Learning how to Paraglide from Youtube -- Episode 1

This is the first video in my series where I learn to paraglide with no formal training. It is legal to paraglide without a license in the US. You should never fly with other paragliders in the air when you do not have training. I only risk my own safety in the making of these videos.
rctestflight: • Paragliding vs Speedfl...
Flybubble Paragliding: / flybubbleparagliding
Kyle O'Glee: / kyleoglee
Please feel free to leave any tips about paragliding or video editing as I am pretty new to both.
Stay tuned for the next video where I learn to ridge soar!
i f i t o u c h u by Barradeen | / barradeen
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Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
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[@shaneross7428]

You say learning paragliding from KZbin is a bad idea but I learned hang gliding from KZbin before I took lessons and the insight was invaluable. It makes you a more competent person if you already know the basics. I actually believe I could have learned hang gliding strictly from videos. It's way easier then controlling a paraglider from what I can see. Thank you for this video.

[@woodchopinbeekeeper929]

It'll be fine! what could go wrong

[@gpapier]

Nice video Jacob! I do kitesurfing and I understand exactly wht you mean by not being a good idea to teach yourself these sports. However, watching your video made the sport so much more real to me, as one tends to thinks that you will hook yourself up to the kite and just fly. I´m finding some family resistance, but I hope to one day take up the sport.

[@tubeannouncements7047]

Great video, very informative.. didn’t realise you could self teach this sport. I’ll do a few beginner classes to speed up the process

[@ZazaParagliding]

How are you doing? Are you flying?

[@UpcomingJedi]

Probably self trained himself into the hospital and is now using a stephen hawking wheelchair. It sure looks a lot easier when Tucker does it.

[@factdesignbr]

Did the same... bought a cheap wing which apparently wasonly used for Ground handling... THEN learnt a loooot on it. Ended up flying it at the ridge/slope... then bought a reserve and started exploring thermals... and THEN bought a vario... ended up cross country that cheap wing lol I still fly it. 💕

[@cristeaadrian9682]

sick

[@primozbergant5623]

Amazing. It didn't even occur to me. To even go learn this sport on youtube. Thank God you learned gradually. And yes ground handling is very important, more than flying. And where I live, you need a license for this sport. The people who taught themselves this sport were pioneers.

[@tobiasbrunner4720]

not to forget they even made their own wings

It's definetely possible to get into the air just by youtube. But as an instructor and flying for more than 17 years, i saw so many accidents, which happened with licenced pilots, and the cause was their lack of proper training, or often just not realizing the situation. You will meet new potentially dangerous situations soo much more often then you think! If you didn't get the proper theory following a proper syllabus then sooner or later you will meet a situation when you will make.a wrong decision. Honestly i would keep teaching.my students forever, because i also keep learning new things nonstop. And i want them to know them too, becazse they have much less experience then me and i want them to be safe. ....and it' s also illegal to even groundhandle without an instructor in most countries. I really like that saying: 'Remember: all the rules in aviation are written with blood' Every stupid rule is there because somebody crashed or died because there was no rule to follow so they had to improvise ...and they made the wrong decision. By the way: i had no accidents ever paragliding. Even my first treelanding happened after 14 years of flying. And i'm thankful for my instructors for teaching me the basic principles. The most important is to respect the air and aviation. Learning from youtube is the opposite of that. So good luck! (...if you want to count on that mostly...)

[@anthonyrutten4018]

Bro I’m right there with ya!! I bought a paramotor wing and I’m at the bunny hop stage and fly bubble is the best!! Thanks for making this video!! Just cause we’re crazy doesn’t mean we’re not smart about it! Gravity and wind have been my friends for most my life!! Paramotoring is the next step in my evolution 🤙🏼

[@drmcleanda]

Paragliding is relatively easy to learn the basics but very very hard to master safely. Weather conditions around the flying area must be very carefully assessed, which normally (and should) come from the coach. A lot of accidents (and worse) can and do happen, exacerbated by using some cheaper older gliders (where the rear lines have often shrunk, making the wing less stable).

