EN-B Paraglider to EN-C Paraglider?!? The Wrong Reasons to Step Up

[@chuckleathers]

This guy is absolutely right. I took me years to come to the same conclusions. I started paragliding after few thousand commercial hours in helicopters in the mountains of Canada, Alaska and the western US as a bush pilot. I also had a few hundred in fixed wing aircraft. I had rushed through helicopter flight to start making money. So when I decided to fly paragliders, I made a conscious decision to not rush but to really enjoy the learning process this time. There was adrenaline but that’s not why I began and stayed with paragliding. Nor because it was cool. I got enough “oh wow you fly helicopters” from people. I didn’t need to push my limits because I had done that for a living and had had enough excitement. What I really liked (and still do) is the feeling of calm and quiet oneness with an absolutely fundamental flying device. No metal, no fuel, no electronics, no customer: just a wing attached to my body. I flew my Wings of Change Taifun for 3 years before cautiously moving to a Gin Zulu for another 3. It was 600 hours before I went to a C wing, a Delta 2. It’s now been 17 years flying all over the world with no serious accident or injury. I have never regretted the time spent learning to fly paragliders and progressing intelligently. If I were starting today, I’d do it all the same way again… except for the launch at Sun Valley running over rocks that tore my ACL. Except for that.

[@ozone7]

I have flown paragliders for 30 years now. And it took me 10 years, 6-7 gliders and a few injuries to get to the realization that is so eloquently professed in this video. I then bought an EN-A glider, because I then understood it was the flying-part that gave my life meaning, not the competing! And I was not even a competition pilot... I decided to make that basic glider an integral part of me, and fly it like it was my own body, and become so good on that simple glider that I more often than not outflew the hotshots with the hot wings. That took me another ten years. But it did happen! It IS the pilot (or at least the long earned skill) and not the glider. If you are flying competition, by all means get the "worst" glider. But then you should be a really REALLY good pilot with hundreds of hours a season. If you are not a competition pilot: ANY glider will do! And I mean ANY! You will eventually get just as high and just as far; it will only take you a bit more time with a "safer" glider. And who cares? No one is timing you! There is also an overlooked benefit of flying the "low rated" gliders: You can stretch the envelope with much less risk than with a two-liner monster. And if things go bad, they fix themselves in much less time, and without death. Thus: you can fly better and more "agressive" than you would have dared with an EN-D! And so a lot of the "performance-margin" between the kindest and worst glider is narrowed in right there! You can get more performance from an EN-A when you comfortably can use all of it, than from an EN-D you are scared shitless in! (and if you're not scared, that can be even worse...) Dont forget why you fly! Don't forget what's important to you! The most thrilling flight is often your next. There won't be a next if you're dead. Fly because you love to fly, not because you envy others. Fly safe!

[@aaronhuffman3343]

What EN-A glider did you finally buy?

[@petrusaroesnosa7461]

I completely agree with you. I like flying, that´s all. I don´t need to sacrifice security for a little more performance. I own 2 Niviuk Koyot 4´s, and I don´t really need more, in order to enjoy. Maybe I´m thinking about buying a Hook6 (low EN-B), but no more. Feeling safe in the air, at least for me, is part of the enjoyment. If I don´t feel safe, i cannot enjoy flying. How many videos of wing collepases, are seen on the Internet that belong to EN-A´s? Most of them are C´s and D´s.

[@paulgilbreath4914]

I need to rewatch this every 50 hours I log.... There is SOO much to unpack here!

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks paul! There is a lot in these videos, I've been biting my tongue too long!

[@paulgilbreath4914]

It's been 3.5 years since my comment and I'm revisiting this video after many hours. It's just as applicable as the day you posted, though the gliders have gotten so much better! Time for a new glider in the same class. Maybe when I have more time to devote to flying, I'll consider stepping up, but I'm pretty stoked with where I am! 😎

[@IrisPPG]

Dude this is one of the most profound videos I've watched in a long time. Thank you for sharing. I've attempted to cheat progression by using gear as a crutch. It humbled me very quick and caused me to take several steps back and I'm glad I had enough humility to do so. I particularly like how you talk about emotional maturity in the sport and staying humble (humble as in, striving to understand where you sit in progression and being ok with it and more importantly continuing to learn). 👏👏👏

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks so much for such a nice comment, really appreciate it.

