This is by far the most informative - best explanatory - well edited tutorial video in the history of mankind!! :) well done my friend! Subscribed and liked from the first 5 sec!
I have watched the paragliding launce compilations and constantly see them ruining the reverse. This and your thoughts are exactly what someone needs to hear. Nice job
That's how an instructional video is made! Short, to the point, clear graphics, clear explanation. I hereby appoint you King of UA-cam Instructional Videos!
The parallel hands grip is the easiest way to get a nice straight launch on non-crosswind launch sites. Simply pull on the lowest A riser to accelerate that side of the wing to get it up nice and straight - you simply steer the wing up using the A risers - simple, direct, clear, and self-evident. Say to yourself, "pull on the low(or)slow side", and "step towards the low wingtip" - train to do these things the instant your wing rises off the ground and keep doing them all the way up, and magically everything is straight as an arrow overhead. For crosswind launches (like most towing), use the crossover technique. As the wing rises above you, you will need to brake the fast side and maybe accelerate or unstall the slow side (using the A's) and everything is already in the correct hand, you simply release the A riser that you need to brake and go ahead and brake it, unlikely you will be using that hand again on the A's this side. That brake input turns the glider out of the wind and towards the takeoff path, and you run extra hard while monitoring the soft side for A input should you need to unstall it. For much stronger wind launches, either of the above techniques are used again, but to depower simply pull either A riser hard and collapse that side of the wing, and lean firmly on the uncollaped side with a large amount of brake there as well - now after your checks, simply release the collapse and you rise off vertically. I cannot see how any directional control could be gained from either the one handed or A&C technique. It's important to take a single step forward at the last second after raising the wing. This saves you needing to apply much brake at all when the wing stops overhead. In light winds braking will only make the wing vulnerable to collapse, and in strong winds it will make it vulnerable to lofting you into an uncommanded launch - very dangerous if the wing is already well off to one side. Standing perfectly still will also make the wing overfly you, frontal, blow back, then inflate explosively - usually hauling you off your feet backwards, even in light wind. You CAN look at the glider while doing your takeoff run. You CANNOT look it overhead, but simply look left and right for your wingtips - an easy task while in the correct torpedo posture running with your knees bent. Dodge left and right during your takeoff run to keep those wingtips at the same height.
I have viewed dozens of paragliding videos. Learned a lot, but without question your content and explanations are exceptionally well done. I have already shared this with a friend. Great job!
I've watched a plethora of reverse video launches, but none compare with this. Simple, concise and with an explanation of failures, and just as important, what to do right. Well done
And you sir win the Para-net! This is the best video by far. No other video does this well to explain the Dynamics of reverse launch. You have a really rare talent for this.
Woah, this is the BEST video I've seen so far. Love how you did the graphs and how it allows us to actually visualize all the actions. Thank you for all the effort on putting it together!
Just started on my journey to get my P2.. Had my first flights last week and this vid shows everything I did incorrectly in my launches, and the finer points on how to correct them.. Awesome vid. Subscribed! Thanks!
Very nice explanation, i learned it myself as well since most schools in germany don't teach the reverse start. Good information to improve with, thanks!
Well done video, well explained. I love the idea to show the different grip technique right one after another! I usually use the parallel technique, which works well for me. But I had also learned the "one handed technique" - good to know for that one: you hold the A lines with the right, and the left brake (it's wing-tip lying on the right, since you are facing the glider) with the left hand. If you are now taking a step to the left, the left side of the wing (still to your right) will come up first when pulling the glider up, you can then stabilise it using the left brake that you still have in your left hand.
I agree with my predecessors. This video compactly contains all the most basic, valuable knowledge needed. I always use the reverse launch procedure. Even before starting forward.
Excellent video. I had no idea that there were that many different techniques to use the ricers and control lines. I will save this one to always review it before I go flying.
im also a beginner. i use to buckle in as ready for forward launch. this way i can check everything as it supposed to be and i can still turn halfway to check all lines. i pick up each brake as if in flight, but the A lines reverted. this way, on launch i can adjust the glider as if it was a kite, with hands straight instead of crossed. the launch is regular. i pull up and if needed, i release the A lines to break. at this point sometimes the glider slips sideways and i need to retake the A lines, some other times it surges forward again and i need to be fast at braking again. is a dance. the main idea is that before launch i need to be in control and the glider steady ahead. i struggle a bit with turning because the lines tend to get loose and the glider slips, even collapses. but when the wind is right and the turn controlled, then is enough to push forward and the glider start lifting. in few steps and with a bit of braking, assuming there was initial wind to start, the glider is up. however, at this point i try to release as much braking as i can i order to gain horizontal speed before lift off. other backwards launches seem unnecessarily complicated to me. i wish i could learn to launch with A-s and D-s because is smart, unfortunately i haven't reached that yet.
Awesom! Sounds like you're on the right track. You of course, you can also connect for a forward launch and just flip your body around like what you've been doing, that works! Yeah I agree, I trained all the different grip techniques but I mostly use the 1-handed technique, unless it is really high wind, then I use the A/C or A/D technique.
