Parakite: The real next level for experienced paraglider pilots
(Because circling at 1500 m AGL gets old pretty fast)
If you already have 150–200+ hours, know your wings inside out, and are starting to find XC a bit repetitive, parakite is exactly what you need. We’re talking low, fast, reactive flying where every input counts and the ground actually moves under your feet. It’s not a side discipline — it’s a whole different way to fly: more intense, more technical, and honestly way more fun once you’ve got the basics down.
No need to start from scratch like a beginner. Your reflexes, wing feel, and terrain reading are already there. It’s just about adapting them to higher speeds, higher wing loadings, and a proximity to the ground we usually avoid in classic paragliding.
The gear that actually changes everything
Forget big EN-B travel wings or 3-liner race machines. In parakite you switch to compact, lively, ultra-responsive wings.
Niviuk Jester
Sizes 14 to 24 m² – feather-light (3.3 kg in 18 light), Nitinol structure, 53 cells, aspect ratio 5.5. The killer feature: the PKS (Para-Kite System) that lets you continuously adjust angle of attack via the brakes/risers. You gain a level of control you simply don’t have in regular paragliding. The wing dives or climbs instantly, turns are razor-sharp, and it stays rock-solid even at full speed in strong wind.
Perfect when you want to jump straight into committed flying: dunes, steep slopes, speed on snow. It demands active piloting, but with your background you’ll be up to speed in just a few sessions.
→ Check the Niviuk Jester on Ridair (all sizes & colors in stock)
Level Wings Fuze
10 to 22.5 m², 51 cells, only 2.7 kg in the smaller sizes. Reflex profile, magnetic trimmer lock on the ground, brakes that start progressive and become super direct at the end of the travel. It takes off at 8–10 km/h and stays completely unflappable even when you push hard.
Super versatile: dunes, mountains, snow, coastal ridges. Often the go-to choice for pilots who want something a little more forgiving at the beginning while still offering huge potential later on.
→ Check the Level Wings Fuze on Ridair (full stock)
How to level up fast without wasting time
- Book 2–4 days with a proper speedflying/parakite instructor (Chamonix, Annecy, Organya, the Dunes… we can point you to the best ones).
- Start directly on a 16–18 m² (or smaller if you already fly loaded in paragliding).
- Spend the first days doing intensive ground-handling on windy sites — the wing has to become an extension of your arms in under 10 sessions.
- Then go straight to short, committed flights. With your level you’ll progress way faster on real sites than doing 50 baby flights on a training hill.
In 15–25 well-guided flights you’ll already be autonomous on classic lines and starting to feel the real joy of low-and-fast flying.
Bottom line
Parakite isn’t a toy for bored XC pilots — it’s the logical evolution when you want to push your limits while keeping a reasonable safety margin. With a Jester or a Fuze you’ll rediscover sensations that regular paragliding simply can’t give you anymore.
Both wings are in stock at Ridair and ship in 24/48 h. Not sure about size or color? Give us a call or drop by the shop — we fly this gear all year round and know exactly what will fit you best.
So get moving, order your wing, book your coaching. You’ll never look at a thermal the same way again.
See you soon skimming the terrain,
Cyrille
Ridair – www.ridair.fr –