[@aureliopego6786]

​@@AriintheAir thanks Very much for all 🦅🦅🦅

[@wll1500]

I needed to see this. This is truly one of the only videos I have ever watched online where I felt like someone was personally telling me something that I need to apply to my life, because they care. I have had a really poor attitude about flying for a long time and it took getting bitten to realize it. I too had a very stupid crash in front of my friends doing something that I had spent years preaching AGAINST doing online. I walked away uninjured and with a much healthier perspective on flying. Before that big one, I had this attitude of "I will push myself as hard as possible, and when I inevitably crash I will just dust myself off and get back at it until I become the best". That's NOT how people become the best. You can't short-change your progression. You have to put the leg work in like everyone else. Even if you're naturally quite talented.... In fact, I think people who are naturally talented are most at risk for this. You're an incredibly insightful dude. Thanks for making this.

[@tpj1959]

wll1500 Plato has been enlightened.

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks so much for such a nice comment and a thoughtful share. I'm glad you're here!

[@FrenchFlies]

Thank you so much for sharing. This is really important and I needed it. I have been battling myself with this very specific issue and decided not to upgrade, but oh man this is reinforcing how much I need to use paragliding as a tool for growth. It is fascinating to see how much it has helped me grow already but I found myself clueless and hungry for something more again, missing the point, missing the fact that paragliding feeds me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your heart is in the right place and it shows in this video. I will follow and donate, keep up the work, you're heard and you're helping.

[@AriintheAir]

One of the nicest comments I've ever recieved, and thank you so much for the donation max.

[@KaiSyversen]

Thanks for sharing. It made me rethink buying a C glider too early. It's me, not the glider. I need to re watch this every season.

[@brenthollady]

I just started flying PPG, I think this video should be mandatory for every new pilot in PG or PPG. My son 13 wants to learn to fly, I will be watching this video with him. It is so important to fly your own flight. We are all guilty of comparing ourselves to others In every aspect of our lives. In this sport that thought process can get you killed. If you don't stay humble the sport will humble you. Keep up the great work Ari!

[@ryandinan]

I just shared this to the Paramotor for Beginners Group on Facebook. Excellent video Ari!

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you Ryan! I appreciate you sharing it.

[@jonstrauss666]

Definitely one of the more important paragliding vids out there! Needed to be said....great vid, thanks for posting.

[@AriintheAir]

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your reflection too bro

[@inderida2000]

i actually think the biggest weird jump is from a low B glider, to a high B. once your get comfortable on high B wings, the transition to low C wings isn't as bad..

[@aryansinanan9878]

Totally agree, the ability to remove your ego, that sense of self worth that is tied to your inability to keep up with the gaggle or be at the top or the front. We are all guilty of this I'm some way. Stopping and taking a moment to be introspective is the crucial step. Thank you for taking a moment to make this video mate. I do hope your friend recovers and is back in the air soon.

[@AriintheAir]

I think I've flown for every single reason that I mention, so I'm certainly guilty of all of them

[@ParamotorFlyGirl]

Best part and I know I've done my job...when students leave SIV and rethink their glider choices...and move back down the EN ladder. More flights with less brown pants will get you further, longer. From the Emilie Peace 2 to the Morpheus NG. (A step down) made for even more fun and progression. Even stepped down a size...Keep up the good work Ari!

[@ParamotorFlyGirl]

BTW that doesn't mean I don't want to fly your Blackout+ still

[@PPGMatt]

Thank you this hits home on sooo many different levels! I appreciate you and your insight into this topic and wish more within the community looked at this sport the way you do.

[@marcpelberg7306]

Ari nails what it means to be emotionally aware as a paraglider and importance of checking in on oneself. This video is the most articulate talk on paragliding emotions out there and we need more of it! Thank you Ari, this is truly a gem.

[@ParaglidingChronicles]

Every PG Pilots need to watch this!! Thank you Ari for making a video on such an important topic. This should improve pilots dicision making and save lives.

