What Does “Back Clipped” Mean in Paragliding?
In paragliding, being back clipped means you’ve hooked into your harness incorrectly—reversing the risers, so that the rear risers are in front and the front risers are behind. This can lead to bad situatios, failed launches, or even accidents right after takeoff.
Surprisingly, it’s more efficient than you think—especially during ground handling sessions. The good news? With proper training, it’s 100% safe.
The Importance of Ground Handling
Ground handling isn’t just practice—it’s pilot insurance.
It’s where you develop your muscle memory, confidence, and checklist discipline.
🧠 A Proven Ground Handling Method Born in Gran Canaria
This ground handling method was developed at our school in Gran Canaria after years of experience and working with hundreds of students. While some argue that it teaches movements not directly used in flight, we’ve found the opposite to be true.
With this approach, students learn to center themselves under the paraglider more easily, which is actually the first and most essential step in windy ground training. After just a few attempts, they internalize the posture naturally. It also proves easier than the traditional cross-hand method, since the brake they activate corresponds directly to the side of the body it’s on—making it more intuitive and effective.
⚠️ Safe but Powerful—If Done Right
Of course, this training method must be done properly. Practicing without supervision, in poor weather conditions, or in an unsuitable location can lead to dangerous situations. But when following a few basic safety principles, students can make fast progress without unnecessary risk, building skills safely and effectively from the ground up.
Fly Safer, Smarter, and with More Confidence
The ground is where great pilots are made. If you’re planning to take paragliding seriously—or just want to avoid a back clipped takeoff—this training is for you.
🎯 Taking It to the Next Level: From Training to Pure Fun
Once a pilot gains more control and confidence, this method becomes not only effective—but incredibly fun to practice. With time, we’re able to take ground handling to a whole new level, introducing dynamic exercises that challenge coordination, timing, and finesse. At that point, it evolves beyond simple training—it almost becomes a sport of its own.
👉 Check out our Ground Handling and Progression Courses
Learn from the ground up, and never launch back clipped again.