Best to cross reference all the videos out there. Marc Leavesley has a good tutorial video on the Cobra launch. He starts with the glider fully laid out parallel to the wind (which is the best way to lay out your glider in strong winds and helps prevent cravats). Also how to initiate the top tip to come up first. Andre Bandarra video shows how to get into the 'archer' position that helps you control the top break line that in turn controls the top tip of the glider. Some videos show Cobra into the reverse position which means to still have to turn (and in the right direction) while others go straight into the forward position. The latter has less steps but you may not see that you have a cravat before you launch.
Thank you, Greg. I have used this technique with a paramotor which has allowed me to fly in stronger conditions at the beach. It's saved me from destroying a propeller....eish!!!! ...amali inkulu!!!! 😉😄😄
Safety point: :35 as an example. Pilots crawl into their pod at too low of altitude IMO. Near the terrain, better to keep your legs available to land or PLF if unexpected turbulence hits you. I'd suggest minimum of 100' off the deck before tucking in.
Got any tips for the rock over? The bit where you bring the glider overhead from standing on a tip. My glider really seems to stick at that point. I did see you move laterally towards the lower tip in the first launch I might try that.
I know this comes a year late, but answer is in the hips. This video is not a good example of this. When your glider is sticking up you rotate your hips to the other side and wing comes up. I too had the same issue, but somebody pointed it out one time I was groundhandling.
cobra launch is basic launch for dunesoaring .. if people cant cobra they are not allowed on the beach .. (or they see the top of dunes far to quick) its definitely a strongwind start .. but off course we only use mini wings which makes it much easier ... have fun everybody ... !!!.
This is a standard strong wind technique (especially for tandem) but you are missing some vital information. It is possible to set the glider up and do a proper line check by setting up the glider perpendicular (90degrees) to the wind direction. A rock or sand/snow can be used to hold down the upwind wingtip by folding the stabilo over and placing the rock/sand/snow on the top surface of the wingtip(ensuring the rock won't be flung or caught in the wing). Also make sure there are no twists in the reisers (rising wingtip lines should be on top and connected to your downwind carabiner). In very strong wind it is better to only gently use the outside A line as the wind will naturally drag the glider up very quickly. C's can be used but I find most wings react better by using breaks. If the wingtip is stalling or falling backwards release the breaks a little, if the glider is not rising up jiggle more Outside A line. If using a solo glider you should be weightshifting(turning your downhill hip away from the glider) to help the rising wingtip to come up. Most important thing is to be patient. Don't bring the wing up quickly during a gust or you may be dragged. If you are dragged know how to kill your glider immidiately. Maybe you guys should talk to some proffesionals who regularly use these techniques before making an instructional video like this.
This is an every year classic at this castle in Spain ruclips.net/video/P6yowMtBrU8/видео.html I saw a similar take-off in a small place on a mountain during this last X-Alps, but I don't recall the exact name of the pilot.
Thisone is a classic one : ruclips.net/video/w3808FEpLQk/видео.html About the spanish castle exemple, after analysis, I think there is another major factor : Due to the flatness of the ground and the castle wall, when the wing is on the ground there is zero wind, but once it rises to mid - level, then it is very strong and pulls you up suddenly. The Organya takeoff is like that for instance. With the cobra the release of energy seems more progressive, and it seems to lower the risk to be thrown onto a wall. I found another where cobra seems the only solution : ruclips.net/video/agXajC7DW4A/видео.html Another situation I have I mind is narrow mountain paths with forest on the hill side, but a small opening toward the valley.
I am learning how to do cobra launch now, Thank you for all your times and energies to put this vid on, it helps a lot.
Love a Cobra any time..
This is the best cobra technique I have seen.
Great description how it works - and not to be used in very strong wind.
When I first heard of paragliding, my single biggest concern was tangled lines... good to see it's not as bad as i thought it was.
Best to cross reference all the videos out there. Marc Leavesley has a good tutorial video on the Cobra launch. He starts with the glider fully laid out parallel to the wind (which is the best way to lay out your glider in strong winds and helps prevent cravats). Also how to initiate the top tip to come up first. Andre Bandarra video shows how to get into the 'archer' position that helps you control the top break line that in turn controls the top tip of the glider. Some videos show Cobra into the reverse position which means to still have to turn (and in the right direction) while others go straight into the forward position. The latter has less steps but you may not see that you have a cravat before you launch.