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

I think its a lot like the early law enforcement breachers that wrote the books on explosive use. It's not so much learning how to be good at it when learning on your own, but ensuring you can survive the failure.

[@dustindeyagher]

KZbin isn't a whole lot different than having an instructor, they just can't critique you making the process a bit longer. I learned to kiteboard from KZbin, maybe soon Paragliding too 🤷‍♂️

[@jasonbig2653]

I am a new learner, just wondering if it is safe to buy wing from eBay or Amazon? I mean if the quality is poor, the seller won’t see you come back for refund, right😂

[@JacobHutzler]

Buying used gear is really random. Usually you get what you pay for (cheap stuff is usually crap). But these wings are not made to last forever. You can take comfort if the wing has been professionally inspected recently. Other than that it’s all reputation based. I’ve heard of some horror stories of people buying “good” used gear and getting wings with holes and oil stains and worn away leading edges.

[@jasonbig2653]

@@JacobHutzler thanks for your reply. So how to do a professional inspection? Do you have any website or experts to recommend?

[@JacobHutzler]

@@jasonbig2653 Cloud 9 is pretty good for inspections and repair.

[@jasonbig2653]

@@JacobHutzler thanks a lot

[@FAMILYTSIATIS]

Perfect videooo like and subscribe your channel...

[@JS-wu1hg]

Nice. I’m currently trying to teach myself and it made me laugh when you said how much of a pain in the ass it actually is. Most of your time is just spent putting the harness on and off after having to reset the wing for another go at launching. I’m hopefully going to get myself to a beach sometime this year for some more kiting practise.

[@dnorthup65]

I think anything can be learned from the internet. Plenty of recorded college classes . . . etc. Taking the information from "digital to analog" must be done methodically like you did. Well done! Baby steps to prove out your interpretation of the information in a controlled and deliberate way is the only way to progress safely. A longer road maybe but still reasonable if done incrementally as you did. Way to go.

[@cevdetgz4126]

So where you live it's not common that students use equipment from schools? I think it's best to invest what you have for lessons and learn quick and safe within few weeks. Later if you can efford, buy your own equipment.

[@giodaddazio]

... Imagine that in the nineties no instructors nor youtube ... Almost all self-taught. But today if you want to become very good at it and stay safe, get the best pilot you can afford ...

[@alopandur]

I learned from my friend and we experimented a lot, also early nineties... Lots of good, some bad, but no injuries... Although landing on top of the big pines hurts your ego 🙂

[@WuTangChillaBee]

Smart people save money by buying used equipment (because once you get a few hours under your belt you wilp soon outgrow it, know if the sport is for you, and then invest in the right equipment for you) and put the money to a course instead. I had old gear and ground handled it for literally a couple years, dreaming to fly, but holding off until I did the course. When I did the course I was way ahead of everyone else because of all the kiting id done. You are in no place to give people tips. People should praise you for this. I know plenty of people whove broken backs and or legs who preach "GET A COURSE"...!!!! 🙈

[@johnoutside84]

I cringed a bit when i saw the title. But you seemed to take it very seriously with practicing kiting. Regardless, you will at some time need to be certified.

[@carlhutzler3466]

Well made. I never realized how long it took to get from being dragged across a football field to hopping down that bunny slope. But you eventually figured it out! I liked the video. Well put together. Groovy music :-)

[@cooter3690]

I’m in a unique situation. I learned to fly when I was stationed in Hawaii about 15 years ago. I received proper instruction and got my P2 rating. I flew for about 2 years, was deployed and then got out of the service and came home. I haven’t flown since. Not because I didn’t want to but because I now live in a place where there’s no good areas to fly. Fast forward to today and I’m considering getting into powered paragliding. I do not have the money for the instruction and the gear like yourself but I think I can scrounge up the money for the gear. I’m here on KZbin to refresh my memory and to learn as much as I can about paramotoring. I’m sure proper instruction would do me good but I feel like I’m not coming at this as a complete nube. I think I can teach myself and do it safely. What do you think?

[@maminfrabass7713]

Of course not 😅

[@raymondo162]

what is point of overdub what you say with goddamn f in irritating moozak.? YOYOY ??