[@PeterHoldy]

Absolutely well explained ! I know many people who rush to step up and few had accidents. My fiend flying 25 year paragliding step from B to High C. I was flying with him that day and i watched him to spin and stall to the ground. When i managed to land next to him i thought he is dead. Took 5min to bring him around. Experience you do not want to see. This is really good talk ! Thank you for sharing this video 🙏

[@MikeKing]

Ari, some of your content lately should really become part of training for paragliding and PPG students, keesp people thinking about the realities they are entering into with ths sport. Love it, thanks man!

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you so much Mike!

[@elimmiho608]

Ari, that video really uncovered some stuff I was thinking about the last days. I felt somewhat caught. That point about if paragliding doesn't fulfill you right now it won't ever if you don't set your mind accordingly. Holy moly. Thanks so much!

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks for sharing!! Really appreciate that and I'm so glad to help

[@Yourbosskid]

I have never had a collapse. I’m flying a Nova Ion Low B. I suppose you could see that as a sign I’m ready for a C. I see it as a sign that I’m keeping this wing until it turns to dust and then I’m getting another 😁 I got kids man. I like what you said about the emotional impact on others when we crash. I come from Skateboarding and surfing where you can get away with a bit more bravado and almost need to lose touch with your fear to progress. I had to check myself before I wreck myself with paragliding and be aware of how I could hurt my family if I got hurt. And for what? To go 40kph instead of 35? 😁 I don’t fly with anyone most of the time so I have no idea how slow I am.

[@LeonardLeon]

Speed is indeed irrelevant. I am always amazed how pressing full speedbar seems to have no real effect while far from the ground.

[@AriintheAir]

I love the idea that you have no idea how slow you are! hahaha, hilarious. Paragliders are like butterflies, they're so slow, why do we even care?!?!

[@leshikcom]

It's a very hard thing to change someone's decision to buy. It is a very human thing to do. And the whole marketing industry is working against you with years of headtime. What can be done instead - show a person a way towards what they already want. Educate about that particular wing, get them to do SIV, encourage to kite. Apart from short-term benefits, this will hopefully change their whole attitude - always research the new equipment - not just the positive reviews, always kite, always demo and SIV.

[@AriintheAir]

It is very hard indeed. All we can do is support one another after we do our best to understand each other. I think if we spent more time trying to deeply understand each other, it would be more helpful in illuminating why our friends are motivated to step up, and likely these insights would encourage better decisions.

[@Heartless38260]

I need to get a monthly reminder to rewatch this one.

[@27niner]

Intense Ari but all very true. I've had my Sigma 10 for 3 years now and flown it everywhere and always respect it. Performance always comes at a price and you need to be ready to dollar up when needed. I continue to learn more from my fellow pilots than any new glider I fly. Keep up the great presentations.

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you neil! Fly safe brother

[@tucrt]

Thank you so much, Ari. Masterfully articulated with compassion and clarity.

[@AriintheAir]

You are so welcome! I appreciate the encouragement

[@michaelyoung9890]

Wise words Ari! At some level, I feel like all pilots struggle with this. I know I do, it took a near death accident for me to learn this. I pray that we as a community can propagate this principle. It is not talked about enough and I have mad respect for your willingness and effort for making the change. As a community, here in the US, incidents largely go unreported because of emotional reasons. Good work bro, I don’t know the solution, but this video is a great start in the right direction! I am so stoked on paragliding! It’s an amazing sport and even better therapy. There’s not a better tool for transformation that I know of. Keep it up, may we all do our part to be better!

[@Warriorufa]

Thanks dude! God, how timely KZbin recommended this video. I am faced with the choice of switching to C class. I doubt. I feel like it's still too early for me. But it was you who said the right words that I wanted to hear from an experienced comrade.

[@adammonten3209]

I recently changed to an EN C, after c 500 hours flying. I had an en A for more than 100h, a low B more or less the same and a high B for 300. In this time I did a SIV and kept practicing deflations. It still was not easy to manage the C. It's not to be underestimated

[@BrentHandy77]

I love this, man. I appreciate your willingness to be so frank. Hard to speak truth like this, knowing it may or may not be recieved in the spirit you meant to speak it.

[@tertiaryfish101]

I wish I could give this video more than just one thumbs up. Well said man. Very well said.

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you so much for the kind words

[@erholla.]

Very good talk Ari, I totally connect to what you said! I have two wings. B and a C. I had an amazing experience a few weeks ago flying my C for the first time. My intention is to progress slowly with the C and mostly fly my B. I agree it's a massive leap forward, progressing to a C is not to be taken without mastering the wing we currently fly. Fly safe bro.

