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Often referred to simply as acro (short for acrobatic), aerobatic paragliding is more or less what it sounds like: the art of pulling off amazing airborne tricks and stunts. But that’s not to say that it’s simple or lacks depth. There’s a lot to learn about acro paragliding. Let’s jump in together.
There’s no doubt that acro is more dangerous than regular paragliding. Aerobatic pilots are typically those with extensive experience and well-developed wing skills, who are seeking to push their limits. With this sort of training, the risks can diminish to a level that some pilots deem acceptable
Acro is somewhat freestyle by nature, and there’s no set list of allowed stunts. With a bit of creativity and an abundance of skills, pro pilots often come up with new manoeuvres that challenge their abilities. We showcased some examples of paragliding stunts in an earlier post. Check it out.
If you understand the inherent risks with acro paragliding, and you still wish to proceed, the next step will depend on your current training. Remember that acro is generally considered an extension of regular paragliding, and is not something that should be jumped into due to a desire to impress your friends. Safety depends in large part on following a natural progression path.
With that in mind, total newbies and even those with their basic license should plan to spend months, if not years, honing their skills before considering moving up to acro. As you become comfortable in the air, you might start practising tighter turns and reaching more precise angles of attack while out enjoying your normal flights. Regular training is essential, as is building a mentor relationship with your local pro instructor.
Keep in mind that Fly Cape Town offers an Introduction to Aerobatic Manoeuvres class, which is a great way to get your first taste of the sport!
Acro paragliding carries more risk than standard paragliding and should only be attempted by experienced pilots with strong wing-handling skills. With proper instruction, equipment, and progressive training, the risks can be reduced but never completely eliminated.
Acro paragliding features freestyle manoeuvres such as wingovers, spirals, stalls, and helicopters. Professional pilots often develop new tricks to test their control and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the air.
To get started, you should first gain experience and confidence with standard paragliding. Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider advanced training programs like Fly Cape Town’s Introduction to Aerobatic Manoeuvres course, which safely introduces you to acro techniques.
You should have excellent control of your glider, strong situational awareness, and the ability to recover from unusual flight positions. Acro paragliding demands precision, confidence, and consistent training under professional supervision.
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