Peter, the instructor, yelled run-run-run! And I ran like a devil with fire in the back, and Peter screamed – RUN! and I ran even faster … then everything became quiet. Only the suggestive sound of a paraglider on its way through the air – I flew and it was wonderful!
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tandådalsbacken.jpg)
At the end of April, I was back where everything started. I got my first paraglider license in Sälen’s winter sports area in 1991. We trained and flew from Tandådalen’s ski piste and from Hundfjället. Now I was back for some nostalgic flights. Winter sports facilities had grown somewhat since the nineties, but on the whole, the experience was similar.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/flyg2-scaled.jpg)
The Wall – Hundfjället, is a famous piste for speed skiing. In the north wind it is also a good place for ridge soaring. With my first paraglider I made some unsuccessful attempts during the nineties to ridge soaring but with a glide ratio (L/D) of 5: 1 at best, it needed to blow out of hell to work. Which did not suit a beginner, but I did my best, which usually resulted in me rushing down the wall in something more like parachuting than paragliding.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Väggen2-scaled.jpg)
A lot has happened to the equipment since the 1990s, both in terms of performance and safety. My first glider, an Apco Speed Star, had 10 double cells, 2 risers, cords thick as tow lines and a sink rate of 1.7 m / sec. (at least) It was similar in many ways to today’s speed wings, but without most of the performance. It felt more like flying something between a water-filled balloon and a fluffy cloud, not directly controlled. (At least that’s how I remember it)
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/On-the-run2-scaled.jpg)
Today I have a paraglider (a few years old) that has 45 cells, about double the glide ratio, and cords thin as grass. It has high passive security and feels safe in all situations.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/linor2b-scaled.jpg)
Today’s harness is reversible, so it also acts as a backpack. It has airbag, speed system, reserve parachute and is comfortable as an armchair. My first harness consisted of fabric and a plank to sit on. They have been developed so to speak.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sele1b.jpg)
My second harness had a little more padding on the board and a reserve parachute. You sat almost well for a while; it was of the latest model. High-tech and cool. Colorful …
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sele2b-1.jpg)
One thing that is exactly the same today as when the sport started, Parawaiting! Instructor Peter Ahlbin, and a collection of expectant students in 1991. I sent Peter many grateful thoughts as I soar over Hundfjället again.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/blog1.wirtberg.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Parawaiting3-scaled.jpg)