Frequently Asked Questions
SUPAIR
Please contact us using the form on our Customer Service page, where the entire process is explained.
We will then be able to offer you a solution.
Gliders
The size of a glider paraglider chosen primarily based on the Flying weight range (Total flight Weight), which is your body weight plus the weight of your harness, rescue parachute, clothing, and on-board equipment (water supply, camera, etc.). Each glider is available in several sizes, each covering Flying weight range . Flying in the lower range results in a glider , more reassuring glider ; flying in the upper range makes steering dynamic and responsive. It is recommended that you consult with an instructor or a specialized retailer to determine the optimal size for your flying style.
flight Flying weight range is the sum of all weights present under the glider takeoff: the pilot’s weight, the harness, the rescue parachute, clothing, the Helmet, flight instruments flight any onboard equipment. This is the reference value used to select the correct glider size glider ensure that you remain within the certified weight range. Flying outside the Flying weight range by the manufacturer voids the certification and poses safety risks. At Supair, each product sheet clearly indicates the Flying weight range every glider size.
EN certifications (European standards) classify paraglider their level of passive safety and their behavior in the event of an incident:
- EN-A: gliders safest gliders , designed for beginners. They reopen automatically without any action from the pilot.
- EN-B: gliders for pilots mastered the basics. Minor corrections are required in the event of an incident.
- EN-C: gliders pilots ; they offer better performance but require quick reactions.
- EN-D: gliders for pilots , requiring a high level of steering .
Supair offers gliders each of these categories, from the Birdy (EN-A) to the Wild 2 (EN-D), to support pilots every stage of their progress.
Our gliders designed and developed in conjunction with our harnesses vice versa—so we can be sure they’re compatible. Our gliders certified for use with our harnesses, as is the case with most manufacturers that offer gliders harnesses in their product lines. However, there’s nothing stopping you from flying with a glider a harness different brands.
Supair launched its first paraglider 2014 with the SORA tandem glider , a model that was quickly adopted by schools and professional instructors. The gliders range followed in 2015 with the EONA (EN-A), the LEAF (EN-B), and the EIKO (glider ). In 2017, Supair acquired the Gradient brand, strengthening its expertise in gliders . Today, the range includes gliders all levels from EN-A to EN-D, as well as tandem gliders.
Harnesses
The choice of a harness on three main criteria. First, the type of flying: long-distance cross-country, hike & fly, acrobatics, and flight all have different requirements. Next, the level of steering: a beginner comfort and back protection from an airbag, while an experienced pilot will look for lightness and a connection with the glider. Finally, the weight-to-comfort ratio: a harness & fly harness like the Strike 3 or the Altirando Lite weighs less than a kilogram but offers less comfort on long flights, while a harness like the Delight 5 provides more support for long distances. Supair offers an interactive guide at supair.com/find-your-gear to help you identify the model best suited to your Airfoil.
It’s important to have good back support (without the side adjustments digging into your armpits), so you should go for the largest size… ButSeat be too wide either, because that can cause unsettling instability!
Proper harness Adjustment harness essential for flying comfortably and safely. The main adjustments to make are as follows. The risers must be set to the correct length so that the glider directly above you without pulling you forward or backward.The crotch strap is adjusted to maintain a Seat position without compression. The lines adjust harness angle harness flight. The backrest andheadrest are adjusted for comfort on long flights. At Supair, every harness with a Adjustment User's manual , and video tutorials are available on the Supair YouTube channel. It is strongly recommended that you make the initial adjustments with an instructor or at an authorized dealer, then verify them during your first flight calm conditions.
MOUSSE-BAGs (known as BUMP’AIR at SUPAIR) are used to improve aerodynamics (the harness thinner while providing the same level of cushioning as an AIRBAG). Whenever light weight and reduced bulk are key, the AIRBAG is the obvious choice!
It is very important to check this (every 50 flights or once a year) because it could be broken without you noticing! This could damage the harness structural straps. – If the plate broken or damaged, it must be replaced. – If the straps are damaged, you must contact your dealer before using your harness again.
