10 tips for XC flying
Cross-country flying is one of the most exciting types of paragliding. Long distances, efficient use of thermals and silent gliding - a feeling of freedom that inspires many of us.
But how do you get better at it? Here you will find practical tips on how to develop your technique, focus and confidence in the air - straight from practice for your next flight.
1. set yourself a clear goal
Simply flying away rarely brings real progress. As soon as you set yourself a concrete goal - be it an FAI triangle, a specific route or an exciting turning point - your flight will automatically become more focused.
💡Tip: Plan your flight in advance with your favorite app. This will help you visualize the route and navigate better in flight.
2. learn to read the terrain
Thermals don't happen by chance. Shadows, wind and sunlight show you where there is energy in the air. Make conscious use of terrain shapes such as ridges or slopes and develop a feel for the thermal conditions.
💡Tip: Take a few minutes to observe before you take off: Where could it be carrying today?
3. hone your technique
Thermal flying is a craft. If you can center thermals well, you will fly further - period. A little trick: approach the thermal from the side, then turn in the other direction with momentum. This way you will often find the core directly.
💡Tip: Practice specifically - e.g. e.g. 5 minutes of clean centering – and then analyze your route. This way you learn from every flight.
4. patience will get you further
Not every day is epic. But every flight brings experience. Sometimes it's worth cranking a few more meters in weak thermals instead of moving on early.
💡Tip: If you are unsure whether you should continue gliding or keep cranking - opt for cranking. Altitude is your best friend.
5. make clever use of the gliding phases
Too slow? Lost time. Too fast? Giving away height. The art lies in optimum speed. Your flight instrument shows you how efficiently you are flying with the glide ratio - watch it, find the sweet spot.
💡Tip: Reduce your drag by putting your hands behind the risers - simple trick, noticeable effect.
6. analyze your flights - and talk about them
After the flight is before the progress. Tools such as XCTrack, Burnair or XContest help you to understand your flight. Even better: exchange ideas with other pilots - this will broaden your horizons.
💡Tip: Watch your flight in a 3D model and reflect on your flight and the decisions you made. Where did you make good decisions and where not? Where were the thermals strong and why? Reflect on the solar radiation at the given flight times based on your flight, the acting wind,the terrain, your flight route, where did you center the thermal well and turn it out until the end and where not - and why not?
7. clouds are friends - with respect
Clouds often offer good updrafts. If you avoid them altogether, you miss out on opportunities. The key is to fly with a cool head and always have a plan B.
💡Tip: Make sure that the edge of the cloud is at least 45 degrees above the horizon - this will keep you on the safe side.
8. build up your flying stamina
Long flights challenge your body. Take snacks with you, drink regularly and breathe calmly - especially in stressful moments. Over time, your mental and physical resilience will grow.
💡Tip: If you feel nauseous when flying, ginger tablets and slow, deep breathing often help.
9. fly with the equipment and settings that suit you!
Your equipment should not stress you out, but support you. The right wing, the right harness - this makes a huge difference to your comfort and confidence.
If you are new to cross-country flying, wings like the Hook 6, Hook 6P or the Hiko or Hiko P are a very good choice. They combine solid performance with a high level of safety and are easy to fly. Harnesses such as the Konvers 3 with seat board for an open, direct flying experience or the Hawk as an ideal introduction to the world of pod harnesses are a perfect match.
💡Tip: Make sure you have the correct take-off weight and adjust your harness properly. This will allow you to fly more relaxed - and further.
10. fly with an experienced pilot as a buddy and learn
An experienced paraglider pilot as your buddy can accelerate your personal progress enormously - on several levels! A buddy sees what you do in flight - and can give you good feedback immediately afterwards. This helps you to improve your technique more quickly.
Experienced pilots know typical XC situations from their own experience. They can explain to you why they have chosen a certain course or thermal at a certain point - this helps you to think tactically.
💡Tip:It's more fun in pairs - and you push each other to fly longer or more courageously.
In short... An experienced pilot at your side is like a flying coach.
Conclusion
Cross-country flying is much more than just thermals and technique. It's about planning, observation, inner peace - and the will to see every flight as a learning experience.
Keep at it. Fly safely. And enjoy every kilometer. The sky is yours.