[@sinky83]

Hey @ Hutz Air you still alive?.... your response is all i need to know if i should continue the path i have found myself here on

[@JacobHutzler]

I’m alive. Y’all ain’t gonna believe where I’m at now

[@beyblademan6676]

Lit

[@shawnwalden2669]

subbed, have my first class on the 8th, my whole goal was to be able to fly down from some of my hikes.... but looks like there is a ton to learn! heading to the rest of your videos

[@JacobHutzler]

Good choice getting training. That was my biggest mistake. There is a lot to learn, especially when it comes to weather. Glad you like my videos!

[@PeterK_47]

Kooool

[@shaneross7428]

You're badass I love it

[@iuliu979]

I feel ya!! i also learned to fly from youtube but my videos ar not so good like my fliyng :))

[@rikkcrazycanuck]

Love it when I have bad ideas that other have had before me. Off to book a lesson. Thanks for making an informative video!

[@bethanywalker5653]

Well done.❤️❤️

[@bigsailboatproject]

I have only 1 day of instruction so far but 110 hours ground handling (no good bunny hills here) and would recommend at least some instruction before the bad habits become too ingrained. I am going for P1 & P2 in June as I will be flying in mountain regions. DO lots of ground handling even in questionable conditions, it's really good experience. Bravo on the short flights tho! Can't wait for next one!

[@DomesticDave]

I did the same as you up to the Bunnyhop stage. Then I when to flying school in the Swiss Alps, bought new gear to use and had my club pilots licence in two weeks.

[@luisalvesdelima01]

Great video! Even though I'm definitely getting an instructor, it's always good to hear from a beginner and your experience. Curiosity, what did you do with your old wing?

[@allywhiteday90]

It is my dream to fly with paragliding. But since it's so expensive, I just watch 😪

[@JacobHutzler]

Save up. It took me a few years to get there. Don’t give up buddy. It’s never too late 👍

[@conor6510]

Delawareeeee, i recognize those towers haha

[@guru253]

I WAS THINKING OF DOING THE EXACT SAME FUCKING THINGS, for the precise reason of not having the resources for both training and glider.

[@guru253]

Knowing that someone on youtube has done this has emboldened me.

[@JacobHutzler]

Be careful. Watch the rest of the series. Start small. Don’t push windy or midday conditions. You don’t know what you don’t know.

[@rayhelou33]

This video is nit to learn man !!!!

[@bboy2169]

And what IF you worked als these hundreds of hours instead of watching KZbin? Then you could affort the education? Just saying.....

[@JacobHutzler]

Another job?!? Holy crap I never thought of that. More jobs means more money. I guess I must have been so tired from my mechanical engineering studies, fab lab job, and my job as an Uber driver, that my brain was just too tired to think “just work more”. Amazing.

[@bboy2169]

@@JacobHutzler geheehehe Nice comment. I dindt know man. I'm sorry. I enjoyed youre video now watching part 2 .

[@ParaglidingScotland]

First I'm 100% self trained (but I do have a 50+ year background in both teaching all sorts of things and a solid understanding of both Physics and HP&L (Human Performance & Limitations) Over the decades since the mid 90's I've flown well over ten thousand hours (zero PERSONAL hospital visits) and RE-trained over 1,000 'schooled' PG pilots. I've also had to call emergency services far to often for 'qualified' pilots. As 95% of what I;ve been teaching directly contridicts 'normal' training it's hardly a suprise the diffrence in 'output' from bhpa Ltd schools, which are known for generating a lot of incidents! I've 'thumb UP' clicked your video for its good overall approach, that said: The single most important thing I've been saying to students for over quarter of a century is "You should ONLY train at paragliding 'schools' IF you actually want to personally risk the 'normal' PG accident, injury (& possibly death!) rates"..... So my 'word of caution' is like PG 'official' books, videos (training DVD's etc, nowdays 'school' KZbin channels etc) ALL (including my stuff) should be viewed using 'Fotogliders Law'... (which states) Rule One: Question EVERYTHING except Rule Two...... Rule Two: Never Question the wisdom of Rule One! I look forward to watching the rest of your PG adventure, I only ask you consider the following: Are those who publish videos I'm using STILL (despite vast advances in passive equipment safety) generating the same old incident rates of the late 80's and 90's?

