[Helijet]

Hi all!

So, my buddy in the Netherlands was telling me about how R/C Motorizied paragliding has really taken off in the last few years ( pun intended...lol )! Soooo...I picked up an Opale Oxy 3 and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It takes a bit to learn how to launch but I am having a ton of fun just cruising around and doing low terrain flying.

Anyone else in Canada fly these? Any interest in having Paragliding events???
Western Canada???
Eastern Canada???

Cheers
Dean W.

[Max]

The only problem I see is wind speed. I have an A/P kite and anything over 7km/h is too windy to fly.

[Helijet]

I have flown my 3 metre Oxy in 20 km winds. You increase ballast according to wind conditions. As long as the wind is steady its still fun. Gusty and turbulent is another story...lol These powered paragliders are quite the different animal.

D.W.

[Charlesd]

Hi,
There are a few of us that fly regularly near Montreal.

We started a few years ago and have the bug pretty bad.

I started with a Hacker Airbull and the Stunt 3 Wing.

I now have :

RC-Free with backpack
Hacker Airbull with Stunt 3
Jonnypilot backpack with an Oxy 3.0
Opale Trike L and the Hacker Flair 4.5
Jonny pilot wing on a Hacker Backpack

I just love thermalling with a wing.

Wrong forum? Most likely. On RCG we asked to have our own section created:
http://www.rcgroups.com/rc-paragliders-and-kites-723/

To anyone looking at this thread out of interest, the wings are very expensive. A beginner kit is 600$ u.s and go up to 1000$ for the Hacker Nexus.

The companies that produce them are Opale for Opale which manufacture full scale and Swing for Hacker. The wings are exactly the same material, same construction as the full scale. This isn't a Hobbyking parafoil -- the quality of these are impeccable hence the hefty price tag. If taken good care of, they'll last a lifetime.

[kcaldwel]

So this is a disabled form of gliding?!

The only gliding I see is in the name. Perhaps the wrong forum?

Kevin

[Charlesd]

Dean,
What are you using for your Oxy 3.0 ? Trike or backpack?

[Helijet]

A number of years ago I saw a husband and wife team fly full size paragliders ( not motorized ) and it caught my interest. We were in France ( Milleu ) and paragliding was very popular along the valley ridges. There were also some RC paragliders slope soaring as well. It was interesting to say the least. I finally decided to jump in when Esprit Models starting bringing in the Opale line. After some internet research and discussions I opted for the Oxy 3, L backpack and Lucus. Having a ton of fun. Can't believe how well these wings handle the winds and thermals!

Dean

[1kenda]

OK guys

I want to join in the fun.

What do I get for my first wing, pilot, motor etc?

Kenda

[Helijet]

Check R/C groups. Some great info there and its moderator is an experienced paraglider pilot...Jason Cole. He is on frequently and gives sound advice. The two major players in R/C paragliding are Germany's Hacker products and France's Opale. Both lines are very well supported and have high quality gear. I would suggest checking out the videos on line. There are great tutorials, event videos and shots of various size paragliders.

Both Hacker and Opale products are available in North America through Hacker USA and Esprit Models. Although I ordered my first paraglider from Esprit - I found ordering my second one directly from Opale in France to be a completely trouble free experience.

After you have checked out the videos if you have other questions fire away. There are some experienced paraglider pilots monitoring this thread.

cheers
Dean W.

[Helijet]

Lucas puttering around the sky on a clear bright morning....

Cheers
Dean