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you Ellis! Appreciate your encouragement

[@ripmanridin7092]

Great stuff Ari.........really makes me rethink things!

[@giovannisalerni]

Stuff to think and chew on, I like the “straight from the gut” approach. It took me more than 20 years to really grasp the inner depth of what we love and why ! Thank you

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks for sharing! Really appreciate that!

[@sebass156]

Thank you for this sobering reminder.

[@nicolapoco1561]

Having watched this video a year ago helped me on my progression, thanks for your help!

[@valerimihaylov843]

Thanks for the wise words! Helpful for all of us as always! And my 5 cents: I thing it should also be mentioned that the "B" segment is very wide. And a jump from "B" gliders: Gin Atlas (AR 5.20) or Ozone Geo (AR 5.16) to Niviuk Artik (AR 6.5) is huge. But the step from "B" gliders: Gin Avid (AR 6.07) or MacPara Eden 7 (AR 6.06) to "C" gliders: Ozone Delta 4 (AR 6.05) or Sigma 11 (AR 6.07) ....Actually, I don't know if it's a step. It's the same glider. Although some are "B" and others are "C". Things are foggy in this area (AR 6) Just another opinion! I'm not a professional!

[@Andyg2g]

Thank you for posting this video. I just earned my P2 about a week and a half ago and on Monday evening of this week I went to fly the North Side of Point of the Mountain, Utah for my first time. Literally seconds after I had launched a HG pilot flew overhead shouting for someone to call an ambulance as another HG pilot had just crashed near the lower LZ...a few seconds later I had gained enough altitude to see the crash site a mere 100ft beneath me. It was traumatizing and incredibly unsettling for obvious reasons, many of which you mentioned in this video. I decided to end my flight early after that and have been reflecting a lot on the experience. Fortunately, I just learned today that the pilot had broken his femur but is alive and recovering. Like you said, it’s hard to witness these things...no one wants to see someone get injured or die. As a new pilot it complicates things even more as I am having to confront some grim realities about this sport right as I am beginning to spread my wings. Do you have any tips or suggestions for decompressing/learning from incidents like this?

[@niconico3907]

You should use this accident to improve your safety, and remind you to keep flying safe. You should learn what can go wrong with your paraglider, how to recognise what is wrong, and how to fix it. For this, there are paraglider safety books, videos on internet, accident reports, and SIV courses. And buy safe gear, I know someone who had a broken vertebrae because she didnt want to carry a harness with foam back protection to the take off site. She bought a harness without impact protection, and a line caught on a tree when landing, making her land on her back.

[@AriintheAir]

I'm sorry to hear about this but thanks for sharing. If I were to give advice, it would probably be introspection/journaling/therapy type stuff, but also to give plenty of time and space to let your mind/body/soul integrate that experience. Cheers and best wishes to you

[@danielcoetsee5768]

Whow..I've watched a ton of KZbin videos before getting into Powered Paragliding and maybe 2tons more video's since I took up this amazing sport, and I have to say that this is exactly the kind of advice I needed. Maybe someday I will join the free flying community as well, but for now the exact same safety principles you've mentioned applies 100% to PPG. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@christiankruse8205]

I’m feeling your frustration, your pain and the truthfulness in how you share. 🙏🏻

[@TheRealFastMarcus]

Thank you Ari. I needed to hear your words of wisdom today. I appreciate you.

[@limoninbici2148]

you are absolutely right. I fly in Switzerland with about 180 flights, I have about 10 hours of flight with my new XI. this wing gives me maximum feeling and I think it has very good passive safety (even if it is a high en-B). maybe in a few years I will switch to an EN-C but only after having made 110% of my current wing ... (never🤣). After the flight school we begin to understand that the pilot does the flying, not the paraglider, except in extreme cases. Nice video👏!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Are you still on your XI? I have now 120 hours on it and I've been considering the Lynx 2 as a (relatively) docile first step-up to C. I LOVE my XI though, although it probably needs some trimming

[@hammerj]

