The parakite represents a bold evolution in free flight, merging the DNA of a paraglider with the high-performance depower technology of a kite. This is not just a minor tweak to existing wing design; it is a fundamental shift in how we interact with the wind. For pilots who have spent years watching the windsock go horizontal and packing up their gear in frustration, the parakite is the answer.

At Sky Riders, we’ve seen the landscape of the South West flying scene change rapidly. As a school, we recognize that the parakite—first brought to market with the Flare Moustache—is the most significant leap forward in soaring technology!

What Exactly is a Parakite?

Unlike a traditional paraglider, which relies on a fixed-trim speed and brake toggles for control, a parakite utilises a specialised reflex profile and a depower system integrated directly into the risers.

Imagine having the ability to change the "shape" and angle of your wing in real-time. By moving your hands up and down, you aren't just pulling a trailing edge; you are dynamically adjusting the wing's angle of attack and internal pressure.

• Hands Up: The wing accelerates and "depowers," cutting through high winds with a stable, reflexed profile.
• Hands Down: The wing creates massive lift and slows down, allowing for a soft landing or a vertical climb in a gust.

This "kite-like" control allows for incredible speed and lift management that traditional paragliders simply cannot match, especially when the wind starts to howl.

Innovation & History: Borrowing from Kitesurfing

Parakites are here to stay because they solve a historical problem: the "blown-out" day. The technology evolved from the desire to fly in stronger winds that would traditionally keep paragliders grounded. By borrowing depower concepts from the kitesurfing world—where riders have used bar-input to manage gusty winds for decades—and applying them to high-performance paragliding canopy designs, manufacturers created a tool that bridges the gap between soaring and speed flying.

The result is a wing that feels "glued" to the air. The reflex profile ensures that even in turbulent, high-wind conditions, the wing remains incredibly resistant to collapses, giving the pilot a level of confidence previously unheard of on a coastal ridge.

Who is the Parakite For?

1. Existing Paraglider Pilots: If you’re tired of being grounded when the wind hits 18mph, the parakite expands your flying window significantly. It allows for high-wind ridge soaring with a much greater margin of safety.
2. Kitesurfers & Land-Kiters: You already have the "kite brain." You understand wind windows and power zones. For you, a parakite is the natural progression into the third dimension.
3. Proximity & Freestyle Pilots: Those who want precise control for "dynamic soaring"—diving down a slope and popping back up with a flick of the wrists—will find the parakite's responsiveness addictive.

The Kitesurfer Advantage: Your Superpower

Your muscle memory for line tension and wind sensing is a superpower in the parakiting world.

However, it’s vital to remember that flying involves risks that kiting does not. While a mistake on the water usually results in a splash, a mistake in the air has higher stakes. Even the most experienced kitesurfer needs to master:

• Aeronautical Theory: Understanding air law and "Right of Way" on the ridge.
• Flight Knowledge: Learning how "rotor" works behind obstacles and how to manage thermic air.
• Landing Approaches: Coordinating a flight path into a specific landing zone.

Learning to Parakite: The Sky Riders Course

As the South West’s leading school for new tech based in Somerset, Sky Riders has developed a dedicated transition syllabus for parakites. Our courses cover:

• Equipment Tech: Deep-diving into how the depower risers function.
• Ground School: Mastering the unique "no-wind" and "high-wind" launch techniques.
• Flight Maneuvers: Practicing pitch control and high-precision landing flares.
• Theory: Site-specific weather analysis for the South West region.

Protecting Our Sites: Fly with Respect

Paragliding sites in the South West and across the UK are the result of years of delicate negotiations with landowners and local authorities. Being a responsible pilot means:

• Observation: Check if the site is open and if other pilots are grounded for a reason.
• Etiquette: Give traditional paragliders plenty of room.
• Community: We ensure new pilots understand the history of our flying communities to keep these sites open.

Gear Up for the Revolution

Whether you are looking to buy your first Little Cloud La Mouette or need expert advice on paraglider servicing, the Sky Riders online shop is stocked with the best gear in the UK. We don't just sell the wings; we fly them!

Ready to change the way you see the wind? Check out our latest parakite stock or contact us to book your transition course in Somerset.

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