[@MarkHivosk]

This episode encapsulates my self learning experience so far haha. So grateful I'm over the hardest part

[@zorangradjanski]

I was skydiver and military paratrooper 35 year's ago and now I'm beginner pilot with paragliding instructor it's only safe metod to learn

[@UpcomingJedi]

Ha HA HA! Its funny when this EXACTLY happens and the wing doesnt come up but just crashes sideways.

[@foxyparamotorgirl2126]

Amazing

[@adam_-adam]

learning can be done from youtube or just being the type of person who is good at things of this nature, ie maybe an rc pilot, or someone who's a real pilot, or someone who builds rc or real airplanes and has an understanding of how flying things work. However" you will still get a storm of angry pilots out there who will always assume your the most dumbest peice of shit and couldn't even learn how to ride a bike with your eyes closed. ive always been that guy that people judge but i always learned things on my own but through massive amounts of research. some people can excel at stuff more than people who got the right training. But it depends which type of person you are and if you always been into building stuff and understanding how things work like a life long ordeal, but i understand why other pilots who might see this video can get mad cuz, theres many people who can die if they don't learn the right things in the right order, so i understand both sides. some people and "most" people should get proper training, but could it be done on your own? of fucking course, we are all humans and have been doing crazy shit on earth forever, some people just like to doubt everyone and say, oh you look to dumb to do something like this, you look like a dumb pilot whos gonna crash your rc plane right away!!! or you look dumb so your not gonna actually do a good job at anything you do, im that guy!!! its a weird situation, id recomend everyone get training, if it was my kids, for sure get training, but for Me" psshhh ive always been the kinds person to judge weather i can do it on my own or get lesson and i have done both hang gliding and paraglidng on my own and flew hundreds of flights perfectly safe . Everyones different and learns things at different rates or by different learning material. ie handson or book or both.

[@0OlIS5]

Would you suggest self-taught kiting/ bunny hill mini flights, and then go get professional training? Or vice versa? I’ve began watching tutorials and plan to do 50 hours kiting/50 hours mini jump flights.

[@JacobHutzler]

It’s reasonable. Many schools actually suggest some kiting on your own before you arrive for training. I just signed up with Aviator for paramotor training starting in March. They recommend going to a field and learning to kite a little on your own. Be very careful of high winds. I didn’t get video of it but I tried to kite in 15-20mph wind inland and ended up getting dragged quite a ways before finally killing the wing.

[@0OlIS5]

Jacob Hutzler lol glad you’re alright.. ok no windy day kiting 😃 Also what makes you want paramotoring now? Bored with paragliding? I read you just got your motor and sounds fun.

[@JacobHutzler]

@@0OlIS5 tired of walking up hills lol

[@0OlIS5]

Jacob Hutzler 😂 touché

[@JammyBFPV]

bro your content is amazing i subbed how do you only have 800 subscribers, im from the uk obviously no lessons now as its winter but you have inspired me

[@godfrey9796]

Hey man. I've recently bought my first wing and I'm intended to go flying after watching a few KZbin videos. So just wanted to say thank you for the tips and warnings. (duly noted) 🤣😂 I'll let you know how it went 😏🤞

[@ko_da_life]

Did u have a reserve?

[@JacobHutzler]

@@ko_da_life not at first

[@suetaylor1127]

thanks for the video. i just bought wing and a pack. i plan on teaching myself as well. i probably will take lessons after i play with a bunch and get good at kiting it. i am stoked.

[@jongabrielminney2440]

Thanks man! Great vid. Bout to click on part 2 now. This sport looks amazing. I saw flybubble capture a cloud in a bag and now I'm very intrigued

[@tonyluiz5976]

cool man I think u have nail it even if do get training we still have to master it own self it's only theory weather etc 😀 safe flying 😀

[@moschidreamer]

6:55 so true. I always took a 2l bottle with me for Groundhandling. It´s like running 20km

[@miguelangelcano8546]

You're completely right. Thanks a lot

[@gellerttoth2113]

I think you could have much better success if you bought a wing that was trimmed. This wing looks really out of trim that makes kiting difficult even for experienced pilot

[@JacobHutzler]

You’re absolutely right. After lots more experience and flying brand new modern gliders, it’s night and day difference.