Congratulations. Great video and a very important message to the majority of us paragliders. I am paragliding for fun on days off-duty and on days-off family obligations - probably like the majority of pilots. No way, I can achieve the same level of competence as professional pilots or pilots who just live for paragliding. Sometimes it is hard when you realize the huge difference in your performance and your skills compared to these colleagues, but then I think "no way I will leave my EN-B glider". I feel safe with it, I can do wonderful flights and I have still very much to learn. In analogy, I would not expect these great pilots to come and do what I do daily in my Pediatric Intensive Care Unit - it also needs a lot of training and permanent exposure to care for critically ill children safely. I also compare my flying to my skiing. I was brought up on skis and skiing difficult, steep slopes in deep powder is no problem, but if you learned skiing later in life you will hardly ever get to this level. I learned flying later in life. The difference to skiing is that difficult terrain will frighten you early while looking down. With paragliding, it needs a lot more to realize the danger and the limits to your skills the nature and the weather will pose on you. So your comments are very well appreciated and I love your term " emotional skills" - also very important skills in medicine.

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience here brother!

[@gustavohenriquegueno4226]

Great message man! You're kind of a psychologistglider! Consider to add translated subtitles into your videos, many of my flying friends here in Brazil must get the emotions you showed here, but a big big big portion of them do not speak English! Great channel you have bro!! See ya!!

[@frankpelant9323]

Awesome stuff Ari! Been Pging since 95.... Did the same after 3 years after starting paragliding Sig 4 from a Airwave Fusion even taking 3 SIVs back in one year. No injuries and did the stunts at 3K above Andy Jackson Crestline and got to see my reserve. Ego hurt but learned to a be Indian! Still flying to this day in SoCal... on my Sig 8 till it wears out. I have seen awesome old pilots over the years out flying some these newbies on the new hot gliders. Donation in progress! Awesome!

[@actual_tangerine]

There is one thing I am seeing about myself. I do a similarly dangerous sport that actually can hurt an entire group of people if shit goes wrong. I have more that 1000 days on ski. I live in snowy mountains. And as a freeriding skier I am very very cautious in risk assessment and management. These days I am stepping back more often than I step forward. But I had to learn this the hard way. I remember a mountain bike tour I went on at 15 or what not (not much more than a convoluted commuting tour up and down a river) yet I overstepped my boundaries and kept going on a non existing path. I ended up needing to push my bike up a riverbank through the weeds in the woods. With it being planned as a simple tour I had no food with me and ended up being suuper exhausted. That day I started to learn that going back may sometimes be the smarter decision than the stubborn always "go forward no matter what" game that my ADHD brain loves to play. Similarly it's traumatic to witness and be the first/group responder in any Averlanch. I don't need more of that. In skiing I now rather miss a day than having to witness an averlanch. Yet something in my mind is making this same progression towards caution and self-assessment and awareness harder in Paragliding. I am glad that I am pretty self focused and my own progression and don't compare myself with others much. Yet I am not yet taking the same cautious steps I do when planning a skiing trip. Although I haven't even stepped up from my A glider yet so there's that accomplishment. I do think that the Paragliding community has a much better compassion towards risks others take and is usually quick to step up. The skiing community is much less aware or tight nit?!

[@FlyingKarlis]

Thank you for talking about this and talking so well about it!

[@AriintheAir]

Karlis! Dude! Maybe you remember, 2015, I was in Organya in the spring, it was raining for days and we didn't get to fly, but we met in the cafe! You were with Signe and Christina. Cheers brother, hope you're well.

[@FlyingKarlis]

@@AriintheAir Damn, time flies, huh. Now that you mention it I do remember. Man, happy to see what you have done here on your KZbin Chanel. Any plans to come to Europe next season?

[@AriintheAir]

@@FlyingKarlis Thank you so much brother, I really appreciate that. I would love to make it back to the alps next season, but its a bit far out to tell if that is going to be a reality. I will stay in touch with you about that. Would love to crush some xc with you!

[@FlyingKarlis]

@@AriintheAir Would love to chase some distance together, let's see what the world is like in 6 months. Keep in touch!

[@ludensfabertoday]

Wow, good stuff! I just came across this video through THERMIKMagazin's Friday Newsletter. Up front: I will re-watch this, again. There's much to reflect and digest for me (Swiss, 47y, started flying 1.5y ago, 300+ flights, 4x SIV, HighB now). I will use your deep breaths to structure it into bits to revisit your deep thoughts, irritating triggers and encouragements. My key take-away today: "I wanna see you use paragliding as a tool for transformation in your life!" Well said! Thanks.

