Paragliding, an air sport combining freedom, adrenalism and communion with nature, has undergone a spectacular technological evolution over the last 25 years. Since its beginnings in the 1980s, when it was a marginal activity reserved for adventurers, paragliding has become an accessible and efficient sport thanks to major advances in design, materials and safety. This article explores the main innovations that have transformed paragliding since 2000, highlighting the progress that has redefined its performance, safety and accessibility.
1. Improved materials: lightness and durability
One of the most striking developments in the field of paragliding concerns the materials used for the manufacture of sails. In the early 2000s, canvases were mainly made of coated fabrics such as nylon or polyester, which, although robust, were relatively heavy and less resistant to long-term wear. The wings are on average 1kg less today.
2. Aerodynamic design: fineness and performance
Advances in aerodynamic engineering have made it possible to design more efficient wings, offering better fineness (ratio between distance traveled and altitude lost) and greater stability in flight.
- Increase in the number of boxes: Modern paragliders have more boxes (inflatable compartments in the sail) than their predecessors, which improves the rigidity and shape of the wing. For example, a 2000s sail could have 40 to 50 boxes, while today's high-end models often have between 60 and 80, optimizing lift and precision.
- Optimized wing profile: 3D modeling software and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have created more efficient wing profiles, reducing drag and increasing fineness. Modern competition wings, such as EN-D models, reach finesses close to 12:1, compared to 8:1 for 2000s models.
- Shark nose technology: Introduced in the 2010s, the "shark nose" design improves stability at high speed and reduces the risk of frontal closure in turbulent conditions, making the wings safer and more efficient.
3. Passive safety: an enhanced priority
Safety has always been a major concern in paragliding, and the last 25 years have seen significant advances in minimizing risks.
- The behavior of the wings, especially after the appearance of the EN standard in 2007, has become extremely safe. Closures and stalls are now a pleasure.
- Anti-closing systems: Innovations such as "ringles" (flexible rods inserted into the sail) and reinforced internal structures allow the wings to maintain their shape even in the event of turbulence, reducing the risk of closure.
4. Accessibility and versatility: paragliding for all
Technological advances have also made paragliding more accessible to a wider audience, from beginners to competitors.
- Wings for beginners (EN-A): The EN-A category wings, intended for novices, have benefited from improvements in terms of stability and ease of driving, allowing beginners to learn faster and safer.
- Ultralight paragliding: The development of hiking paragliding (hike & fly) has been made possible thanks to ultralight sails, which sometimes weigh less than 2 kg. These wings, combined with compact saddles, have paved the way for mountain adventures where pilots can climb on foot before flying.
5. Digital technologies and accessories
The integration of digital technologies has also transformed the paragliding experience.
- Flight instruments: Modern variometers and GPS, such as those of the Flymaster or Air3 brand, offer accurate data on altitude, speed, thermals and routes, allowing pilots to plan long-distance flights with unparalleled precision.
- Applications and simulations: Applications such as XCTrack or flight simulators allow pilots to train or plan their flights in advance, while online communities share data on flight sites and weather conditions in real time.
6. Eco-responsibility: towards a sustainable paragliding
In recent years, the paragliding industry has begun to focus on sustainability. Some brands are experimenting with recycled materials to reduce the ecological footprint of the sails. In addition, manufacturing practices are turning to less energy-intensive processes, responding to a growing demand for a more environmentally friendly sport. Finally, brands and resellers pay the eco-tax leved on each sale, intended to treat obsolete equipment.
Conclusion
Over the past 25 years, paragliding has evolved from a niche activity to a sophisticated and accessible sport, thanks to innovations in materials, aerodynamics, safety and digital technology. These advances not only improved performance and safety, but they also opened up paragliding to a wider audience, from beginners to adventurers in search of extreme challenges. As sport continues to evolve, the next few years could see the emergence of new technologies, such as the integration of artificial intelligence to optimize flight paths or even more efficient materials.
We can see a slowdown in progress since about 2017, since performance reached its climax at that time.