Nice vid. One more thing to work on is to keep your risers flat when turning around. Most pilots (including you) move their upper body around the risers when turning and by doing so one shoulder ie. hip ends up dropping, causing the glider to lean to one side during the turn. Instead turn your hips level and drop you centre of gravity by 10 cm while doing it. It will compensate for the release of pressure when risers go from twisted to opened up. ;)
Man you nailed it, I was wondering if anyone was going to catch this. I only noticed the problem after I did all the filming and was editing the footage (sadly). I thought the exact same thing, that when I rotated around, I rotated under one riser instead of under the set. This always caused the wing to have to compensate very slightly to the left or right (depending which way you turn). Really good point about the release in pressure when you go from twisted to untwisted, I had honestly not thought of that before, ill be sure to add it to my reverse launch article. Thanks man!
Great tutorial! When I make my turn, I lift my elbows up to the level of my hands so that my forearms are now horizontal, followed by an easy 180 turn. This helps so that you don't drop a hip or shoulder, and your brakes remain at the same level throughout the turn. Plus, if the wind is too light to kite in reverse and make sure that your wing is stable, you likely shouldn't be reverse launching to begin with. Turning around while trying to back-peddle is never going to be ideal.
Conversely, you can bring the wing up, just 1-2 feet over toward the side that you will be pivoting toward. That way, the riser you are 'ducking under' is slightly more vertical (and easier to get your helmet around) and when you finish your pivot (on the inside foot, and around the riser), you are now standing squarely under the center of the wing. The wing is easier to maintain in the 11-o-clock (or 1-o-clock, depending on your turn direction) while you are reversed and then, it is centered, when you are facing forward.
Great video! I can confirm that the reverse launche is a technique that must be learned very well, unfortunately I was not followed carefully during my paragliding course by my instructor and the consequence was a bad accident…
Nice video - especially the explanation of the common mistakes during the acceleration and take-off phase. But I do not like the preparation phase. I consider it really dangerous (especially for beginners and people starting with the reverse launch) to start with connecting twisted lines facing to the paraglider. This way you are missing important the visual control that all lines are straight up and not twisted. There is so many things that could go wrong un-noticed. You can see it quite often on the hill. Like accidentally putting the speed over from the other side (step on speed will either be cutting the harness or even cause front collapse because it pulls longer path / asymmetrical with the other side and doesn't return properly). Putting/grabbing the break over the other lines (movement of breaks could be cutting other lines or might not return up correctly when released). Twisting all lines 180° or even 360° degrees totally opposite side. Having just one line (like D line) twisted all over the others. The right way to prepare: 1) prepare for front start put all lines straight and prepare yourself to harness the same way as for the front start 2) breaks to hands take breaks to both your hands same as with the front start (this makes sure that you hold the breaks right and not twisted over other lines) 3) lines from one side over the head to the other side grab and hold with one hand also all the other lines in one had and slide your hand up in the direction from harnes towards the paraglider. Slide as far as you can reach Now raise this hand up an over your head with all the lines from that side and turn around with that movement to face the paraglider 4) grab the "A" straps Release the lines and hold only the breaks over your palm - do not exchange the break handles, simply hold in left hand the break from left side of harnes and hold in your right hand the break handle from the right side of your harness Now grab with fingers also first "A" strap of the lines - left hand from the left side of harness and right hand from the right side of harness 5) you are all set to reverse launch to five point control at this point - from body to far away: check A) check your helmet / harnes - all strapped on correctly check B) check your lines - connected properly to carabines, speed connected to lines and going freely, lines from each hand to paraglider should be pretty straight although arms are crossed check C) check paraglider - should have correct shape and be getting the wind from correct direction Tip: at this point you can try to estimate which side of the paraglider is better positioned to the direction of the wind and which will be probably faster going up, once you start moving check D) check the weather conditions, direction of the wind, gusts of wind coming up the hill visible as waves in the bushes and grass check E) check the air, make sure no other paraglider is flying around, landing or starting at the same moment Tip: your head and body can twist to each side to see better what is happening behind you :) 6) start the movement walking back, you can help by lightly pulling the "A" straps up by almost fully extended (crossed) arms Tip: People often mistake here by pulling the "A" straps towards their body, but this will damage the shape of paraglider or even collapse the front on one side or both. 7) control the sides of paraglider by full body turns not just pulling hands Then as explained in the video 8) pull and center the paraglider up 9) turn around 10) continue as if would be frontal start Tip: People usually strongly prefer to turn around pivoting standing on one particular leg only. For the beginning it is good to find which side is your's preferred one and turn always to that side. Are you having problem to find your side? Imagine you would be sliding and ice slide, or riding skate-board or jumping over something ... you run for couple of steps and then you place one leg in front (foot facing front with your toes) and the other leg standing back (with foot rotated 90° to the axis of movement). Front leg is giving the direction and back leg is almost standing during the procedure. So imagine standing in the front start position. Stand still on your "back leg" and turn around moving forward with your "front leg". For example my "front-leg" is left and "standing leg" is right. During preparations - When in normal position, I would be grabbing lines and putting them over my head with the left arm. During launch I would be having extended crossed arms with left arm upper crossed over the right one. My left "front-leg" would be rotating clock-wise to turn me back to face to the paraglider. When executing the reverse launch I would be turning counter-clock-wise. Mik
That's a great explaination, thank you! What is your oppinion of using the A's en C's during reverse launch? There are so many ways to launch and I have heard in another video that this is the best way.
