Three continents, five countries, 23 tasks, 150 pilots: the 2002 World Cup tour was truly a gigantic experience. Scotty Marion tells us the story of his journey from unknown outsider, back in January, to World no 2 in October

Physiotherapist Toby Clifford investigates a common complaint among hang glider and paraglider pilots and suggests some solutions.ItÂ’s a classic day, the skyÂ’s looking good and youÂ’re planning your route from your first climb of the day when it starts again – a nagging pain in your left shoulder that grows irritatingly intense. No position seems to ease it and you find yourself having to thermal in one direction, but still fall out of the climb and eventually land early in painÂ… to watch everyone else above you disappear over the horizon.

What are you waiting for? Carol Binder takes us to Australias top flight parks for visiting pilots

A paraglider harness affects handling, comfort and security: Ian Blackmore has some top tips on setting them up

Three years ago, you wouldnÂ’t have been alone in laughing behind Markus VillingerÂ’s back as the Austrian businessman bought up the virtually defunct Airwave brand. But Airwave has proved itself to be a modern-day Phoenix, rising from the ashes of bankrupcy to reclaim a strong position in the international flying market. Markus talked to Hugh Miller about the trials and tribulations of turning Airwave around

he mighty Himalaya formed the backdrop to a PWC warm-up competition this October. Bruised and battered after a 7000 km trip by plane, bus and taxi, Ian Blackmore finally emerged in Billing to experience flying at one of the worldÂ’s wildest sites

Bob Drury explains the effects of inversions, airmasses, high and low pressure systems on your days XC flying

Ozzie Haines gets mugged

Paragliding in Eastern Europe is booming – and as the sport grows, so too do its resident manufacturers. Following their 2001 World Championship victory, Gradient have firmly stamped their presence on the world scene – but theyÂ’re not alone in enjoying full order books. Ian Blackmore tests the latest intermediate from the Czech RepublicÂ’s other great rising star, Sky Paragliders