[@captainmatt98]

its a bird its a plane, its tucker gott, just kidding its jacob

[@buzzinbill1962]

I'd invest in a boat anchor, if I were you 😉

[@troy4219]

Is that a beginner wing or an advanced wing? I purchased the manual, "Paragliding~A Pilot's Training Manual, The Complete Reference From A-XC." Great book...

[@JacobHutzler]

All wings were EN-A

[@ludan9019]

I want to ask what is the music at 9:22?

[@paulbishop7399]

painful to watch!

[@Yourbosskid]

Hey Jacob! I learned without an instructor too. Your video took me back. The torture of laying the wing out again and again. I wasted so much money on fuel looking for the right hills 😁 It was around the same time as you actually. Did you keep it up in the end? I was a bit worried about you when I saw the videos end after 3.

[@JacobHutzler]

Yes I am still paragliding. I haven’t really had anything more that a few bunny hops. I’m saving for a paramotor and training. I live in VA now and most of the PG spots are owned by the VAPGA and they don’t like self trainees lol.

[@Yourbosskid]

Nice! Glad to hear you’re getting some training. I’m waiting for the world to open up to do SIV.

[@JacobHutzler]

@@Yourbosskid luckily (or not) Aviator is in FL. And for some reason it’s like the virus magically doesn’t exist down there. Everything is open.

[@Yourbosskid]

Well I can’t see you getting to close to anyone 🤣 not if it all goes well. Good luck with it all and soft landings!

[@evanbarnes9984]

@@JacobHutzler I mean, the virus is absolutely in Florida. 1 in 12 people in Florida have already had it. They're just keeping bars open in spite of that.

[@paraworth]

I understand what you’re doing. I don’t agree with it because you will pick up bad habits that you don’t even know about and that will either endanger you or slow your progression. Get good solid instruction, progress more rapidly. Best wings are the most modern designs. Your Airwaves sport is 20 year old technology. Sometimes what seems to be the fastest way is the slowest way. Save the money find reputable institution and progress safety and more rapidly. Just saying🤩 Most schools use new technology and the equipment is included at least for the first steps.

[@flyingtime5501]

Stfu!!!! He is doing great not everyone has to take your path in life!

[@JacobHutzler]

Dominators are 10 years old and apparently they’re “the best wing ever made”.

[@youknowwhoiam1314]

I dont know how I feel about this. I just finished my paragliding course and knowing what I know now, there is no way I would have attempted this without a instructor.

[@JacobHutzler]

Did you not watch the first two minutes of the video where I solely talk about how learning to paraglide from KZbin was a bad idea? Alluding to my ending flying into trees? Did you just read the title?

[@itukuppoo4280]

Whats the solution when you spin and tangle the risers and you are clueless what to do? Do you just unhook and bail without a parachute when you are 5-6 stories up and expect to not get injured when you land on a seemingly soft bush? How can you tell if a bush is soft but will suppurt a human falling at 50 mph without getting hurt?

[@JacobHutzler]

Don’t jump out of an aircraft that is still flying. There are lots of examples of riser twist where the glider is still flying fine. Pull the riser that is in front out while kicking your legs in circles to undo the twist. You can reach above the twist to pull the actual brake lines themselves to steer.

[@fishmut]

@@JacobHutzler ... awesome response to the person above who thinks he’s got the answer lol , probably never touched a paraglide ether . Thanks for the information in your video , well done , happy flying.👍

[@321zipzapzoom]

Well Done

[@jory11kehler]

Love it. I'm gunna buy one and get my feet off the ground! 🤯

[@JacobHutzler]

Be safe. Start slow. Lots of kiting. Make sure you know what you’re getting into (ie this is a three part series that ended with me in a tree).

