meaning lift is lost and you could descend abruptly.

Turbulence compounds these issues; avoid practicing in turbulent conditions or near mountains and ridges where air can be unpredictable.

Some pilots underestimate these dangers—experienced instructors strongly advise practicing over water first, with safety boats nearby.

You can read more about wingover risks in discussions among pilots.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Below are frequent errors pilots make during wing overs, with strategies to prevent them:

Mistake	Avoidance Tip
Over-controlling with brakes	Apply smooth, progressive inputs
Attempting maneuvers too low	Always maintain adequate altitude
Starting in turbulent or windy air	Choose calm, predictable weather conditions
Ignoring instructor advice	Follow guidance and progress step by step
Failing to practice emergency skills	Regularly rehearse reserve parachute deployment

Never rush progression.

Building technique gradually with feedback from instructors helps avoid overconfidence, which often leads to preventable accidents.

Focus on coordination, timing, and situational awareness.

This approach protects both you and others sharing the airspace.

Techniques for Performing Wing Overs

Executing wing overs accurately depends on how you position yourself in the harness, change the angle of attack, manage your risers, and use speed and weight shift.

Proper technique makes your movements controlled, safe, and efficient.

Correct Body and Harness Position

To set up for wing overs, ensure you are centered and well-secured in your harness.

The way you sit affects how energy from the glider is transferred to your body, which impacts control and feedback.

Keep your back straight and avoid leaning too far forward or backward.

This helps you maintain balance and responds effectively to changes in bank angle.

Subtle adjustments with your hips and shoulders are more effective than sudden large movements.

Grip the brake handles firmly but without excess tension.

Your legs can help by pushing gently against the footplate to stabilize yourself during dynamic moves.

Maintaining a relaxed upper body while engaging your core provides smoother inputs and better performance.

Controlling Angle of Attack and Risers

Managing the angle of attack is critical to avoid stalling or diving the wing unexpectedly.

As you enter a wing over, use brake input smoothly.

Pull down on one brake to initiate the turn, then release in a controlled manner as the wing rises on the other side.

Pay attention to the risers; pulling too aggressively creates a high pitch and increases the stall risk.

Light, rhythmic brake inputs let you shape the glider’s path and avoid deep surges.

Avoid flying with uneven riser tension—use symmetrical brake lines for the most consistent results.

Experienced pilots often anticipate the wing’s movement and apply gentle brake pressure to prevent overshooting or oscillation.

Practicing this technique will help you maintain safer angles and recover quickly if the glider feels unstable.

For more tips, detailed guides like the one at Cross Country Magazine cover wing over brake input timing.

Speed Management and Weight Shift

Speed is essential for dynamic and safe wing overs.

Start with moderate speed—too slow and you risk stalling, too fast and control can become difficult.

Always enter with a gentle acceleration, maintaining airflow over the wing for good performance.

Control your speed using brake inputs and weight shift.

Subtle shifts in your body weight help drive the wing’s bank and keep energy flowing.

Weight shifting toward the turning side builds momentum, while counterbalancing smooths the exit.

Monitor your descent and ground proximity closely.

Quick changes in speed can lead to unexpected altitude loss or gain.

Pilots often alternate between brake and weight shift for fluid, repeatable maneuvers, resulting in efficient and controlled wing overs.

For demonstrations and video examples, see paragliding wing over tutorials.

Wing and Equipment Selection

Selecting the right wing and gear is vital for executing controlled and safe wing overs.

Key factors include wing certification, glide and aspect ratios, and how specialized designs like single skin wings influence maneuvers, stability, and pilot safety.

Choosing the Right Paragliding Wing

When practicing wing overs, using a wing that matches your experience level and weight is essential.

For new pilots, a beginner paraglider with mild handling characteristics allows for safer progression.

Your weight range should fit firmly within the manufacturer’s specifications.

A wing sized too large or too small can lead to compromised stability.

Reputable brands like Ozone, Nova, and Advance produce wings for a range of pilot abilities.

Shops offering broad selections list models by weight range and skill rating, making selection easier.

Helmets, harnesses, and a reserve parachute are also compulsory for maneuvers involving dynamic motion.

Aspect Ratio and Glide Ratio

The aspect ratio—the relationship between the wing’s span and its average width—determines much of a wing’s responsiveness.

High aspect ratio wings offer more dynamic handling and efficient glide, but require greater skill to control, especially in aggressive maneuvers like wing overs.

Glide ratio affects how efficiently the wing converts altitude into forward distance.