[@AriintheAir]

Lars, I so appreciate such a thoughtful response man. Happy to hear that Thermik shared this. I love that your takeaway is the essence of the video, you nailed it!

[@FreeFlightGuy]

Thank you for this video. Not everyone will receive the message but it’s good to hear people say “slow down” and “don’t compare yourself to others”. I’ve been telling myself and my friends that and it’s made paragliding so much more fun. Thank you :)

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks so much Charles.

[@sergeyartushkevich9028]

F**n awesome! One of the best paragliding videos that I`ve ever seen! Thank You!

[@huepix]

Always speak up. I once felt me and a mate were launching in a less than ideal position. The correct place was less than 30 meters away. He had 30 years experience, I had 3. I stayed quiet. He died. Wishing you'd said something is not a good place to be.

[@bdtrauma01]

one of your best videos I've watched. great content

[@Nicolaz.Alarcon]

Thank you for this content, I have seen this video on time, thank you very much!

[@liljonnsen5847]

Wow - what a talk! Amzing... dude. Thank you very much. I know that my future Me is gonna need that video again. I saved it for my future! Cheers mate.

[@patrickaubichon]

there's not a lot of people who talk from the heart about seemibly sensitive topics. good for you Ari. well said.

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you patrick! I appreciate your support man

[@Life_Explorer4u]

Brother why paragliding makes the pilot so deep connection and so kind hearted man. When i listen to someone's documentary they say the words like a meditative being. 🙏

[@mirahlavackuj4419]

Thanks for this great video! This will probably make me fly my low EN-B at least a season longer and work on my attitude even further!

[@nickbraun2488]

Thank You for these words.

[@chadhalstead]

Amazing discussion. I think these principles can be translated to so many sports or activities and it’s so important to check your ego and throttle back when you realize you’re intentions aren’t what they should be.

[@ryandick6507]

Yes Ari. Thank you. Great share. First video I've seen of you, but it won't be the last.

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks for watching!

[@terrylutke]

To add to this great video..In the case of powered paraglider, work hard to uncover the safest brand/model glider and stick with it. Speed and glide ratio are way less meaningful when under power. Start your search with lower aspect wings and proper loading (heavy loading generally). So called school wings can be the right forever choice.

[@Parakitedude]

Thanks for sharing this, I think this is something all PG pilots will feel when new

[@mmmmkkk]

just a thought, if you ever have a chance to be in a radio contact with someone in autorotation or other kind of uncontrolled spiral/SAT then IMO it makes much more sense to point out which breake is actually the outside one. Figuring that out once you're in it is the most difficult part, plus if you're out of your mind, it's much easier to follow 'left' than 'pull outside brake'

[@AriintheAir]

If someone is locked into a spiral and seems frozen, I will tell them to throw their reserve immediately.

[@mmmmkkk]

@@AriintheAir well, it was you who said that watched his friend locked in autorotation and called to pull the outside brake. Or am I hearing voices? :-P

[@AriintheAir]

I was saying it out loud, not on the radio. He was too low for a reserve in a spiral, he was at 100’

[@stevenprairie24]

I have seen 6 people die or get severely injured. It weighs on you and makes you understand we are mortal....you become jaded. It takes you down. Sad about human loss and potentially loss of your own life.

[@AriintheAir]

So sorry to hear that Steve. It sure is a fucking hard thing to see and it certainly shows us our own vulnerability

[@TheRobdog1976]

Great words Ari, I’m a PPG pilot but I believe everything that you spoke of relates to the PPG community as well. Cheers mate!

[@gastonnogues]

Great video, I’ve also heard it said “it’s not the camera it’s the photographer”

[@actual_tangerine]

I'll save this video for every time I made any kind of bad decision when on the mountain or in the air.

[@KilkennyLights]

Well said Ari. Enjoyed listening to this.

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you sir!

[@PetarDopchev]

Nice video, Ari! Thanks for sharing the emotional part of paragliding!