Hey, your videos are always instructive. I have no doubt that watching them is helping me to become a better pilot. Thank you. Keep them coming!
Thank you, Greg. I have used this technique with a paramotor which has allowed me to fly in stronger conditions at the beach. It's saved me from destroying a propeller....eish!!!! ...amali inkulu!!!! 😉😄😄
Another nice video guys. Keep em coming 👍
excellente video bravo à vous,thanks for the videos guys,
What a beautiful wing! What model is it?
very nice instruction film
Cobra Launch Love from NEPAL 🇳🇵🇳🇵
awesome vid and helped me heaps thanks mate
Good Job! Thanks :)
Safety point: :35 as an example. Pilots crawl into their pod at too low of altitude IMO. Near the terrain, better to keep your legs available to land or PLF if unexpected turbulence hits you. I'd suggest minimum of 100' off the deck before tucking in.
can the cobra launch be used for kitesurfing foil kites?
Cobra is easy with the brakes, i will try with the c risers, thanks for the trick :)
Got any tips for the rock over? The bit where you bring the glider overhead from standing on a tip. My glider really seems to stick at that point. I did see you move laterally towards the lower tip in the first launch I might try that.
I know this comes a year late, but answer is in the hips. This video is not a good example of this. When your glider is sticking up you rotate your hips to the other side and wing comes up. I too had the same issue, but somebody pointed it out one time I was groundhandling.
cobra launch is basic launch for dunesoaring .. if people cant cobra they are not allowed on the beach .. (or they see the top of dunes far to quick) its definitely a strongwind start .. but off course we only use mini wings which makes it much easier ... have fun everybody ... !!!.
This is a standard strong wind technique (especially for tandem) but you are missing some vital information.
It is possible to set the glider up and do a proper line check by setting up the glider perpendicular (90degrees) to the wind direction. A rock or sand/snow can be used to hold down the upwind wingtip by folding the stabilo over and placing the rock/sand/snow on the top surface of the wingtip(ensuring the rock won't be flung or caught in the wing). Also make sure there are no twists in the reisers (rising wingtip lines should be on top and connected to your downwind carabiner).
In very strong wind it is better to only gently use the outside A line as the wind will naturally drag the glider up very quickly. C's can be used but I find most wings react better by using breaks. If the wingtip is stalling or falling backwards release the breaks a little, if the glider is not rising up jiggle more Outside A line. If using a solo glider you should be weightshifting(turning your downhill hip away from the glider) to help the rising wingtip to come up.
Most important thing is to be patient. Don't bring the wing up quickly during a gust or you may be dragged. If you are dragged know how to kill your glider immidiately.
Maybe you guys should talk to some proffesionals who regularly use these techniques before making an instructional video like this.
wow，very good，thanks，friend!
what sort of winds are we talking here?
Are those just single carabiners, with no back-up?
yes that's completely standard for paragliding. We fly with a reserve parachute which is connected on separate shoulder maillons.
What is your view of pulling the wing up in a "BIG EARS" configuration in strong wind conditions??
B high clas or C?
D!
Ok thanks
Awesome! But it is for professionals, not for dumbs
This is just for showing off.. nothing else. You just do reverse launch in those conditions, it's easier and better for a wing
While the reverse works you just as well, the cobra assisted is useful when launching from tight places, where you cannot build a wall.
This seems a valid reason. If you know a few videos demonstrating such takeoff conditions, I am very interested.
This is an every year classic at this castle in Spain ruclips.net/video/P6yowMtBrU8/видео.html
I saw a similar take-off in a small place on a mountain during this last X-Alps, but I don't recall the exact name of the pilot.
Thisone is a classic one : ruclips.net/video/w3808FEpLQk/видео.html
About the spanish castle exemple, after analysis, I think there is another major factor : Due to the flatness of the ground and the castle wall, when the wing is on the ground there is zero wind, but once it rises to mid - level, then it is very strong and pulls you up suddenly. The Organya takeoff is like that for instance. With the cobra the release of energy seems more progressive, and it seems to lower the risk to be thrown onto a wall.
I found another where cobra seems the only solution : ruclips.net/video/agXajC7DW4A/видео.html
Another situation I have I mind is narrow mountain paths with forest on the hill side, but a small opening toward the valley.
Excellent example, thanks!