OT: Paragliding Cutaway Harness...

JonMalmberg · Since 15 Aug 2011 340 Posts Obsessed

For all you paragliders out there... It is coming...

http://vimeo.com/33472679

This concept has been around for quite some time, and Raul has been developing a great product along these lines in Europe with Sup Air and RR Acro Wings. But, they make you purchase the BASE canopy with it.

For us that already BASE and fly, Nick Burden in coordination with Flystyle (www.theflystyle.com) are working on their own version.

I was under a flying canopy in under three seconds. The testing will continue and include deployment in a myriad of different situations. Way, way more to come...

Jonny Rotten

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Th 3 ring system has been around for a long time in the skydiving world. Its the same concept as you mentioned. Main canopy malfunctions, release, and reserve deploys.

I see that your reserve is deployed by the drag from the canopy instead of a spring loaded pilot shoot. Is that the only design or are you providing an option as in skydiving. To tether or not to tether. You may want to clear that bad canopy first. I am ssuming because you want the quickest deployment no matter what the situation due to the limited altitude.

Why would this release concept only be now when it has been around for so many years? Also, are you paragliding only with a reserve or full main canopy pack with reserve?

JonMalmberg · Since 15 Aug 2011 340 Posts Obsessed

Yes you are correct...

The concept has been around for quite some time, and I have seen the three ring used before and Raul has a good product with Sup Air right now... I think it is a general mindset of the average paraglider who does not skydive or BASE that has kept this idea from fruition with issues of letting go of the canopy.

But with that said, I would never paraglide with out a round under my ass as well. There have been many times that I have ended up with lines all around me, and such tangles up would not every allow a cutaway.

Still, in most "normal" situations... the system puts a steerable wing over your head in under four seconds. Most of the time I throw reserves I am over the water, but drifting around in the mountains under a round is not exactly a safe situation. Shoot, em if I get line twists... they are not an issue with my trusty 260 Seven and a hundred feet with now wall strike coming up.

Excited to see how Nick works out his new idea and whether he can get it to catch on.h
Jon

skydiveblake · Since 28 Jun 2006 63 Posts San Diego

Badass vid!

We tried running with this idea about 15 yrs ago, but paragliders simply could not get their head out of the box at that time. I think the way air sports have grown, and the crossover between the air sports by the enthusiasts involved will enable some pretty kickass things over the next couple of years.