Parakites are a groundbreaking innovation that blend elements of paragliding and kitesurfing, creating a versatile and dynamic flying experience. Let’s talk about what makes parakites unique, their differences from traditional paragliders, and how they can be used for various flying styles. To emphasize the importance of safety, we’ve included key insights from parakite innovator Beni Kalin. His advice serves as a reminder for pilots to approach this sport with respect, caution, and proper preparation.
What Are Parakites?
At its core, parakiting merges the principles of paragliding with the steering and depowering systems commonly found in kitesurfing, resulting in a wing designed to handle strong winds and provide unparalleled energy retention. Parakiting isn’t just an evolution of paragliding—it’s an entirely new approach to navigating the air. Unlike traditional paragliders, parakites incorporate an innovative riser and brake system that allows pilots to adjust the wing's angle of attack with minimal effort. This added control enhances both speed and safety, especially during ridge soaring and dynamic maneuvers.
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How Parakites Work: The Steering System
The key innovation of parakites lies in their advanced steering system, which offers three primary modes of flight:
Full Speed: Achieved by fully extending the system, this mode enables the top speed of the parakite, comparable to an open-trim, speed-bar configuration on traditional paragliders.
Trim Speed: This default mode resembles the performance of a paraglider with released brakes and closed trimmers.
Minimal Speed: When brakes are pulled past trim speed, the parakite behaves similarly to a paraglider.
This system allows pilots to adjust their glide ratio, speed, and lift with remarkable precision, giving them a new level of control in various wind and terrain conditions.
Key Advantages of Parakites
Parakites offer several unique benefits, making them a perfect choice for adventurous pilots:
Dynamic Flying: Designed for fast, dynamic movements, parakites excel in soaring close to the ground or navigating challenging terrain with ease.
Improved Stability: Thanks to their specialized design, parakites maintain line tension and stability even in strong winds or fully accelerated flight.
Versatile Wind Range: Parakites perform well in a wide range of wind conditions, making them ideal for coastal and mountainous environments.
Efficient Control: The ability to adjust the angle of attack allows pilots to fine-tune their flight path and maximize their glide efficiency.
As Beni Kalin advises, "You get more range or you can handle more wind while soaring, but you should use this extra range for safety, not push yourself or place yourself already on the upper limit."
Applications of Parakites
Parakites are revolutionizing the way we approach aerial sports. Here are some of their most common uses:
Speed Flying: Ideal for thrill-seekers who want to experience the adrenaline rush of flying fast and close to the ground.
Soaring in Challenging Terrain: Perfect for exploring dunes, ridges, or mountainous landscapes where traditional paragliders may struggle.
Playful Coastal Flying: Parakites shine on coastlines, offering pilots the ability to ride strong winds and perform dynamic maneuvers.
"If you don’t know how the wing takes up speed, the ground gets close really fast." - Beni Kalin
Ready to learn how to parakite? Explore our parakite courses and begin your journey with professional guidance.
Parakites vs. Paragliders
While parakites and paragliders share similarities, they serve different purposes and appeal to different flying styles. Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | Parakites | Paragliders |
Primary Use | Speed flying, soaring in dynamic areas | Cross-country and thermal flights |
Speed | Faster and more responsive | Moderate and steady |
Control | Precise angle of attack adjustments | Traditional brake and riser control |
Wind Range | Wider range, better for strong winds | Limited to moderate wind conditions |
Learning to Parakite Safely
As exciting as parakiting is, it demands preparation and respect for its unique dynamics. Here are some considerations for new pilots:
Start with Training: Proper instruction is crucial. Sign up for our Introduction to Parakite Course and understand the system and develop essential skills.
Practice Ground Handling: Spend ample time mastering the wing’s behavior on the ground. Familiarity with stall points, brake response, and wing inflation will build confidence before taking to the air.
Choose the Right Spot: Begin your parakiting journey in controlled environments, such as sandy dunes or wide-open coastal ridges, to minimize risk.
Don’t Push Limits Too Soon: While parakites offer an impressive wind range and dynamic capabilities, resist the temptation to test the upper limits of your skill and the equipment’s performance.
"The most dangerous part about parakiting is that the pilots get really confident and overconfident really quick." - Beni Kalin
Challenges and Considerations
While parakites are versatile, they aren’t suited to every flying style or pilot. For example, their energy-intensive handling makes them less ideal for thermal flights or cross-country adventures. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the wing can lead to overconfidence in inexperienced pilots, which increases the risk of accidents. It’s vital to approach parakiting with caution and respect for its power.
"You should never place yourself on the edge of the wind range or skill level. Use the extra capabilities of the wing to provide a safety buffer, not to push limits." - Beni Kalin
The Future of Parakiting
Parakiting is growing rapidly, especially in areas with ideal ridge soaring conditions, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Monterey, California. With its unique combination of speed, agility, and precision, it’s capturing the imagination of both seasoned pilots and newcomers alike. Most manufacturers are already working on their own version with FLARE Moustache being the first.
Looking to purchase your first parakite? Book a personalized gear consultation to find the perfect setup for your flying goals.
Final Thoughts
Parakiting is more than just a sport; it’s a new way to interact with the wind and terrain. By blending the best of kitesurfing and paragliding, it offers a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly rewarding flying experience. For those seeking a fresh challenge in the skies, parakiting might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Take your time to learn, stay safe, and get ready to embrace the thrill of the wind like never before. Welcome to the exhilarating world of parakiting!
"We want to make sure that people really understand the system, have watched the videos, and, in the best case, have taken a small course or introduction." - Beni Kalin
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