Speed flying and speed riding require different wing sizes because of the different glide angles and launch techniques. Speed flying requires a larger, slower wing for foot launches (between 13 and 18 square metres), while speed riding involves a faster, smaller , ski-launched wing (between 8 and 14 square metres) . This allows the pilot to periodically touch down and speed ride the slope on skis or a snowboard .
Speed flying and speed riding require different wing characteristics because of the different glide angles and launch techniques. Speed riding pilots are able to achieve greater speeds on launch with the use of skis, and so the use of a smaller wing (typically between 7 and 10 square metres) is common, and wings tailored to this aspect of the sport typically have a steeper glide angle and long recovery arc to allow skiing on steep slopes with the wing overhead. Speed flying pilots must launch on foot, so wing sizes are typically slightly larger, although many expert speedflying pilots do routinely foot launch wings of 8 square metres or less .
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flying requires a larger, slower wing for foot launches (between 13 and 18 square metres), while speed riding involves a faster, smaller , ski-launched wing (between 8 and 14
riding pilots are able to achieve greater speeds on launch with the use of skis, and so the use of a smaller wing (typically between 7 and 10
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. This allows the pilot to periodically touch down and speed ride the slope on skis or a snowboard
is common, and wings tailored to this aspect of the sport typically have a steeper glide angle and long recovery arc to allow skiing on steep slopes with the wing overhead. Speed flying pilots must launch on foot, so wing sizes are typically slightly larger, although many expert speedflying pilots do routinely foot launch wings of 8 square metres or less