Sincere thanks from Brazil. I really appreciate your effort to make the sport safer. The only thing I do not understand is why here most of the pilots (including the ones on PPG) do prefer "the one handed method". Personally, I think that 'Mitsos' is the one that gives the pilot all the control that he needs. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome video! Especially the part where you show the different ways to launch. I have been told that grabbing the A's and C's is the best way because then you have more control over the wing. What do you think?
Great video(s) Jesse! I hope you will continue the great work. I really like your down to earth approach showing that things can also go wrong (e.g. your emergency landing at Elfer or the ground handling-air bag incident). For thi video, I think is really valuable that you show what typically goes wrong during a reverse launch. Some of the points also apply to the alpine launch i.e. running before loading the wing properly etc. I think most of these mistakes pilots do because they are way to stressed before take off and they want to get done with it ASAP. So learning to control your fears is a very important skill that pilots should learn in school. Keep up the good work! Great website by the way (I am referring to the big thermal) Vasilis
Thanks Vasilis, yeah I have to be careful not to get too good at paragliding! Because then I won't have any more of this silly stuff happening to me in he future videos 😂 Yes, absolutely. a lot of pilots (even experienced ones) seem scared of launching.. I see the fear in their eyes when I am up there with them. That's why I wanted to start making videos like this one... to take the 'unknown' out of the "scary" parts of paragliding. You won't be as scared when you know what to expect. Next up, alpine launch video 🎥 -Jesse
hehe.. yes try hard.... me I have managed to stay mediocre and trust me this is hard work :P good job Jesse! I look forward to your next video! happy landings!
Jesse Kent Do you use different risers techniques for the different wing sizes you fly. I ussually fly with a lot of wind (only samll hills around) and normally only handle the wing over it's A- and C- risers. In order to widen my flying options for stronger wind I tried a speed wing recently and noticed that handeling it over the risers doesn't worked that well.
Yeah, I tested the techniques with 3 different wing sizes, but the grip techniques didn't feel too different between them. I would say for sure it depends mostly on which one feels most comfortable to you. The big different comes with different wind speeds, for strong wind the A & C technique was best because it destroys 1/3 of the wing form, for calmer wind you want to use one of the other three, because the wing form will stay intact and inflate much faster.
good Video but lots of sites don't have this nice steady slope. Pro's ans con's of the different techniques would have been great as well, eg what's the best for strong wind.
Excellent tutorial on reverse launching. I just returned from the BlackHawk Ranch. Although I went there for Quad training, they gave me an excellent foundation of Ground Handling as well. Forward and reverse launching is even important for Quad Flying. Thank you for sharing. You did an excellent job in elaborating on the Reverse Launching technique. They are several ways to reverse launch. I like about 2 or 3 methods. All good, mind you. We covered the one you show too. Thanks! You Tube should be a refresher, not your instructor. Later!
At 1:22 you say "or D's if you have them". This (to my mind) misses the point of the Mitsos method, which is to increase control authority by breaking the wing along its chord rather than applying pressure to the trailing edge.
You are right, I had to be pretty vague on some things in order to save time in this video (sadly). When I make the strong wind launch video i'll go into a much deeper description of the Mitsos grip technique, because that's where it really shines!
Well done! Nice overview over the different techniques. In my opinion a pilot should train multiple techniques for different wind speeds; i might add the body position and motion to help stabilize the wing over-head. Great video!
Awesome video dude! I don't have schools around here so mastering ground handling has been my only focus and your video is a great confirmation I'm on the right track. Thanks a ton dude! Fly safe 🤘
I'm loving the animation in it. Playful and helpful at the same time! If you plan any more "XC-learning adventures" and could use a buddy for more camera angles and so on, don't hesitate to ask. I'm also just getting into it. In terms of glider we are pretty close, too... Mentor 5 and Ion 4... Maybe I can make up some of the difference by diligently using my vario... ;-D
And we can be even closer! I'm dropping that Mentor 5 back off at NOVA HQ and grabbing a new wing, maybe i'll grab an ION4! ;) I'll keep in touch, this sounds like a really good idea.
that's a dense video. I've watched 1h videos that do not have all this info. great content, great editition job, great video!! Thanks for sharing this with us!
This is just what I needed Jesse. I'm still not totally confident with the reverse launch, but this feels really targeted to help me get where I want to be. Cheers
Awesome, happy to hear it Paul! I want EVERYBODY to experience paragliding in the best way possible (myself included), which is the main reason I decided to make these comprehensive tutorial videos.
Nice Video! I usually use a modification of the one-handed technique, where i grab the brake line (the other, where i don't hold the handle) with the "free" hand. In this way it is easily possible to brake the wing on either side if it doesn't come up straight.
