Michael Reignier and Stephan Lubin have created some amazing footage with a mini camera mounted in various spots (leading edge, helmet, leg) as they speed ride their ITV Pil-Pits through some beautiful, breath taking mountain scenery.  Definitely one to watch! www.zapiks.com/in-side-speed-riding-michael.html

Swing, in collaboration with U-Turn, have tweaked the Protect II reserve, resulting in an extra 20 kg max. load being possible. The updated model is the Protect III, and is available in three sizes. The first Protect III reserves in size Large (80-120kg) are off the production line already, and will be delivered with a [...]

Gin have created two new products for use in everyday life: The Loop is a 20 litre day sack with a front pocket with key and pen holders and ergonomic shoulders, available in black. Then for the summer, the Flare three quarter length baggy trousers are made from heavy cotton, and feature two hand warmer [...]

The French paragliding Championship will take place in the Louron Valley, Hautes Pyrenees, from 21 – 28 June 2009. Reigning champions Simon Issenhut and female World Champion Elisa Houdry will join 118 of France’s other top competitors, along with 20 high level pilots from other nations, to compete against the beautiful backdrop of the Pyrenees, [...]

France’s Dune de Pyla, the highest sand dune in Europe, is once again hosting a weekend of paragliding fun and freestyle frolics by the sea: the 6th edition of the festival will start the season off for acro fiends, cross country hounds and pleasure flyers alike, all under the watchful gaze of an eager public. [...]

Gin Gliders are delighted to announce that the Sprint has now been certified EN B in the M size (LTF certification in progress), with four more sizes to follow. Two years in development, Gin say the Sprint was released a little behind schedule because they wanted to perfect it, and are very pleased  that they [...]

After a few fatal incidents, a programme was initiated, in corporation with the Dutch paraglider association KNVvL, to produce objective data measured during steep paraglider spiral descends. In the trial they recorded G-forces, pressure altitude, air speed, descent rate and physiological data during spiral descents. Afterwards it was to be determined if there is a [...]

Advance are pleased to welcome the 2008 European Champion and top French team pilot, Greg Blondeau, into their fold to promote and test their wings. He will fly their Omega in competitions, and will also continue his work as a paragliding instructor. Greg started flying competition and acro some years ago. He won the first [...]

The 5th summer edition of the Nissan Outdoor Games takes place in Interlarken, Switzerland, on 29 – 30 May. Athletes (kayakers, mountain-bikers, climbers, paragliders and base jumpers), photographers and film makers will be working in teams of 5 to create a 5 minute film, in the week leading up to the event, and these will [...]

Aeros have been experimenting with using tails on their flexwing gliders, to increase pitch stabilty and allow pilots to fly with lower sprog settings. Their test pilot Primoz Gricar flew a Combat with a carbon fibre tail in the Monte Grappa trophy over the Easter wekend in Bassano, and will be using it again in [...]

Following on from last year’s success, with over 50 pilots and great national media coverage, the Bergamo Hang gliding Trophy (Trofeo Internazionale dell’Isola) is back. The event will take place on 16 and 17 May 2009 in Palazzago, near Bergamo and is open to Class 1 and Class 5 hang gliders. The organisers invite pilots [...]

The Trofeo Valerio Albrizio, held in Laveno, Italy over the weekend of 1 – 3 May, was heralded as a great success by those who attended. Two great tasks were run (113 and 95km), with Alex Ploner finishing first overall, just squeaking to victory seven points ahead of Manfred Ruhmer and 11 points ahead of [...]

Billed as ‘The global event for the environment and renewable energy’, Global Vibes Live has events based on each of the four elements: air (air show), earth (exhibitions), water (conference) and fire (live music). It will take place from 26 – 28 June at the telepherique du Saleve and the Baby Plage, Geneva, Switzerland. The [...]

Spring paragliding in India has seen some great conditions. In April, Debu Choudhury achieved a site record flight of 211 km from Billing…

Verbier-Summits paragliding school is now recognised by the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. They can now not only complete the BHPA syllabus as before, but actually qualify students too. The company guarantees that students will complete an EP or CP course in a week! For more information, contact stu and Mike. stu@verbier-summits.com web: www.verbier-summits.com

Registration is now open for the US hang gliding nationals in Big Spring, Texas, that will take place from 9 – 15 August 2009. The online entry form can be found here.

Swing’s Connect Reverse paragliding harness / rucksack was made in collaboration with rucksack specialist Deuter and has an integral reserve container.