Our club took part in the 2026 National Paragliding Championship and our pilots achieved very good results. It is a source of pride for the whole team and a good opportunity to explain how a paragliding competition works and what is behind each result.
Behind this kind of participation there are many hours of preparation, flying and learning. We explain, in simple terms, what a championship involves, how pilots prepare and what this experience brings to those who fly with us.
How a paragliding championship works
In a paragliding competition the pilots take off from the same place and must complete a course marked with turn points, using rising air currents to move forward without an engine. The ranking rewards speed, consistency and good decisions in the air.
Each day depends on the weather: the organisers decide whether to fly according to the wind and visibility, and the safety of the participants always comes before the ranking.
A pilot's preparation
Competing requires knowing your equipment well, reading the sky and making quick decisions. Pilots train their flying technique, study the meteorology and practise navigation to know when to set off, which line to follow and when it is better to land.
The equipment is also looked after: checks of the wing, harness and reserve parachute are part of the routine, as are physical fitness and rest before each day.
What competition brings to the club
The experience of a championship carries over into the club's daily life. Pilots come back with new ideas, contacts with other clubs and a broader view of flying techniques, which they then share with students and colleagues.
In addition, seeing pilots from our school in a national competition is an encouragement for beginners: it shows that with perseverance and good training you can go a long way in this sport.
How to follow a paragliding competition
If you want to get closer to the world of competition, you can follow championships through the channels of the federations and organisers, where courses and rankings are usually published. You can also attend an event as a spectator: watching dozens of paragliders take off and following their progress on the map is a very visual way of understanding this sport.
And if one day you want to compete, the first step is to train well and gain flying experience. All competition pilots started with a first introductory course.
The role of meteorology
In competition, meteorology is as important as technique. Pilots study wind maps, humidity, cloud base and how the day develops to decide when and how to set off. A change in wind can completely alter the course, which is why the ability to adapt is one of the most valued qualities.
It is the same lesson we apply to every flight with clients: the weather rules.
Conclusion: We thank all the pilots who represented the club and those who accompanied them. If you would like to fly with us, whether it is your first time or you already have experience, we will be delighted to welcome you.
