Rigging and Pre-flight

This is where parawingfoiling diverges most from wingfoiling. Rigging a parawing is closer to rigging a kite than inflating a handheld wing. It takes a few minutes longer, involves lines, and rewards a methodical approach.

The general process

While every brand has its own quirks, the basic rigging sequence is the same:

1. Unpack and lay out the wing downwind of where you plan to launch, with the leading edge facing into the wind
2. Unwind and check lines for tangles, knots, or wear. Lay them out straight from the bar to the wing
3. Connect lines to the wing following the manufacturer’s instructions. Most parawings use a larks-head or loop-to-loop connection. Left and right matter. Get this wrong and the wing will fly backwards
4. Check the bridle (the short lines between the canopy and the main flying lines). Make sure nothing is wrapped around the wing fabric
5. Connect the bar to your harness via the spreader bar hook. Test the safety release
6. Inflate or tension the wing depending on the design. Ram-air wings inflate by catching wind. Semi-rigid wings may need manual inflation of a leading edge bladder

Brand-specific notes

BRM Maliko: Uses a simple two-line system. The lines are colour-coded. Red on the left (when facing the wing), blue on the right. Rigging is straightforward once you have done it twice.

Ozone Wasp: Four-line system with a trim strap on the bar. The additional lines give you more control range but add a step to rigging. Make sure the brake lines are not tangled with the power lines.

Duotone Stash: Comes with an integrated bar system. The setup is designed to be intuitive, but read the manual first. The trim system is different from their kite bars.

For complete brand-by-brand rigging instructions, read our setup and rigging guide.

Pre-flight checklist

Before every session, run through these checks:

• Lines: No tangles, no knots, no wear spots. Lines are the correct length (both sides should be even)
• Connections: All attachment points are secure. Larks-heads are snug. No lines wrapped around the wing
• Bar: Depower system moves freely. Safety release functions. Trim (if applicable) is set to neutral
• Harness: Spreader bar hook is clean and functional. Quick-release works. Harness fits snugly
• Conditions: Wind direction is consistent. Launch area is clear of obstacles, people, and power lines. You have a clear path to the water

Coming from wingfoiling? This checklist will feel like overkill compared to pumping up a wing and walking into the water. It is not. A line tangle at launch can put you in a difficult position. The few minutes you spend checking are always worth it.

Coming from kiteboarding? This will feel very natural. The process is similar to kite rigging, just simpler. Fewer lines, shorter layout, and the wing is much smaller.

Watch: Flysurfer POW Academy pre-session checklist

The POW Academy’s pre-session episode walks through essential preparation steps. Even if you ride a different brand, the checklist approach applies to every parawing.

Watch: Duotone Academy: How to launch and steer a parawing

Finn Spencer from the Duotone Academy covers the basics of launching and controlling a parawing on land before hitting the water. Clear, well-produced instruction.

Watch: Steve Tobis’ first session setup

Steve documents his early sessions, including the beach setup process. Useful to see the rigging in real-world conditions.