[@AriintheAir]

Thank you Petar! Really appreciate your words

[@Ripstop_pilot]

Hate to admit it.....but I think I'm already there but was maybe kidding myself with the excitement of a cure2. I love my bgd base. I've had so many good flights on it. So many disappointing flights, but I've always walked away knowing it was me and not the gliders fault. I know I want to do better, my last xc was my longest, but at only 32km I know I have to be better, in better weather, better launch site (further from the sea 🤦‍♂️). There are soooooo many factors in achievements you can get in paragliding (maybe I'd do better if I flew more xc in the first place?) But essentially all I ever wanted from paragliding is that freedom, that experience, those memories and that smile at the end of the day no matter how long or how far I get. As soon as it stops being fun....I'm done! And adding more risk wont be much fun. Still getting a new harness though 😉

[@CloudWalker33]

I liked this before your first deep breath. Love it brother!

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks Josh!!!

[@BitTorrentGemini]

Good point. It is hard to admit that you will never be as good as you wish. After 20 years of recreational flying I thought I should fly harder-broken spine (pilot error+ENC did not forgive it) cured my ambitions (I was very lucky and I carefully start flying again ENB)

[@mmmmkkk]

As far as the 'classes' are concerned. I think people put too much attention to the labels. The border between the EN certification classes, especially B and C, are more and more blurry with every year. So as long as all you have said applies, I think it is also worth mentioning that it's not the EN class that makes the wing safe or not, mean or not. It's just one of many indications and not exectly a great one in fact. One of the things it does not tell is how likely the wing is going to collapse and how hard is it to prevent it.

[@steverleonardjr]

I am a 46 year old student pilot. All I have to say is "Well said, great advice!!!!!!". Thank You.

[@AriintheAir]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@sunshinezoner7275]

Beautifully done buddy!

[@hiflioz]

Brilliant analysis.

[@CaionoAr]

Love your videos, im felling something close to this, and your video help me to put my head in the right place. Im a new paraglider pilot and bought as my first glider the bgd magic, but i was felling that i should already started with the epic 2 to have more performance.You help to chill me out and just enjoy my first glider

[@woodmansared1]

I have not done my CP yet. I will carry this philosophy with me into the future. Great advice generally Thank you man 🤘

[@carbonlarge]

Good common sense words, I came across this video by chance. A few years ago I was at the Gin open in Italy where Petra Slivova demonstrated how to win a comp on a B wing, and that was up against some D wings..... At the same low level comp, Torsten Siegel did a toolbox talk on wings, and said just the same as you,,,,, no need to move up until you can wring the blood out of a wing, full bar all the way,,,,,,that takes skill, confidence, education and wisdom,,,,,, thanks for the video, fly safe

[@jsaporski]

Thank you Ari.

[@davidballard6443]

While I agree with the community and our suggested progression. I've heard it said that; I fly a hot wing because I want to actually fly. I agree and disagree with that conditionally. I compare it to mountain and road bikes. Low B, or the mountain bike comparison, has a lot of forgiveness in the suspension, tires, handling etc and it's a good choice if you're going downhill and not very far. Road bikes, EN C or above comparison, are faster and more comfortable for longer hours, but require a delicate touch. They need to be ridden slower and more cautiously on rocky terrain. They can do it, but it'll beat you up. And the difference is distance on the ground, and time in the air. I don't believe that you can truly progress without atleast tasting hotter gear because the hot stuff stays in the air for longer, you can actually reach that next lift band, cloud, or thermal. It's the difference between beating laps around your local hill and getting bored and hour in, or getting out on XC and challenging yourself with new terrain past the 4 hour mark.

[@kmaund123]

Many wise words, thankyou.

[@Bah4jc126]

Terrifying opening story. RESERVE??!! Wow. Excellent debrief. Comparison is indeed dangerous! Each pilot's journey is unique and to be honored as such. "Fly your own flight." That's a helmet sticker if I've ever heard one! Oh, & "The best glider in the world is the one you have." :) Amazing insights. Quote-ables. Notables!

