Educational video! Most are using the high wind technique called "check and pray." Pretty forgiving launch area, but not all are so nice.... Sad to see so few using specific high wind launch techniques like Mike Kung's rear riser techniques (also known as Mitsos) or cobra launch. In these conditions, I like launching backwards into the wind with one hand on either C/rear riser for steering - this reduces plucking since steering and checking is done with the rears instead of the brakes, and prevents untwisting until you are ready to untwist. In these extreme conditions, I prefer to push off backwards one hand on each rear, then untwist once wing is settled and flying well, usually already a good distance from the hill.

This is really great ! Sequential takeoffs ,, this is study a great study,, so many typical instances .. make more .. and share! :)

I think about 1/2 those pilots had no place to be launching in those conditions. The people “helping” were no help either. Ever think about moving down the hill a bit out of the compression zone on the hill top?

That one at 3-07... watched it about 10 times 😂 Hope no one was hurt 🙏

It's easy! The pilot needs more ballast! How to do? Grab a spectator and take off stabilized. When you are out of the updraft, simply drop the ballast viewer! That always works! We call this the Austrian ballasting!

If you can fly with normal size paragliders the wind is not strong imho. It's considered strong if you need a miniwing to be ably to fly forward, and big wings fly backwards.

What experience level is this? When I see "British Sports Trophy" I would assume they are experienced, but how does this match, what we see here? Even the most basic thing like running towards the wing, as it pulls, no one seem to do. Not to mention everything else. That doesn't make any sense. 🤔

I think I would have just waited for a lull in the wind for this situation. Kiting on the flat in this is no problem but on a hill? A's & C's all the way tho!

OMG!!! Some of them were scary!

Thanks for the video. I didn't notice many using high-wind launch techniques (that I got from the internet.. novice speaking here) like cobra launch, launching with ears, or launch from a very squatted stanch to relieve pressure from the wing as it comes up and forward. Is that correct? What would you suggest for a smoother/safer launch in these winds (besides keeping your fingers crossed).

why they start not behinde 10 meters ?

These are clearly the limits of paragliding! Is this the safe flying the flight schools are talking about?

Insert Ryan Reynolds "but Why" gif - please.....

How do you get down with such a strong wind? Can you land anywhere or wherever is possible?

Hey AnneJan, long time no see! What speed was the wind there?

flying coccon but not managed an cobra launch

It's scary how bad these techniques are. I fly in the desert mountains and usually have to clear places of rocks and cactus for takeoff. I usually don't even have enough space to fully unfold my wing and once it goes up I have to immediately control and fly lest I get picked or pulled into nearby obstacles. I guess you just get spoiled when you have someone to hold your wing and help you out.

where in the uk is this, thanks

Зачётный такой дульничек.....

As an old hang glider pilot I cringe at watching these "take-offs". I can tell you I've seen some scary and failed hang glider launches in my time but I would never have lasted in the sport as long as I did if our hang gliding launches were as haywire and dangerous as what I'm watching here. I'm not even going to get into how those floppy diapers tend to fold up midair in moderately turbulent thermally air. They sure are portable though. 👍

Some of those helpers aren’t helping!

practice your cobra launches kiddies!

😢😢😢😢😢!!!!

😢 wenn man noch mit 10 bis 15 kmh vom Hang wegfliegen kann ist das für mich kein starker Wind. Das ist lediglich Unvermögen beim starten

What was the wind speed?

Imposible usar alas A o B con esa velocidad del aire

Ein gutes Bild geben die Briten nicht gerade ab….

Very poor take-off techniques displayed (for strong wind conditions). Very few were interested in stabilizing the wing. Most were not prepared for 'vertical-take-off'. Guys practice more on the ground. This appeared to be a forgiving launch site, else you can be in real trouble.

Totalement irresponsable de la part des organisateurs.

Придерживать не судьба, или пониже спуститься?

??? Perché?