Great video - thanks! I would like to add that in case of stronger wind it is helpful to take both A in one hand and both C (or D) with the other hand with the small finger side up (modified 1. technique). This way you have more strength to quickly pull down the rear risers* in case your glider shoots forward too fast. Some gliders tend to do this more than others also when you pull the A-risers gently and also running towards them can sometimes be not enough or be difficult like with a tandem-passenger. In case you stop the glider with the brakes in such a situatoin it might lift you from the ground without being prepaired to this. This can cause bad accidents, especially when you pull the brakes too much because you become afraid .... - like in your "Failed Groundhandling video" ("airbag"). By pulling the rear risers with a strong, but rather short impulse, the glider will stop perfectly above you without having power because its profile was disturbed for a short while. The strong impulse of the beginning is taken out of the system. This gives you enough time to control the glider. When the wind is too strong you can safely pull down the canopy with the rear risers, otherwise you can turn around and continue the take off without further problems. Like this such a chain of mistakes as you show at the end of your video can be avoided. *if you turn around your hand/wrist and pull at the same time, it is more efficient.
Ohhhh, nice tip Robert! I didn't think about that before.. i'll add this information to my notes! I plan on making a strong wind launch video as soon as I can!
Fine!! I learned this from a very experienced Tandem-pilot, and I am still grateful for this. I am looking forward to Your next Video!! Where in Tirol do You live/fly? I live close to the Tegelberg/Neuschwanstein.
P.S. I would emphasize leaning back and lifting the wing a lot with sinking into harness as you face it. Much better control and loads the wing immediately. Will try to find one of my videos to show you.
Jessie I am enjoying your videos a lot. You can compensate for acceleration by breaking less. (3.59 for context) It helps with short takeoffs. How are you finding the mentor 5?
Glad to hear! Yeah for sure, it's a really organic process that depends on the headwind and of course the launch site. During the launch at 3:59 the wind was actually really calm, so I needed to keep the wing moving forward the entire time, the brakes were only used a small amount to stop it in the "sweet spot" after the inflation. I think if you control the ascent and keep it smoooth, you'll only ever need to use a small amount of braking every time, even with higher performance gliders.
Awesoe, thanks Martin! Haha yeah, I definitely got some inspiration from him, but I also adapted a few ideas from some of his inspirations ;) And of course I try to come up with some original ideas!
This is by far the most informative - best explanatory - well edited tutorial video in the history of mankind!! :) well done my friend! Subscribed and liked from the first 5 sec!
Great, short and to the point, just what we need to aid my training!
I have watched the paragliding launce compilations and constantly see them ruining the reverse. This and your thoughts are exactly what someone needs to hear. Nice job
That's how an instructional video is made!
Short, to the point, clear graphics, clear explanation.
I hereby appoint you King of UA-cam Instructional Videos!
The parallel hands grip is the easiest way to get a nice straight launch on non-crosswind launch sites. Simply pull on the lowest A riser to accelerate that side of the wing to get it up nice and straight - you simply steer the wing up using the A risers - simple, direct, clear, and self-evident. Say to yourself, "pull on the low(or)slow side", and "step towards the low wingtip" - train to do these things the instant your wing rises off the ground and keep doing them all the way up, and magically everything is straight as an arrow overhead.
For crosswind launches (like most towing), use the crossover technique. As the wing rises above you, you will need to brake the fast side and maybe accelerate or unstall the slow side (using the A's) and everything is already in the correct hand, you simply release the A riser that you need to brake and go ahead and brake it, unlikely you will be using that hand again on the A's this side. That brake input turns the glider out of the wind and towards the takeoff path, and you run extra hard while monitoring the soft side for A input should you need to unstall it.
For much stronger wind launches, either of the above techniques are used again, but to depower simply pull either A riser hard and collapse that side of the wing, and lean firmly on the uncollaped side with a large amount of brake there as well - now after your checks, simply release the collapse and you rise off vertically. I cannot see how any directional control could be gained from either the one handed or A&C technique.
It's important to take a single step forward at the last second after raising the wing. This saves you needing to apply much brake at all when the wing stops overhead. In light winds braking will only make the wing vulnerable to collapse, and in strong winds it will make it vulnerable to lofting you into an uncommanded launch - very dangerous if the wing is already well off to one side. Standing perfectly still will also make the wing overfly you, frontal, blow back, then inflate explosively - usually hauling you off your feet backwards, even in light wind.
You CAN look at the glider while doing your takeoff run. You CANNOT look it overhead, but simply look left and right for your wingtips - an easy task while in the correct torpedo posture running with your knees bent. Dodge left and right during your takeoff run to keep those wingtips at the same height.
I have viewed dozens of paragliding videos. Learned a lot, but without question your content and explanations are exceptionally well done. I have already shared this with a friend. Great job!
Man, what a teaching...
No words...
Congrats!
I've watched a plethora of reverse video launches, but none compare with this. Simple, concise and with an explanation of failures, and just as important, what to do right. Well done
Without doubt one of the most leaning video on paragliding!!! You are a master Jesse!!! From an Italian 30 years paraglider and professional Pilot.
Beautifully shot, edited and thought out video! THANK YOU!
And you sir win the Para-net! This is the best video by far. No other video does this well to explain the Dynamics of reverse launch. You have a really rare talent for this.
YOU have my sub!
