Cross-country flying is one of the most thrilling parts of paragliding. Flying long distances, catching the best thermals, and soaring through the sky is a unique experience that many pilots dream of mastering.
But how can one progress efficiently and safely in XC? At Niviuk, we’ve gathered the best tips to help you improve your technique, performance, and confidence in distance flying.
One of the most common mistakes among those starting XC is taking off without a clear idea of what they want to achieve during that flight. Flying with a purpose allows you to better evaluate personal progress and learn from each experience.
Having a defined goal - such as completing an FAI triangle, covering a certain distance, or following a specific route - not only guides your decisions in flight but also helps maintain focus and motivation when conditions become tricky or unpredictable.
Understanding the characteristics of thermals and their relationship to the terrain is one of the most valuable skills when flying long distances. Shadows and wind patterns throughout the day provide clues about where the energy that will keep you in the air may be generated.
You can use the terrain to your advantage: ridges, valleys, sun-facing slopes... Local knowledge is key, but so is the ability to interpret the terrain from the air. A good XC pilot reads the geography like it’s a map of opportunities.
Intuition is a great ally, but it can’t replace skills. Mastering the art of centring in thermals accurately can make the difference between reaching cloudbase or landing prematurely. And we all know the best time to walk back… is when you’ve landed voluntarily and not because you went down.
A very effective manoeuvre when entering a thermal is making a controlled direction change: first, shift slightly to one side of the thermal to identify the edge of the core, then begin the turn in the opposite direction, generating a small swing similar to a mini-wingover. This gives energy to the wing and makes for a more stable entry into the lift.
In XC, attitude and patience are as important as technique. Not every day will yield long flights, but you can learn and improve with every take off. Obsessing over flying faster or being ahead of other pilots can lead to mistakes.
Leaving a weak thermal just to keep advancing may seem tempting, but gaining a few extra metres will give you access to new options, more safety, and greater opportunity for decision-making.
Every long flight includes uncomfortable moments: turbulence, wind or broken thermals. As long as they are not dangerous, keeping calm and setting small, achievable goals - such as climbing a few more metres or holding on for a few more minutes - can help you get through a tough patch and continue with confidence.
Managing speed well is key. Flying too slowly can make you lose valuable time, but rushing too much can drain the energy you’ll need later. Finding the balance is essential to make the most of each transition.
A very useful tool is analysing your glide ratio on your flight instrument: it shows you how much horizontal distance you cover for every metre you sink. Since this value constantly changes depending on the conditions, the best approach is to observe it for several seconds and make a mental average to detect the optimal speed to fly.
Adjusting the speed-bar and observing how your glide changes will help you improve your efficiency in transitions, especially if you’re flying with high-performance wings like our Peak or Artik.
You’ll progress more as a pilot if you analyse your flights once on the ground. Tools like XCTrack, XContest or FlySight let you review your route, identify mistakes, and understand why you made certain decisions at key moments. Sharing your tracks with other pilots can also provide you with a fresh perspective and valuable suggestions.
Although paragliding is an individual sport, you improve faster if you share. Talking about your flights with more experienced pilots, receiving advice, or simply exchanging impressions will help you evolve. You can also take courses that focus on topics like reading the terrain or meteorology.
Systematically avoiding flying near clouds can make you miss valuable opportunities. Often, they are just a source of good lift or a smooth glide. The key is not to avoid them but to fly with judgment.
If you decide to get close to a cloud, always have an escape plan: identify a clear sky area to which you can head if you get into an area with too much lift or reduced visibility.
Flying for hours is not something all pilots can do from the start. Stamina is built over time and requires both physical and mental preparation. Controlling your breathing in tense moments, such as when getting low or in weak thermals, helps maintain concentration.
Regularly eating and hydrating during the flight is also key. Always carrying snacks and using a hydration system, can make a big difference to flight comfort and duration.
To progress properly, you need to fly with equipment suited to your level, which makes you feel confident and safe in the air. Choose your wing and harness wisely to make the best decisions while flying.
If you're just starting XC, models like the Hook 6/Hook 6 P or the Hiko/Hiko P offer an ideal balance between performance, safety and easy handling. Perfectly paired with the Konvers 3 (an open harness with a seat board) or the Hawk (your first pod harness).
If you're at an intermediate level, the Ikuma 3/Ikuma 3 P will be your ideal wing. For more advanced pilots, we have options like the Artik R 2 and Artik 7 P; and for even more experienced pilots, the Peak 6 or Klimber 3 P provide superior performance and better glide efficiency, perfect for long distances and challenging conditions.
Similarly, you need a good harness. A pod model like the Arrow or Arrow P not only improves aerodynamics but also provides comfort and stability—two key factors for long flights.
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