[@lone5tr]

Nah I don't need training (this is my training)

[@erikpfingstner3902]

I've got a friend who thought like you. He was'nt able to inflate his wing and get it above him. Yet he absolutely wanted to get in the air. After many trials, he managed to take off and land. But when He told me what he did in the air, I was shocked. He had the feeling he was'nt going down, so he pulled the brakes completely for a short time, periodically, again and again. Doing this, he could have stopped the wing from flying. That was VERY dangerous. Just because he had not done his homework. His wing was a good beginners wing. That saved his flight. If you want to fly without proper training, you will need much ground training in order to be able to control your wing, and you will need to do your homework in theory. This friend of mine should have known how to "do big ears" in order to go down faster. But he knew next to nothing. Yes, you can learn a lot from youtube - and you can definitly learn paragliding this way. But take it seriously, and dont try to get in the air before you are in control. Do your homework, and a lot of groundhandling. I believe 99% of the people do not have the right frame of mind to learn this sport on their own. Jacob seems to be an exception, he went step by step - though his landing in a tree... I respect and admire Jacob.

[@h.l.d.9988]

GO TO A PROPER CERTIFIED SCHOOL TO LEARN HOW TO PARAGLIDE.

[@JacobHutzler]

Nah

[@h.l.d.9988]

@@JacobHutzler My bad, I didn't clarify, I was addressing this to anyone watching your video. Also, God forbid, but if you crash into a person, a vehicle (occupied or not) or a home, and it happens because of some mistake you could have easily learned to avoid from an instructor, at that point will you acknowledge that it's not just yourself you are putting at risk? Do you have insurance for that eventuality? Fly safe.

[@JacobHutzler]

@@h.l.d.9988 The first two minutes are devoted to how learning on your own in a bad idea. At no point did I fly over people or populated areas as stipulated by FAR 103. No one but myself was ever at risk.

[@bilalakramofficial9446]

any one gyz..send me glider cost

[@fishmut]

Go do some research instead of looking for a hand out , lazy people not surprised.

[@LTE710]

Did you have a reserve while learning?

[@JacobHutzler]

Not in this video. I do later.

[@fatgammon1]

What happened to you, Jacob? Did you leave college and get a proper job? Did you keep paragliding?

[@JacobHutzler]

Yup. Saving up for a paramotor. My PG adventures have not been entertaining enough to post. Mostly sled runs.

[@fatgammon1]

@@JacobHutzler I thought your presentation style, cinematography and commentary made for a great movie.

[@Den_Father]

Jacob you should continue posting! I love watching other people’s flights even if they are sled runs!

[@darkzones3d612]

Music so disturbing the rest is ok

[@JacobHutzler]

Lol this made me laugh

[@sajidali-nz2ww]

How much price of parachute?

[@JacobHutzler]

New: ~$4000

[@jamestherandomer]

Great video

[@jamestherandomer]

Feck it I’ll give it a go

[@cw2126]

👍👍👍

[@dwightbernheimer331]

There are so many aspects to flying a paraglider. You may get the basics on KZbin, but there's micrometeorology and all sorts of stuff included. Got to say in my circumstance, Experience was one of the Best teachers... Along with my towing instructor decades ago. Just sayin'... Good stuff thanks for posting.

[@FoxyParamotorGirl]

So bad ass. That tree footage is intense. Love the video!!

[@JulietsMan]

Nice backpeddle on recommending whether to learn from YT and taking no responsibility.

[@JacobHutzler]

Didn’t back peddle. Never recommended learning from KZbin. In fact, the first two minutes of the video is devoted to this topic. “Learning to paraglide from KZbin is a BAD IDEA” first thing said. Never changed.

[@2563dicko]

I was going to do this, then I came to my senses and did a course. I can promise you, there are so many things you learn on a course that you will not learn on KZbin, important things. Doing this without proper training is stupid and irresponsible, please don't fly around other pilots because properly trained pilots don't need people like you around.

[@JacobHutzler]

I did mention that I only went to unoccupied flying sites with the intention of going home if there were already people flying. Thanks for your keyboard warrior attitude but the first thing I said was “learning to fly off KZbin was a bad idea”. The know-it-all who received training is more dangerous than a conservative self trainer 👍