Slope start

The slope launch or foot launch is the most common type of launch for paragliders . It requires a more or less steeply sloping launch site. The pilot pulls his paraglider against the wind and then starts walking against the wind. As soon as it reaches the required speed, it takes off. A "jump", as it is often assumed by laypeople, is not part of the starting procedure. Depending on the direction in which the pilot is looking in the wind-up phase, a distinction is made between forward take-off and reverse take-off , although in both cases the pilot looks in the direction of flight when taking off.

In the optimal case, the wind flows evenly uphill and has a moderate strength. Slope starts when there is no wind or very little wind, cross wind, strong wind or gusty wind are more demanding. Usually it is not possible to start with a tailwind.

The slope start is the type of take-off that every paraglider pilot has to learn. A distinction must be made between winch launching , which is an additional qualification. In contrast to slope starts, winch starts are also possible on the flat.