What Does “Back Clipped” Mean in Paragliding?
In paragliding, being back clipped means you’ve hooked into your harness incorrectly for flying—reversing the risers, so that the rear risers are in front and the front risers are behind. This can lead to bad situations, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Back Clipped” in Paragliding
1. What does “back clipped” mean in paragliding?
It means hooking into your harness incorrectly by reversing the risers—rear risers in front and front risers behind. This setup can cause failed launches or even accidents right after takeoff.
2. Is it safe to train with the back clipped technique?
Yes, as long as it’s done with proper supervision, good weather, and in a suitable location. Under those conditions, it can be 100% safe and highly effective for ground handling progress.
3. Why is ground handling so important?
Because it’s the pilot’s “insurance.” Ground handling builds muscle memory, confidence, and checklist discipline—skills that directly translate into safer and smoother flights.
4. What’s the advantage of this method over the traditional cross-hand technique?
It helps students center themselves under the wing more easily and the brake they pull corresponds directly to the same side of their body. This makes it more intuitive and effective than the classic cross-hand method.
5. Can ground handling become more than just training?
Absolutely. With practice and control, it evolves into a fun and challenging activity in its own right, with dynamic exercises that improve coordination, timing, and finesse—almost like a sport on its own.