Wings with a higher glide ratio can cover more ground per unit of descent, but this is generally less important for wing overs.

Lower aspect ratio wings are more forgiving and stable, which is helpful as you build skills.

Most beginner and intermediate wings prioritize safety and forgiveness over outright performance.

Know the trade-offs and choose a wing with aspect and glide ratios suited to your piloting confidence.

EN Ratings: ENA, ENC, and More

EN ratings classify wings by certified safety and performance characteristics.

• ENA wings are specifically designed for beginners, offering the highest stability and passive safety.
• ENB models balance more maneuverability with safety, suitable for pilots developing intermediate skills.
• ENC wings are advanced and require precise input and quick reactions.

For wing overs, ENA wings provide the safest entry point.

ENB may be suitable if you have strong fundamentals.

ENC or higher should not be attempted unless you have extensive training and experience with dynamic flight.

Single Skin Wing and Surface Area

A single skin wing uses only one fabric layer, which can make the wing lighter and easier to pack.

These wings have less internal structure, resulting in less drag but also reduced overall rigidity and potentially different behavior during dynamic maneuvers.

Surface area affects how much lift your wing can create within a specific weight range.

Wings with larger surface areas can carry more weight but may be less agile, while smaller surfaces respond quicker but demand better control.

Always check how the wing’s surface area matches your body weight and intended flying style.

Selecting a single skin wing for wing overs requires careful consideration, as not all models handle aggressive pitch and roll well.

Prioritize tested models suitable for your skill level and the specific needs of dynamic flight.

Advanced Skills and SIV Training

To fly wing overs safely at an advanced level, you need focused training and a controlled environment.

Practicing these maneuvers also helps you improve spiral dive handling, acro basics, and readiness for more complex conditions like mountain flights and tandem operations.

SIV Training and Acro Techniques

SIV (Simulation d’Incident en Vol) training is a critical step for learning advanced recovery skills. During an SIV course, you practice scenarios such as stalls, collapses, and spins, usually over water for added safety measures.

This lets you build muscle memory and quick reaction times for real-world incidents. Many SIV programs also introduce basic acro techniques, such as asymmetric spirals and SATs, under the guidance of an instructor.

Through these sessions, you gain a better understanding of dynamic wing behavior. You learn to execute aggressive maneuvers with discipline.

This knowledge forms the foundation for progressing into more advanced acro moves and complex flight environments. You can find SIV courses that combine safety drills with performance manoeuvres by reviewing specialized clinics and paragliding organizations, such as the options at Let Fly Paragliding.

Mastering Spiral Dives and Recovery

Spiral dives are among the most powerful and demanding maneuvers you will encounter in advanced paragliding. A controlled spiral dive increases G-forces and speed.

Mastering entry and exit techniques is essential for avoiding negative outcomes. During training, you learn to initiate a spiral by weight-shift and deep brake input.

You maintain a controlled descent and exit smoothly without provoking a dynamic surge. Instructors teach you to recognize signs of excessive G-force and how to prevent disorientation.

Training over water, as provided in paragliding SIV courses, offers a safe environment to rehearse these procedures. You can also practice emergency recovery, such as deploying a reserve parachute if necessary.

Transitioning to Mountain and Tandem Flying

Once you are comfortable with acro basics and spiral management, you can move toward more demanding environments. Mountain flying exposes you to stronger turbulence, rotor effects, and rapid altitude changes.

This requires precise control and quick decision-making. For tandem paragliding, advanced piloting skills protect both you and your passenger.

This discipline requires mastery of coordinated turns, energy management, and full use of recovery techniques learned through SIV and acro practice.

Maximizing Your Wing Over Experience

Fine-tuning your wing overs improves both skill and enjoyment in paragliding. By focusing on performance, climbing efficiency, documentation, and feedback, you can elevate your flying and share your experiences with others.

Aerodynamic Performance and Accuracy

Achieving consistent, smooth wing overs depends on precise control of pitch, roll, and yaw. You must maintain symmetrical brake input while coordinating body weight shifts to avoid unintended dives or stalls.

Managing the glider’s energy on each swing allows you to reach higher amplitudes without risking collapse. Practicing gradual progression in amplitude is key.

Pilots who master small wing overs first will better manage larger movements. Record your sessions with a flight instrument to analyze your timing, control, and turn rate.

As noted in Cross Country Magazine, subtle control differences define expert versus novice performance.