[@yorvenuswow]

Thanks for the nice video :) Made me think alot about what moment to purchase a higher class wing. I for sure will fly the one i have until i know its every limit :)

[@prohousebmx1035]

from 15 years of bmx overcoming ego, im nervous for people using paragliding as a platform for emotional growth. i got hurt alot just a few feet off the ground. but that taught me alot, most of my biggest failures were caused by my need for outside approval and validation. I think this sport needs a well rounded mindset. meaning you are calm, humble, and a critical thinker. not a "hold my beer" kind of person. im lucky to start learning at 30, cuz the 20 year old me with my need to show off would have not made it in this sport. 30 year old me is much better at controlling emotions, aswell as assessing risk, learning all the dangers and understanding what im getting involved in. i absolutely love paragliding and i think everyone can learn it, and do it. but being safe is 100% top priority. and we should all have that mindset beyond all else. also bombing out is just about luck sometimes. there is always tomorrow~ 💪

[@AriintheAir]

BMX is a savage sport, such consequence! Paragliding even more consequence, but less risk. We all have different motives to fly and different risk tolerences - some people want to paraglide to feel fear, and I don't think it's a great way to go about it, but I try not to moralize and say that it's wrong for them to do it that way.

[@liamtoothill5504]

UK, I've 80hrs on an epsilon 8. I was thinking of a couple c Inc a sigma 10. You just said exactly what I knew deep down.top man thanks

[@AriintheAir]

So happy to hear that Liam! Thanks for watching

[@BinaryBadass]

I got out-thermaled by some friends of mine. I was disappointed, so I upgraded from a Kona to a Swift. You really hit the nail on the head. There's no way I'm going to consider a C-rated wing anytime soon.

[@AriintheAir]

Swift will be good for a long time bro

[@NelsonsWings]

Good video! One small technical point, that I read Bruce Goldsmith say. It is counterintuitive, but lower aspect ratio wings can lock into spirals easier than higher aspect ratio wings. If I can find the link I'll come back and post it. That having been said, I don't dispute that Base to Sigma is a scary thing, and there are a lot of things that go very wrong with skinny wings that take precise, early correction to stop cascading.

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks for the info! That is a great point and a counterintuitive one

[@jorgeroman6723]

Nice video,I bought myself 2 only for ground handling paragliders cause that's all all I need feel the wind.

[@tannerhughes6274]

To be that negative comment and to be frank. This is another situation that I’ve seen where it’s pilot error and not the paraglider. I’ve been asked a lot by people who don’t fly and don’t understand paragliding, and 90% of the time I’m asked how dangerous or how safe is paragliding. I always answer them that I 100% know that paragliding is safe when you fly within your means and capability, and that as of now, ALL of the accidents I’ve seen is because of the pilot in one way or another ignores the basics of flying. Which I would label as complacency.

[@FlyRusty]

Thanks, profound thoughts.

[@falconron4217]

WOW, really good advice.

[@DjIsaacsOfficialSite]

That's why I love your videos! I feel like I'm attending psychology master!

[@ANNAI89]

Very good content Ari

[@NilfNilf1972]

I would like to give a slightly different perspective: I started on a low EN-A “dumb” wing that was void of any agility or feedback. Result: I. Could. Not. Feel. Any. Thermal. Ever. I was close to completely giving up had I not tried someone else’s wing - which made all the difference. I stepped up to a low EN-B, at which point paragliding became meaningful and enjoyable. Trying to become a pro by buying their equipment may be a poor idea; but sometimes, the wrong equipment _does_ hold you back. Oh, then there was the summer when I flew a harness in the (dangerously) wrong size, which felt terrifying … another instance where “working on myself” would have made no difference. However, both examples could be fixed without stepping into more demanding pro equipment, so I believe we’re on the same page there ;-)

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, I kinda hate A wings. They sure are getting better though, and the new ones seem to have way more performance. I recommend low B's for most of my students. I have had some students, that due to risk aversion, age, mobility, etc, that I had them fly A wings.

[@callanrdaniel]

So much good info here! Subscribed! Hope to have the means to support you on Patreon soon!

[@jhoncarlosartal1931]

Extraordinario consejo! Gracias

[@maximocunillera3608]

Everyone interested getting in the sport should watch this...........

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks so much Max!

[@escalibore6368]

Thanks, I needed this.

[@AriintheAir]

Glad to hear that, and thanks for writing

[@1003tobi]

Thanks man!

[@paulodasilva3446]

Thank you, I'll share this.

[@AriintheAir]

Thanks for sharing!

[@abbott876]

You are the De li Lama of paragliding man. THANK YOU !!