Techniques and Skills

Helping you fly better with expert advice

Lean back and play with the wind and the glider – it’s what you’ve come to the dunes to do. Photo: Fabian Gasteiger

How to master flying at the dune

How to get the most out of your next flying trip to the dunes – Théo de blic gives us his top 10 tips to coastal nirvana
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Rogallo parachute

How to choose a reserve parachute for paragliding

Throw your reserve parachute and suddenly it’s the most important bit of kit you own. We asked some experts for their tips on how to choose a rescue
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Mac Para Aravis 2500

How to fly thermals in stable conditions

There’s nothing worse than a stable day with weak thermals and lots of turbulence, but Bob Drury explains how to fly in these conditions 
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Flying the Dutch sand dunes in winter

Strong-wind soaring the Dutch sand dunes

Bastienne Wentzel heads to Wijk aan Zee on the Dutch coast to power up the mini wing and finesse her high-wind skills
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Illustration of katabatibc flow in mountains

Understanding katabatic flow

Cross Country’s meteorologist Honza Rejmanek tells us how to read downslope winds – and whether it’s safe to make those end of the day sled rides
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Understanding-the-Sky-new-edition-2022

Understanding the Sky – New Edition

Understanding the Sky has been re-issued in a brand new format. The classic weather book for sport pilots by Dennis Pagen has been updated
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How to deal with valley winds

How to Deal with Valley Winds

Caught out by the valley wind? Here are some tips to help you get down safely – hopefully without being blown back
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Paraglider in high mountains

Flying in the Lee

Flying in the lee is commonplace for cross-country pilots, but there are a few things you should consider before diving in
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Flying 50km by paraglider. Photo: Andy Busslinger

‘Fly 50km or Bust!’

Flying 50k is a landmark achievement in a new pilot's cross-country career, but it can seem elusive at first. Nigel Page explains how to make it happen
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Reserve parachute

Throwing your reserve: Théo’s ten tips

Nobody wants to throw their reserve parachute in anger but if you have to, you have to. Théo de Blic shares his top tips for ensuring it all goes smoothly
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