That is such a nice compliment man! Thanks a lot for that!
The next tutorial videos will be just as comprehensive so stay tuned! ;)
Great video! I really love this kind of training. Please continue with topics like thermaling, landing, wing overs, etc., etc.
Woah, this is the BEST video I've seen so far. Love how you did the graphs and how it allows us to actually visualize all the actions. Thank you for all the effort on putting it together!
Just started on my journey to get my P2.. Had my first flights last week and this vid shows everything I did incorrectly in my launches, and the finer points on how to correct them.. Awesome vid. Subscribed! Thanks!
Yeeehawww, that's what we need! More pilot's! Good on ya Mike!
Loved seeing all the different hand positions for reverse launch techniques ❤️
Thank you
One of the best videos I’ve seen. Outstanding. Thank you.
Very nice explanation, i learned it myself as well since most schools in germany don't teach the reverse start. Good information to improve with, thanks!
Well done. I'm gonna watch this multiple times.
Well done video, well explained. I love the idea to show the different grip technique right one after another!
I usually use the parallel technique, which works well for me.
But I had also learned the "one handed technique" - good to know for that one: you hold the A lines with the right, and the left brake (it's wing-tip lying on the right, since you are facing the glider) with the left hand. If you are now taking a step to the left, the left side of the wing (still to your right) will come up first when pulling the glider up, you can then stabilise it using the left brake that you still have in your left hand.
I agree with my predecessors. This video compactly contains all the most basic, valuable knowledge needed. I always use the reverse launch procedure. Even before starting forward.
Simply wonderful !
Keep up the good work, Jesse Kent.
Thanks Narendra, it's hard work but i'll keep it up! :)
Everything in place unassuming clear talk.
Truly, one of the best reverse launch videos. Thanks.
Excellent video. I had no idea that there were that many different techniques to use the ricers and control lines. I will save this one to always review it before I go flying.
hey Jesse, a great video, the 'bad start' clarification is especially useful - happy flying
I'm happy it was useful for you! That's the main reason I made it! Thanks Steve.
Fantastic video. That's how a paragliding video should look like. Much appreciated!
Brilliant video. Clean and simple. Thanks.
im also a beginner.
i use to buckle in as ready for forward launch. this way i can check everything as it supposed to be and i can still turn halfway to check all lines.
i pick up each brake as if in flight, but the A lines reverted. this way, on launch i can adjust the glider as if it was a kite, with hands straight instead of crossed.
the launch is regular. i pull up and if needed, i release the A lines to break. at this point sometimes the glider slips sideways and i need to retake the A lines, some other times it surges forward again and i need to be fast at braking again. is a dance.
the main idea is that before launch i need to be in control and the glider steady ahead.
i struggle a bit with turning because the lines tend to get loose and the glider slips, even collapses. but when the wind is right and the turn controlled, then is enough to push forward and the glider start lifting. in few steps and with a bit of braking, assuming there was initial wind to start, the glider is up. however, at this point i try to release as much braking as i can i order to gain horizontal speed before lift off.
other backwards launches seem unnecessarily complicated to me. i wish i could learn to launch with A-s and D-s because is smart, unfortunately i haven't reached that yet.
Awesom! Sounds like you're on the right track. You of course, you can also connect for a forward launch and just flip your body around like what you've been doing, that works!
Yeah I agree, I trained all the different grip techniques but I mostly use the 1-handed technique, unless it is really high wind, then I use the A/C or A/D technique.
Great video! I really can sympathize with the effort you have put into the making of this video! And well animated! Great job!
Nice vid. One more thing to work on is to keep your risers flat when turning around. Most pilots (including you) move their upper body around the risers when turning and by doing so one shoulder ie. hip ends up dropping, causing the glider to lean to one side during the turn. Instead turn your hips level and drop you centre of gravity by 10 cm while doing it. It will compensate for the release of pressure when risers go from twisted to opened up. ;)
Man you nailed it, I was wondering if anyone was going to catch this. I only noticed the problem after I did all the filming and was editing the footage (sadly). I thought the exact same thing, that when I rotated around, I rotated under one riser instead of under the set. This always caused the wing to have to compensate very slightly to the left or right (depending which way you turn).
Really good point about the release in pressure when you go from twisted to untwisted, I had honestly not thought of that before, ill be sure to add it to my reverse launch article.
Thanks man!
No sweat. Keep up the good work. Love your edit.
Great tutorial! When I make my turn, I lift my elbows up to the level of my hands so that my forearms are now horizontal, followed by an easy 180 turn. This helps so that you don't drop a hip or shoulder, and your brakes remain at the same level throughout the turn. Plus, if the wind is too light to kite in reverse and make sure that your wing is stable, you likely shouldn't be reverse launching to begin with. Turning around while trying to back-peddle is never going to be ideal.
Thanks for sharing this great tip! My reverse launch has been suffering from the wing dipping to the side.
Conversely, you can bring the wing up, just 1-2 feet over toward the side that you will be pivoting toward. That way, the riser you are 'ducking under' is slightly more vertical (and easier to get your helmet around) and when you finish your pivot (on the inside foot, and around the riser), you are now standing squarely under the center of the wing. The wing is easier to maintain in the 11-o-clock (or 1-o-clock, depending on your turn direction) while you are reversed and then, it is centered, when you are facing forward.
