As we approach the launch, drop our packs and peer towards the valley below our minds begin racing. We quickly review the surrounding terrain and begin setting up our gear.  The air is perfectly still with only a minor 1-2 mph puff every now and then rolling up the hill. Feels perfect to me…time to get in the air!

This is a very common scenario when mountain flying as wind is rarely our friend up here. In order to safely launch in such conditions your forward launch skills need to be sharp.  This causes many new pilots, fresh from the training hill a fair bit of stress. I see it every time a new pilot is on launch in windless conditions, and at least a few will grumble out loud about how much they hate the forward launch. In talking with them further, the root of that frustration often stems from lack of practice and/or confidence.

In mountain flying, windless days are common so getting comfortable with the forward launch is necessary for your safety and success. I personally love the forward launch, and consider it a vital skill in my mountain flying toolkit. I use it all the time and it allows me to launch safely in many unique situations.  I thought I would share three quick tips on how I execute the forward launch that seems to work extremely well in the mountains. Before discussing these tips, I am assuming your wing is already set up properly, and you are connected with your handles correctly in your hands…just before you are ready to launch.

Step 1: Holding Your Arms
Many people hold their arms up with elbows bent and hands near their shoulders (see image above). This is fine if you really like running…because in a windless situation you will be running a long, long way. A more efficient way to hold your arms is to keep your arms straight and place them down near your butt, just slightly behind your body. Once you are in this position, take a step or two forward until your ‘A’ lines are taut.

Step 2: Initiate
Now comes the fun part. You cannot be timid here, regardless of the terrain in front of you. If you hesitate, you will run too far, and are likely to stumble. They key is to transfer as much immediate energy into your wing as possible, and you only get that through your initial run/lunge energy. I like to think of the Olympic bobsled team, just as they start their race. Leaning back and forth, back and forth, and then sprint. That is how you want to start, with immediate energy, leaning forward, committing and sprinting with all you got.

Step 3: The Run
If you have done it correctly (Step 1 and 2), you will likely be halted in your tracks about 2 to 3 steps into your committing sprint. This happens because you have properly transferred the energy from your body to your wing, and it is now holding you back. I love that feeling. At this point, keep leaning forward, pushing against your wing, but now raise your hands from your butt up to above your shoulders. This is what raises the wing, and gets it flying over your head. As soon as it gets over your head you will be running again, so give a quick brake check to keep the wing from over flying and off you go.  Remember to keep leaning forward, keep running, and keep your arms behind your body at all times (the torpedo). Pay attention to the energy in your arms and pressure on your body as it will give immediate feedback if one side of the wing is pulling, deflating, or otherwise funky so you can abort if needed.

I call this approach the “Mountain Forward” and when executed correctly it is like a work of art, and provides a solid, dynamic launch technique even in zero wind. If you do it correctly and depending on slope you can get into the air in as little as 3-5 steps. In deep snow, or a limited runway, this comes in handy.

The more you practice and the more time you dedicate, the better your technique and confidence will become. That way, the next time you are on launch in a light or non-existent wind situation you can confidently say, “Sweet, I love the forward launch.”  I hope these few tips help you in your flying pursuit, and I will see in the air soon.