The BUMPAIR protection system should be inspected after every major impact. We recommend replacing the BUMPAIR after 3 significant impacts or 5 yearsUse.
The range is extensive to meet a wide variety of needs. There are different trade-offs, and depending on your activity (and your budget!), it might be a good idea to have several harnesses
Once airborne, do not attempt to transition to a seated position; keep your weight on the belly strap and hook the Speedbag your heel. Use the bottom of Speedbag support Speedbag transition to a seated position.
If you were unable to hook the Speedbag transitioning to a seated position, position yourself in a calm airspace, hold both controls in one hand, and grab the Speedbag your free hand to bring it down to your feet.
When traveling by plane with your paraglider gear, the main considerations are the weight and size of the harness, to ensure compliance with baggage limits and ease of transport. A harness , lightweight harness like the Strike 3 orthe Altirando Lite from Supair is particularly well-suited for travel: they pack easily into a standard travel bag and weigh less than one kilogram. It is also recommended to choose a harness with a rescue parachute , such as the X-Lite, to maintain a cohesive setup. Finally, verify that the harness is certified for the flight conditions flight your destination—some areas require specific certifications.
It’s true that harnesses are often more stable because they don’t have a plate, so the center of gravity is lower, which raises the attachment points. But that’s not the only factor affecting Stability; the ABS system the height of the waist ABS system are also important.
To clean a harness remove dirt stains, do not use detergent, as it could damage it. The safest approach is to use only soap and water and gently scrub with a sponge or washcloth.
If, despite proper harness adjustments, Seat harness getting into the Seat position, you can use the footrest by sliding it between your legs as you take off.
This is most likely due to an imbalance in the lengths of thespeed bar linesspeed bar not a problem Adjustment harness Adjustment . You should also practice accelerating by placing your foot in the center of the bar to push it symmetrically.
A harness is designed for comfort during long flights, featuring a snug-fitting cocoon, good ergonomics, and often an airbag back protection system. It is bulkier and heavier.
A harness & flyharness is designed to be lightweight and compact so it can be carried on foot to the launch site. It often weighs less than a kilogram and can be packed into a backpack. At Supair, models like the Strike andthe Altirando Lite exemplify this category, combining lightness, safety, and practicality for hike & fly enthusiasts.
For beginner intermediate pilots, a harness with built-in back and crotch protection is recommended. At Supair, theDelight harness is designed to support pilots want to fly for long periods with complete peace of mind: lightweight, comfortable, and reassuring, it is perfectly suited for cross-country pilots just starting out on flight . For training or introductory flights, a harness a back airbag offers optimal protection in the event ofLanding .
Parachutes
We recommend airing out and folding the rescue parachute —or having it folded— rescue parachute least once a year.
paraglider reserve parachutes paraglider in two main types, each with its own characteristics. The round parachute is the most common and the most reliable when deployed: its hemispherical shape ensures a quick and stable deployment, which is ideal in an emergency. It descends vertically at a speed of about 5 to 6 m/s. The square (or rectangular) parachute is a newer design and offers a slower, steerable descent, allowing the pilot to maneuver to avoid obstacles duringLanding. However, it is bulkier and may take slightly longer to open. For most pilots, a certified round parachute remains the gold standard in terms of reliability. pilots acrobatics or flight congested areas may prefer a steerable model. Supair offers both types in its lineup, suitable for all Flying weight range styles and all Flying weight range.
The size of the rescue parachute chosen based on the Flying weight range (total weight in flight), just as with the glider. Each Supair parachute model is available in several sizes covering Flying weight range , as indicated on the product sheet and in the certification. It is essential to stay within the certified range: a parachute that is undersized for your Flying weight range will Flying weight range slow your descent sufficiently, with serious consequences duringLanding. If in doubt, it is always better to choose the next larger size. A specialized retailer or Supair customer service can help you select the size best suited to your complete setup.
Supair recommends having your rescue parachute inspected rescue parachute by a certified technician, regardless of the number of times it has been used. This inspection includes a visual check of the canopy, lines container, as well as repacking in accordance with certified procedures. Regarding Life span , Supair recommends replacing the parachute after 10 years from the date of manufacture, even if it has never been used—textile materials age and lose their mechanical properties over time. If the parachuteUse , it must be sent for a full inspection before any further use. All information on maintenance inspections is available at supair.com/securite.