Thanks to you Kent, and your explanation, I flattered and loved pragliding :), hello from Serbia
Great video! I can confirm that the reverse launche is a technique that must be learned very well, unfortunately I was not followed carefully during my paragliding course by my instructor and the consequence was a bad accident…
Nice video - especially the explanation of the common mistakes during the acceleration and take-off phase.
But I do not like the preparation phase.
I consider it really dangerous (especially for beginners and people starting with the reverse launch) to start with connecting twisted lines facing to the paraglider. This way you are missing important the visual control that all lines are straight up and not twisted.
There is so many things that could go wrong un-noticed. You can see it quite often on the hill.
Like accidentally putting the speed over from the other side (step on speed will either be cutting
the harness or even cause front collapse because it pulls longer path / asymmetrical with the other side and doesn't return properly).
Putting/grabbing the break over the other lines (movement of breaks could be cutting other lines
or might not return up correctly when released).
Twisting all lines 180° or even 360° degrees totally opposite side.
Having just one line (like D line) twisted all over the others.
The right way to prepare:
1) prepare for front start
put all lines straight and prepare yourself to harness the same way as for the front start
2) breaks to hands
take breaks to both your hands same as with the front start (this makes sure that you hold
the breaks right and not twisted over other lines)
3) lines from one side over the head to the other side
grab and hold with one hand also all the other lines in one had and slide your hand up
in the direction from harnes towards the paraglider. Slide as far as you can reach
Now raise this hand up an over your head with all the lines from that side and turn around with that movement to face the paraglider
4) grab the "A" straps
Release the lines and hold only the breaks over your palm - do not exchange the break handles,
simply hold in left hand the break from left side of harnes
and hold in your right hand the break handle from the right side of your harness
Now grab with fingers also first "A" strap of the lines -
left hand from the left side of harness
and right hand from the right side of harness
5) you are all set to reverse launch to five point control at this point - from body to far away:
check A) check your helmet / harnes - all strapped on correctly
check B) check your lines - connected properly to carabines, speed connected to lines and going freely, lines from each hand to paraglider should be pretty straight although arms are crossed
check C) check paraglider - should have correct shape and be getting the wind from correct direction
Tip: at this point you can try to estimate which side of the paraglider is better positioned to the direction of the wind and which will be probably faster going up, once you start moving
check D) check the weather conditions, direction of the wind, gusts of wind coming up the hill visible as waves in the bushes and grass
check E) check the air, make sure no other paraglider is flying around, landing or starting at the same moment
Tip: your head and body can twist to each side to see better what is happening behind you :)
6) start the movement walking back, you can help by lightly pulling the "A" straps up by almost fully extended (crossed) arms
Tip: People often mistake here by pulling the "A" straps towards their body, but this will damage the shape of paraglider or even collapse the front on one side or both.
7) control the sides of paraglider by full body turns not just pulling hands
Then as explained in the video
8) pull and center the paraglider up
9) turn around
10) continue as if would be frontal start
Tip: People usually strongly prefer to turn around pivoting standing on one particular leg only. For the beginning it is good to find which side is your's preferred one and turn always to that side.
Are you having problem to find your side?
Imagine you would be sliding and ice slide, or riding skate-board or jumping over something
... you run for couple of steps and then you place one leg in front (foot facing front with your toes)
and the other leg standing back (with foot rotated 90° to the axis of movement).
Front leg is giving the direction and back leg is almost standing during the procedure.
So imagine standing in the front start position. Stand still on your "back leg" and turn around moving forward with your
"front leg".
For example my "front-leg" is left and "standing leg" is right.
During preparations - When in normal position, I would be grabbing lines and putting them over my head with the left arm.
During launch I would be having extended crossed arms with left arm upper crossed over the right one.
My left "front-leg" would be rotating clock-wise to turn me back to face to the paraglider.
When executing the reverse launch I would be turning counter-clock-wise.
Mik
This comment should be in the Guinness book
That's a great explaination, thank you! What is your oppinion of using the A's en C's during reverse launch? There are so many ways to launch and I have heard in another video that this is the best way.
short and super useful. amazing video
Sincere thanks from Brazil. I really appreciate your effort to make the sport safer. The only thing I do not understand is why here most of the pilots (including the ones on PPG) do prefer "the one handed method". Personally, I think that 'Mitsos' is the one that gives the pilot all the control that he needs. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome video! Especially the part where you show the different ways to launch. I have been told that grabbing the A's and C's is the best way because then you have more control over the wing. What do you think?
Nice video. Thanks. Will share with my students.
A few new things to try out. I also tend to try and get lift with not enough load on the wing. Thanks for the tips. Great vid!!
Awesome Awesome Awesome Video with amazing camera positions clearly explaining everything. Amazing.
Nice and clear and concise. Thank you!
Great video(s) Jesse!
I hope you will continue the great work.
I really like your down to earth approach showing that things can also go wrong (e.g. your emergency landing at Elfer or the ground handling-air bag incident).
