How to Plan a 100 km Cross‑Country Paragliding Trip: A Step‑by‑Step Checklist and Gear Guide

A 100 km flight feels like a dream for most pilots, but it’s also a test of preparation. One gust of wind or a missing piece of gear can turn a soaring day into a scramble for safety. That’s why I’m breaking down the whole process into a simple checklist and a gear list you can trust. If you follow these steps, you’ll spend more time looking at the horizon and less time worrying about the details.

1. Know Your Goal and Your Limits

1.1 Set a realistic distance

A 100 km trip isn’t just “fly far”. It’s a series of legs, each with its own launch, climb, and landing. Start by looking at the map and marking out a route that stays within the thermal strength you usually see in the season. If you normally get 2 m/s lift, plan for legs that can be covered with that power. Over‑ambitious routes end up with you stuck in a valley waiting for a lift that never comes.

1.2 Check your experience level

I still remember my first 80 km attempt – I was thrilled until I ran out of fuel (read: altitude) halfway through. If you’ve only done a few 30 km trips, add a safety margin of at least 20 km. That gives you room to turn back or find a safe landing if conditions dip.

2. Map the Route

2.1 Choose launch and landing zones

Pick a launch that you know well – a hill with a clear take‑off path, no trees, and a reliable wind direction. Then mark at least three potential landing spots along the way. Use a top‑ographic map or a flight‑planning app to see the terrain, roads, and any obstacles. I always keep a “plan B” field marked in red; it’s saved me more than once.

2.2 Identify thermal hotspots

Thermal hotspots are places where the sun heats the ground more than the surrounding area – often over fields, rocky outcrops, or dry roads. Plot these on your map; they become your “fuel stations”. In my own trips, I’ve learned to follow the line of a river in the early afternoon; the water keeps the air cool, so the land beside it heats up and creates strong lift.

2.3 Use a flight‑planning tool

There are a few free tools that let you draw a route, calculate the distance, and even estimate the time based on your glide ratio. I like the one on Skyline Soar’s partner site because it shows the elevation profile in a clean graph. Upload the route, check the total climb needed, and make sure you have enough altitude reserve.

3. Weather Check – The Real Deal

3.1 Look at the forecast 24 hours ahead

Check the wind direction, speed, and any fronts moving through the area. A light southerly breeze in the morning that shifts to a strong westerly in the afternoon can ruin a planned line. If the forecast shows gusts over 15 km/h at your launch site, consider postponing.

3.2 Study the day‑before trend

Thermal strength often follows the day‑before weather. A sunny day with clear skies the night before means the ground will be warm and thermals will be strong. A rainy night leaves the ground damp, and you’ll get weaker lift. I keep a small notebook of “yesterday’s weather vs today’s lift” – it’s a cheap but surprisingly accurate predictor.

3.3 Use a real‑time wind app

Even after you launch, a quick glance at a wind app on your phone can tell you if a low‑level wind shift is coming. If you see a sudden change in direction, be ready to adjust your line or find a landing spot early.

4. Gear Checklist

Below is the gear I never leave home without for a 100 km trip. Keep the list on a sheet of paper or in a note app and tick each item before you head out.

4.1 Wing and Harness

Wing: A certified 22–24 m² wing with a good glide ratio (around 9.5:1). Make sure the lines are fresh and the cells are clean.
Harness: My go‑to is a back‑type harness with a built‑in reserve parachute pocket. It should have a comfortable seat and enough storage for a small water bottle and a snack bar.

4.2 Safety Equipment

Reserve parachute: Pack it in the harness pocket, check the deployment handle, and verify the container is not expired.
Helmet: A lightweight, well‑ventilated helmet with a visor. I keep a spare strap in my pocket just in case.
Radio or GPS tracker: A small two‑way radio for ground crew contact, and a GPS tracker that can send your position if you need rescue.

4.3 Navigation Tools

Smartphone with flight‑planning app: Pre‑loaded with the route, offline maps, and a battery pack.
Compass: A simple magnetic compass as a backup if the phone dies.
Altimeter: My wrist‑mounted altimeter gives me instant altitude and climb rate.

4.4 Clothing and Personal Items

Layered clothing: A breathable base layer, a wind‑proof mid‑layer, and a light down jacket for high altitude chill.
Gloves: Thin, grippy gloves that keep your hands warm but still let you feel the brake lines.
Sunglasses: Polarized lenses to cut glare off the clouds.
Water and snacks: At least 1 liter of water and energy bars; you’ll burn calories fast when you’re climbing.

4.5 Miscellaneous

Repair kit: Spare lines, a small needle, and some tape. You never know when a line might fray.
First‑aid kit: A few band‑aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Trash bag: To keep your gear dry if you get caught in a sudden rain.

5. The Day‑Of Routine

Arrive early – Give yourself at least an hour before launch to set up, check the gear, and do a quick walk‑through of the launch area.
Do a gear walk‑through – Verify the wing is packed correctly, lines are untangled, and the reserve is accessible.
Run a short test launch – If the wind feels right, do a quick 2‑minute launch to feel the lift and check the brakes.
Confirm the route – Open the map on your phone, glance at the compass, and make sure the first thermal hotspot is in sight.
Take off and enjoy – Keep an eye on your altitude, stay within the thermal line, and remember the “plan B” landing spots.

6. Post‑Flight Review

When you land, take a few minutes to note what worked and what didn’t. Did you miss a thermal? Was the wind stronger than forecast? Write it down in your flight log. Over time, these notes become a personal weather‑reading guide that no app can replace.

A 100 km cross‑country flight is a blend of careful planning, solid gear, and a dash of intuition. By following this checklist, you’ll give yourself the best chance to turn that long line on the map into a smooth, soaring adventure. The sky is waiting – now go chase it.