Paragliding 101 Ways to Fly Better
Pooleys stock code: BCC010/Share
Paragliding: 101 Ways to Fly Better is the new book designed to help paraglider pilots advance through the sport and become better pilots.
It contains everything a pilot needs to learn and progress in the art of thermalling and XC flying, including dedicated sections on equipment, thermals, flatland flying, mountain flying, SIV, safety and more.
Paragliding: 101 Ways to Fly Better is the long-awaited successor to the best-selling textbook Fifty Ways to Fly Better (2013), a title that became a fixture on recommended pilot reading lists worldwide, was translated into eight languages, and sold thousands of copies globally.
More than a decade on, this new edition builds on the original concept with a fully updated, expanded and modernised approach. It brings together the best current techniques, thinking and training practices in paragliding, presented as numerous focused, practical improvements that pilots can immediately apply to their flying.
Written by respected names in the sport and drawing on Cross Country magazine’s technical archive, the book delivers real-world advice from designers, instructors, coaches and top pilots – covering the full spectrum from everyday fundamentals to advanced XC and mountain flying.
An essential stock item for schools, instructors and pilot shops.
- Ideal for newly qualified to advanced pilots
- Practical, modular format (easy to dip into)
- Publication date: March 2026
- Tough flexi-binding for longevity
- Extent: 340 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-7393434-4-6
Product description
WHAT’S INSIDE
With hundreds of photos, tips and illustrations throughout, the book covers everything today’s paraglider pilot needs:
Choosing Equipment: Selecting the right glider and size, knowing when to step up, and how to care for and maintain equipment.
Fundamentals: Launch techniques, active flying, pitch control, rear-riser control, speedbar use, top-landing, and developing a personal flying style.
Thermals & Thermalling: Understanding the cumulus cycle, predicting lift, centring efficiently, climbing faster, and flying at cloudbase.
XC Masterclasses: Reading the sky ahead, navigating airspace, using technology, real-world speed-to-fly, flying efficiently, and mountain XC.
Flatlands: Mapping lift, cloud streets, the “chessboard” of the flats, and achieving consistent low saves.
Mountain Flying: Wind assessment, picking lines, lee-side flying, first mountain 100km, staying safe, hike-and-fly, and vol-bivouac.
SIV & Reserve: When to do SIV, core SIV fundamentals, self-training, progressing to acro, and reserve deployment management.
Safety: Building a safety culture, buddy systems, accident avoidance, and step-by-step emergency management.
Headspace: Sports psychology, fear management, mental resilience, confidence building, anchors, and goal setting.
- Ideal for newly qualified to advanced pilots
- Practical, modular format (easy to dip into)
- Publication date: March 2026
- Tough flexi-binding for longevity
- Extent: 340 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-7393434-4-6
LEAD AUTHORS
The book’s core authors are Bruce Goldsmith, Théo de Blic and Greg Hamerton.
- Bruce Goldsmith is a former paragliding world champion, paraglider designer and founder of BGD
- Théo de Blic is a professional pilot and long-time acro competitor deeply involved in equipment development and SIV
- Greg Hamerton is an instructor, writer and filmmaker and founder of the Fly With Greg training platform for progressing pilots