For thi video, I think is really valuable that you show what typically goes wrong during a reverse launch. Some of the points also apply to the alpine launch i.e. running before loading the wing properly etc. I think most of these mistakes pilots do because they are way to stressed before take off and they want to get done with it ASAP.
So learning to control your fears is a very important skill that pilots should learn in school.
Keep up the good work!
Great website by the way (I am referring to the big thermal)
Vasilis
Thanks Vasilis, yeah I have to be careful not to get too good at paragliding! Because then I won't have any more of this silly stuff happening to me in he future videos 😂
Yes, absolutely. a lot of pilots (even experienced ones) seem scared of launching.. I see the fear in their eyes when I am up there with them. That's why I wanted to start making videos like this one... to take the 'unknown' out of the "scary" parts of paragliding. You won't be as scared when you know what to expect.
Next up, alpine launch video 🎥
-Jesse
hehe.. yes try hard.... me I have managed to stay mediocre and trust me this is hard work :P
good job Jesse! I look forward to your next video!
happy landings!
nice video and explanations combined with the visual feedback from mistakes or good examples!
Yeah, it's incredible the things you notice when you start filming your launches!
Jesse Kent
Do you use different risers techniques for the different wing sizes you fly. I ussually fly with a lot of wind (only samll hills around) and normally only handle the wing over it's A- and C- risers. In order to widen my flying options for stronger wind I tried a speed wing recently and noticed that handeling it over the risers doesn't worked that well.
Yeah, I tested the techniques with 3 different wing sizes, but the grip techniques didn't feel too different between them. I would say for sure it depends mostly on which one feels most comfortable to you. The big different comes with different wind speeds, for strong wind the A & C technique was best because it destroys 1/3 of the wing form, for calmer wind you want to use one of the other three, because the wing form will stay intact and inflate much faster.
Well done Jesse. Thanks
great info and well made video, thanks for your efforts
Brilliant tutorial bro. You are the best!
good Video but lots of sites don't have this nice steady slope. Pro's ans con's of the different techniques would have been great as well, eg what's the best for strong wind.
Excellent tutorial on reverse launching. I just returned from the BlackHawk Ranch. Although I went there for Quad training, they gave me an excellent foundation of Ground Handling as well. Forward and reverse launching is even important for Quad Flying. Thank you for sharing. You did an excellent job in elaborating on the Reverse Launching technique. They are several ways to reverse launch. I like about 2 or 3 methods. All good, mind you. We covered the one you show too. Thanks! You Tube should be a refresher, not your instructor. Later!
Great instructional video! One of the best edited,well prepared paragliding instructional videos out there! Kudos!
At 1:22 you say "or D's if you have them". This (to my mind) misses the point of the Mitsos method, which is to increase control authority by breaking the wing along its chord rather than applying pressure to the trailing edge.
You are right, I had to be pretty vague on some things in order to save time in this video (sadly). When I make the strong wind launch video i'll go into a much deeper description of the Mitsos grip technique, because that's where it really shines!
!Spot on!!! this is what us begginers need!!! thanks a lot,
very good explanations!
Best educative Groundhandling video 👌 🙌
by far the best video - I'm not sure anyone is comfortable with it man. Youre a beast.
Wow! What a great video...Great job, Jesse.
Haven't flown in a while and this video was perfect review! Thanks. Subscribed!
Thank you. a useful video for beginner
Bravo Jesse! Great video: well built and, most of all, very informative! Thanks a lot, Jesse!
Thanks for the kind words Giovanni.
What a good video. Simple, good explained and easy to understand. Thank you
I probably watched this 50 times while I was learning it from an instructor. Got it down! Thank you.
Well done! Nice overview over the different techniques. In my opinion a pilot should train multiple techniques for different wind speeds; i might add the body position and motion to help stabilize the wing over-head. Great video!
I agree 100%, learning EVERYTHING, even if you won't always use it is the best option. It will give you a broader understanding of how things work.
Very clear and useful ! Many thanks 😊
Awesome video dude! I don't have schools around here so mastering ground handling has been my only focus and your video is a great confirmation I'm on the right track. Thanks a ton dude! Fly safe 🤘
Nice one! Just got back from Bassano where wind was so strong that a reverse launch was pretty much the only option!
Ohhh, yeah strong wind changes everything, I want to make a "strong wind launch" video as well.
Wow, you just got a mention on the biggest german paragliding blog! Kudos!
lu-glidz.blogspot.de/2017/05/fehleranalyse-beim-ruckwartsstart.html
Haha awesome!! It seems I may have a hit with these tutorials, I guess I better make a few more 🎥 😂
I'm loving the animation in it. Playful and helpful at the same time!
If you plan any more "XC-learning adventures" and could use a buddy for more camera angles and so on, don't hesitate to ask.
I'm also just getting into it. In terms of glider we are pretty close, too... Mentor 5 and Ion 4... Maybe I can make up some of the difference by diligently using my vario... ;-D
And we can be even closer! I'm dropping that Mentor 5 back off at NOVA HQ and grabbing a new wing, maybe i'll grab an ION4! ;) I'll keep in touch, this sounds like a really good idea.
Outstanding explanation and demonstration with good video angles, clear and provides good description of the three basic setup techniques. Congrats.