The weight of paraglider is not included paraglider the total weight of the parachute because it is not attached to the parachute when deployed.
Deploying the rescue parachute an emergency procedure that must be learned and practiced regularly in order to be performed effectively under stress. The general procedure recommended by instructors and manufacturers is as follows.
Decide quickly: the number one factor in a successful launch is making a quick decision. The longer you wait, the less altitude you have available. When in doubt, launch.
Locate the Handle: depending on your harness, the Handle is located on the right or left side of the harness. Practice finding it with your eyes closed, under real-world conditions, before each season.
Grasp the container firmly: with the hand opposite the Handle, grip the outside of the parachute container to secure it. Then grasp the Handle your whole hand—not just your fingers.
Pull it out with a smooth, decisive motion: pull the Handle a strong, continuous motion until your arm is fully extended, moving the container away from your body.
Deploy the parachute: once the container is out, throw it away from you into an open area—away from the glider possible—to help it open.
Handle the glider : Once the reserve parachute has deployed, pull up on the glider risers to prevent it from interfering with the descent of the parachute.
These steps are a general reminder. There is no substitute for Training with a qualified instructor. Supair strongly recommends participating in steering active safety courses organized by certified schools, which include emergency deployment drills under real-world conditions (over water or in a simulator). For more information on flight safety, visit supair.com/safety.
The SIV (Simulated flight Incident) course is a Training during which pilots learn to induce, recognize, and manage the most common emergency situations in paraglider asymmetric collapses, stalls, spins, and deep turns—in a controlled environment, typically over a lake with rescue boats nearby.
Why is it essential?
The vast majority of serious paraglider accidents paraglider not because of the incident itself, but because of the pilot’s inappropriate reaction to it. SIV training helps break natural reflexes—such as pulling the brakes suddenly during a collapse—and replace them with automatic, effective responses.
What you’ll learn in practice: handling symmetrical and asymmetrical collapses, recovering from Stall, recovering from a spin, deploying the rescue parachute realistic conditions, and interpreting the glider behavior glider extreme conditions.
Who is it intended for?
The SIV is recommended for all pilots , starting at the EN-B level. It is particularly recommended when changing glider, advancing to a higher category, or before engaging in demanding activities such as cross-country flying in thermal conditions or flight .
Supair recommends pilots all its pilots at least one SIV course per year, ideally at the start of the season. Information about partner courses is available from your Supair dealer or at supair.com/advice-and-adventures.
Carabiners, links & connectors
paraglider Carabiners paraglider lubricated with silicone during assembly. This is no longer necessary afterward, unless they become contaminated with sand or other debris. If this happens, wash them with detergent, rinse, dry, and lubricate with a light oil (as you would for Carabiners ), but do not use grease! Check the Carabiners regularly to ensure they are functioning properly Carabiners
Life span paraglider carabiner paraglider on several factors: frequencyUse, environmental conditions (humidity, UV rays, salt, sand), and the absence of impacts or visible deformation.
General rules to follow:
Most manufacturers and certification bodies recommend replacing Carabiners 10 years at most, even if they appear to be in good condition—metals undergo invisible fatigue Line . In the event of a violent impact (Landing , fall), the carabiner must be replaced immediately, even if there is no visible deformation, as its internal strength may be compromised.
Signs that indicate immediate replacement: any visible deformation, a door that no longer closes with a firm click, deep corrosion marks, significant scratches on load-bearing areas, or abnormal play in the locking mechanism.
Daily care: After each flight wet conditions or near the ocean, rinse your Carabiners clean water and let them air dry. Applying a light lubricant to the moving parts will extend their Life span ensure they open and close reliably.
At Supair, hardware (quick links, Carabiners, buckles) is selected based on strict standards of strength and reliability, and is available as replacement parts on supair.com. If you have any doubts about the condition of a carabiner, consult your authorized dealer or Supair Customer Service—never skimp on safety equipment.