Reverse launches have a number of advantages. It is more straight to inspect the wing and check the lines are free as it leaves the ground. The pilot holds control in each hand which pull down the trailing edge of the wing. Since the shape of the wing is formed by the moving air entering and inflating the wing, in turbulent air, the wings are collapsed. Some pilots like to stretch themselves beyond recreational flying.
For such pilots, there are certain disciplines that should be followed during paragliding :
- Cross-country leagues - annual leagues of the greatest distance 'XC' flying
- Comps - competitive flying based around completing a number of tasks such as flying around set waypoints
- Accuracy - spot landing competitions where pilots land on targets the size of jam-jar lids
- Acro - aero-acrobatic manoeuvres and stunt flying; heart stopping tricks such as helicopters, wing-overs, synchro spirals, infinity tumbles, and so on.
- National/international records - despite continually improving gliders, these become ever more difficult to achieve; aside from longest distance and highest altitude, examples include distance to declared goal, distance over triangular course, speed over 100 km triangular course, etc.
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