Excellent video.
this is a very very very very very good video i am learning the reverse launch now
Make more videos. This was the best paragliding video I have seen on the entire internet.
that's a dense video. I've watched 1h videos that do not have all this info. great content, great editition job, great video!! Thanks for sharing this with us!
This is just what I needed Jesse. I'm still not totally confident with the reverse launch, but this feels really targeted to help me get where I want to be. Cheers
Awesome, happy to hear it Paul! I want EVERYBODY to experience paragliding in the best way possible (myself included), which is the main reason I decided to make these comprehensive tutorial videos.
very nice video... thanks for sharing... very good tips for all pilots
Nice Video! I usually use a modification of the one-handed technique, where i grab the brake line (the other, where i don't hold the handle) with the "free" hand. In this way it is easily possible to brake the wing on either side if it doesn't come up straight.
Nice work. Well covered overview.
Thank you!!! Great explanation!
Very clear and neat description. One of the best PG tutorial I've seen.
great video thanks we use this video in our club for new student
nice vid...great explanation...good graphics...everything makes sense
Excellent video. So well produced and very informative. Thanks so much for the time and effort to make this!
Now I see the big picture, you make it really clear and obvious , outstanding and I hope you keep it up looking forward for next lesson 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Beautiful and such a concise informative video. Cudos. The art is in telling everything clearly in shortest possible time. Gr8 video
Great video - thanks!
I would like to add that in case of stronger wind it is helpful to take both A in one hand and both C (or D) with the other hand with the small finger side up (modified 1. technique). This way you have more strength to quickly pull down the rear risers* in case your glider shoots forward too fast. Some gliders tend to do this more than others also when you pull the A-risers gently and also running towards them can sometimes be not enough or be difficult like with a tandem-passenger.
In case you stop the glider with the brakes in such a situatoin it might lift you from the ground without being prepaired to this. This can cause bad accidents, especially when you pull the brakes too much because you become afraid .... - like in your "Failed Groundhandling video" ("airbag").
By pulling the rear risers with a strong, but rather short impulse, the glider will stop perfectly above you without having power because its profile was disturbed for a short while. The strong impulse of the beginning is taken out of the system. This gives you enough time to control the glider. When the wind is too strong you can safely pull down the canopy with the rear risers, otherwise you can turn around and continue the take off without further problems. Like this such a chain of mistakes as you show at the end of your video can be avoided.
*if you turn around your hand/wrist and pull at the same time, it is more efficient.
Ohhhh, nice tip Robert! I didn't think about that before.. i'll add this information to my notes! I plan on making a strong wind launch video as soon as I can!
Fine!! I learned this from a very experienced Tandem-pilot, and I am still grateful for this.
I am looking forward to Your next Video!!
Where in Tirol do You live/fly?
I live close to the Tegelberg/Neuschwanstein.
Yeah it's a great tip and it makes a lot of sense.
I live right next to Stubaital, that's where I do most of the flying!
Very very good and much appreciated. If we all trained to this launch sites would be a safer place to be. Thanks.
Great video.
Bravo, nicely done and instructive !!
Saved under my paragliding video playlist. Top notch editing, thank you (from Hessen/Rhön) =)
Cant wait for the strong wind technique and your analysis!
Keep up!
HELLO FROM COLOMBIA GREAT VIDEO NICE WORK
I am motivating you to make more like this, I just subscribed.
You rock Marina ;) Thanks!
EXCELLENT video. Thank you.
Best reverse launch video!
Clear explanation, very helpfull👌
Great vid, good job..thanks
P.S. I would emphasize leaning back and lifting the wing a lot with sinking into harness as you face it. Much better control and loads the wing immediately. Will try to find one of my videos to show you.
your video helps me a lot
amazing video
Jessie I am enjoying your videos a lot. You can compensate for acceleration by breaking less. (3.59 for context) It helps with short takeoffs. How are you finding the mentor 5?
Glad to hear!
Yeah for sure, it's a really organic process that depends on the headwind and of course the launch site. During the launch at 3:59 the wind was actually really calm, so I needed to keep the wing moving forward the entire time, the brakes were only used a small amount to stop it in the "sweet spot" after the inflation. I think if you control the ascent and keep it smoooth, you'll only ever need to use a small amount of braking every time, even with higher performance gliders.
Great video ! Congrats another hard-earned sub :)
It would be great to have a video about wind direction and Rotor.
Thanks man, yeah i'm preparing myself to re-start the videos! So many ideas, so little time! :(
The inspiration of "Casey's style" did not go unnoticed, but I realy love it! Keep making these great videos. PS: Subscribed ;)
Awesoe, thanks Martin!
Haha yeah, I definitely got some inspiration from him, but I also adapted a few ideas from some of his inspirations ;) And of course I try to come up with some original ideas!
@@jessekent8762 Hi Jessy, it is been a while. Do you plan some new videos and what happened to the old ones? Thanks!
perfect explanation. Sad that you`re not longer filming.
Thanks! Very informative
awesome video. thx
Very useful. Thanks a lot.
Epic tutorial and amazing edit. Thank you for the effort! Safe flying.