Acrobatics
and Speed Paragliders

What is speed-flying and speed-riding ?

The practice of Speed-Flying

Speed-Flying is a specific practice that actually originates from paragliding. Also called proximity flying, speed-flying uses paragliders with a reduced surface area to improve maneuverability and increase sensations. These allow flying close to the ground or very close to the terrain, which can be very dangerous. This practice is not for everyone. Unlike safely flying under a standard EN A glider, speed riding is a more intense practice, offering entirely new sensations.
Generally, it is highly recommended to first acquire a good level in Speed-Riding before moving on to Speed-Flying. A solid experience in paragliding is obviously necessary, as well as advanced knowledge in meteorology.

Initially, the paragliders used for this purpose were the same as those used in Speed-Riding.

What is speed-riding?

While speed-flying requires a foot launch, in speed-riding, it is done with skis on a ski slope, off-piste, or on any snowy terrain. This trendy practice combines sliding and flying, allowing its practitioners to reach places sometimes inaccessible by ski alone. Pilots race down snowy slopes at high speed, combining gliding flight and classic skiing.

The practice of acrobatics

Acro is a paragliding practice for those seeking thrills and adrenaline. It involves performing acrobatic maneuvers in flight with a paraglider. These breathtaking aerial stunts give pilots the sensation of being on a roller coaster, with intense accelerations that make the heart soar.

However, this practice is not for everyone. Only highly experienced pilots with extensive knowledge of aerial sports and weather conditions (and a lot of talent) can practice acrobatics.

As you can see, these are real extreme sports that are not for beginner paragliders. They are very different from classic paragliding. If you want to learn more about your ability to practice these disciplines, do not hesitate to contact our FFVL (French Free Flight Federation) certified paragliding school. Our certified instructors can guide you and answer your questions.

Buy your acro and speed glider at the best prices

Air et Aventure offers you a wide range of acro and speed gliders at the best prices on the market. But what are the characteristics of these different types of gliders?

Which glider to choose for Speed-Riding or Speed-Flying?

Today, paragliders differ according to the practices. At Air et Aventure, you will find a wide choice of paragliders for flights combining the pleasure of flying and commitment. These practices require significant experience and excellent piloting skills.

To choose your speed glider, trust our experts who have selected the best models and brands on the market for you. Some brands are renowned in the paragliding world for their mini gliders. This is the case for NEO or Swing, which have stood out with models that have been popular for many years. Notable models include the X-Ride 2.0 from the French brand or the Mirage 2 RS from the German manufacturer.

To make the right choice, it is important to know your skiing level and your glider skills. You should also know if you want to spend more time skiing or flying. In the first case, choose a small glider that will have a steeper descent and offer more speed. Conversely, if you want to spend more time in the air, choose a larger speed glider with better glide.

Which glider to choose for acrobatics?

The main characteristic of acro gliders is their size. Indeed, they are smaller than classic paragliders. This reduced size allows, as with Speed-Riding and Speed-Flying gliders, for increased maneuverability and enhances sensations in flight.

On this type of paraglider, the important criterion is no longer the total flying weight (PTV) but rather the wing loading. To calculate this, simply divide your flying weight by the glider surface. A wing loading between 3 and 4 kg per m² offers a "freestyle" profile that allows for more margin of error and less radical movements. A wing loading close to 5 kg/m², however, allows for unrestricted acrobatic maneuvers but requires even more precise piloting.

Be sure to include in your calculation the weight of the pilot and all his equipment (harness, rescue parachute, carabiners, speed system, etc).

Buy your speed-riding glider: order online

Why order your speed-riding glider online?

Buying your acro or speed glider from the Air et Aventure online store is very easy and convenient. We provide detailed descriptions of the different characteristics of the gliders on each product page, allowing you to make your choice confidently.

Buy your speed-flying glider with Air et Aventure

In addition, we offer free delivery to your home, to a pick-up point, or to the store for this type of purchase.
You can also pay for your purchase online by credit card, bank transfer, or check. It is even possible to pay for your acro or speed glider in 3 or 4 installments via Alma.

We also offer gliders for other aerial activities such as paramotoring or tandem paragliding.

Finally, know that we are here for you. If you need more advice regarding acro and speed gliders, do not hesitate to contact us. Our advisors will be happy to assist you!