Is a new wing the fastest way to become a better pilot?

After more than 20 years in paragliding, I’ve long notice a pattern that I want to talk about here.

Many pilots want to progress.

They buy new equipment, chase performance and keep looking around on market offers for their personal next step.

But does that actually make us better pilots?

In this solo episode of the Find Your Path Podcast, I share a story from a recent Wanderbird Academy gathering in Hong Kong.

A pilot told me she bought a new two-liner wing because she wanted to progress, but at the same time she felt more scared flying it.

That moment triggered an important conversation:

What does real progression in paragliding actually mean?

In this episode we explore the three pillars that shape every pilot’s development:

• Pilot: your skills, awareness and decision making

• Nature: understanding terrain, conditions and timing

• Equipment: the wing and tools you fly with

Most pilots focus on the easiest pillar: equipment.

But real progress never comes from gear alone.

It comes from understanding where you stand as a pilot, how you interact with the environment, and how you consciously develop your abilities over time.

This episode is a reflection on progress, awareness and the deeper structure of learning in paragliding.

It also touches on the philosophy behind the Wanderbird Academy, where pilots explore their development path together through reflection, exchange and experience in the mountains.

If you want to fly not only further, but longer and with deeper understanding, this episode is for you.

Cheers,

Paul

Find your path.

https://wanderbirdacademy.com/