History of parawing
The idea of parawing has its roots in the work of NASA engineer Francis Rogallo, who, with his wife Gertrude, invented a self-inflating flexible wing called the "Rogallo wing" in 1948. This wing was considered by NASA as a recovery system for the Mercury and Gemini space capsules in the 1960s. More recently, gliding enthusiasts have adapted this concept to create the parawing, a light, maneuverable wing designed for downwind foiling. âeuros
Parawing technical specifications
The parawing is distinguished by its single-wing box-section design, held in place by a network of bridles, making it light and easy to handle. Equipped with a steering bar, it allows you to precisely regulate the traction exerted by the wind. Short lines make it easy to set up, reducing the risk of entanglement. What's more, a harness can be fitted for added comfort on long voyages. âeuros
Advantages of parawing
- Fast learning curve: Thanks to its intuitive design, a parawing machine is relatively easy to learn, allowing users to make rapid progress. âeuros
- Downwind without paddle: It offers the possibility of riding downwind without the need for a paddle, facilitating recovery and optimizing gliding sensations. âeuros
- Fast take-off: The parawing is designed to catch the wind very quickly, allowing a dynamic start even in moderate wind conditions. âeuros
- Versatile and compact: Foldable and lightweight, it packs easily into a bag for transport and storage. âeuros
Disadvantages of parawing
- Wind-dependency: As with most wings, too little wind means too little lift, limiting its use to windy days. âeuros
- Restricted wind range: Although designed for moderate to strong winds, its range of use remains narrower than that of other gliders, requiring a good knowledge of weather conditions. âeuros
- Technical deployment phase: The transition from downwind to recovery requires the parawing to be unfolded to regain its full power, a manoeuvre that can prove tricky for beginners. âeuros
- Line management: Careful handling is essential to prevent tangling, requiring constant vigilance when sailing. âeuros
All in all, parawing represents a significant advance in downwind foiling, offering an interesting alternative to traditional kites. However, mastering it requires a certain amount of experience and a good understanding of wind conditions to take full advantage of it.