Use short debrief notes in a training log to track specific points such as:

• Entry height and speed
• Brake input depth
• Asymmetry in turns

This structured approach will help you develop precise, repeatable wing overs.

Thermal Climbing and Lift Utilization

Effective wing over performance can enhance your ability to center thermals and exploit lift. Quick, accurate maneuvering helps you reposition the glider within columns of rising air and adjust to shifting wind patterns.

When entering thermals, use gentle wing overs to reposition rather than aggressive banking, which could lead to uncontrolled descents. Fine-tuning the angle and rhythm lets you stay within the strongest part of the lift.

Prioritizing smooth, flowing movements reduces unnecessary drag and keeps your forward speed high. Combining wing over technique with active piloting gives you an edge—especially during competitions or when maximizing altitude gains.

Pilots who integrate this with trail running often report better stamina. This allows longer flights and improved focus on thermal detection.

Documenting Your Adventure

Capturing your wing over experience with action cameras like GoPro adds value for both review and sharing. Mount your GoPro to the helmet or chest strap for dynamic, stable footage.

High-resolution settings and wide field of view modes help replicate the immersive sensation of flight. Create a checklist before launch:

• Battery and storage check
• Secure mounts
• Angle set for clear sky and horizon shots

Review the footage to track your body position and timing. Edit short clips to highlight key moments and share them on platforms popular with aviators, such as YouTube.

This practice supports skill improvement and allows you to showcase your adventure to future pilots.

Community Feedback and Reviews

Engage with the paragliding community to gain practical insights and honest assessments. Platforms like Tripadvisor, Reddit, and the Paragliding Forum are effective for posting videos and session reports.

After each flight, request targeted feedback:

• Was your entry controlled and deliberate?
• Did your wing overs show alignment and symmetry?
• Was your recovery technique effective?

Respond to critiques with an open mind. The collective experience of other pilots can identify subtle areas for improvement.

In-depth reviews not only benefit your own flying but also contribute to advancing the sport’s safety and performance standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wingovers are dynamic maneuvers that require precise control, knowledge of flight mechanics, and an understanding of the glider’s responses. Mastering these skills involves step-by-step progression, proper safety measures, and awareness of technical pitfalls.

How are wingovers performed in paragliding?

To perform a wingover, you initiate a series of alternating, energy-efficient turns with increasing bank angles. This maneuver uses coordinated weight shifting and brake inputs to tilt the wing past 45 degrees, at times approaching the vertical axis.

The motion involves pitching and rolling in rhythm, where the glider carves tight turns, gaining momentum and height with each arc.

What safety measures should be considered when attempting wingovers?

Before attempting wingovers, ensure you have sufficient altitude, clear airspace, and weather conditions suitable for advanced maneuvers. Use certified gear and maintain regular glider inspections.

Training with an experienced instructor and wearing a reserve parachute are essential precautions. Do not attempt wingovers close to terrain or above crowded areas.

What is the correct technique for entering and exiting a wingover in paragliding?

Start by building up speed in a straight line, then shift your weight and pull brake on one side to begin the first turn. As you climb through the arc, progressively alternate weight shifts and brake inputs for subsequent turns.

Exiting a wingover requires leveling the wing gently and reducing inputs. Allow the glider to stabilize and return to coordinated, straight flight before making further maneuvers.

How can pilots practice wingovers safely?

Practice wingovers at a dedicated training site with plenty of altitude. Simulated incidents clinics, known as SIV courses, provide controlled environments where you can learn and recover from mistakes.

Gradual progression is crucial. Begin with shallow turns and systematically increase the angle and energy, guided by instructor feedback and thorough pre-flight briefings.

What are the common mistakes to avoid during paragliding wingovers?

Pilots often make errors such as abrupt or excessive brake inputs, which can stall a wing or induce a spin. Excessive enthusiasm may lead to overbanking past safe angles, causing loss of control.

Failure to anticipate the glider’s trajectory or insufficient altitude are major risks. It’s important to recognize your wing’s limits and respond quickly to asymmetric collapses or unexpected surges.

How does wing geometry affect the performance of wingovers?

The aspect ratio and agility of your wing directly impact wingover performance. High aspect ratio wings are more dynamic but less forgiving, requiring precise technique.

Beginner or intermediate gliders have more stable designs. This makes wingovers less dramatic but safer to learn.

Managing pitch, roll, and yaw axes simultaneously is essential for a smooth and controlled maneuver. Cross Country Magazine describes these skills as key to mastering the technique.