Paraglider winch »selfsky«

Selfsky winches are a versatile solution that can be used in paragliding, water sports, or on snow. However, the main purpose of these devices is to make life easier for paragliders and expand their launch options in “flat” areas where there are no cliffs or hills that would allow for a self-launch—that is, a launch without the help of others.

What you need, besides a winch, is:

• skills and knowledge of the specifics of a towed launch—this is for your safety and your responsibility
• a location, specifically a road, meadow, or field at least 800 m long (preferably about 1 km) and about 200 m wide—just in case, though 100 m is sufficient
• wind—preferably along the takeoff axis, with a speed of about 2–4 m/s

What’s next? The standard procedure: anchor the winch to the ground—unless you have it on a trailer or in the bed of a pickup truck—unroll the rope, prepare the wing and harness… start the engine remotely, clip in, and… get towed. Once you reach the appropriate altitude—or, as sometimes happens, earlier, but before the winch point—you unhook the rope, reel it in remotely, and look for lift on your own. Didn’t catch anything? No carrying? No problem—after all, you’re not waiting in line, there aren’t many others waiting, and time and thermal conditions are slipping away, so you unroll the line again, clip in, and take off—no line, no wasted time. This solution is ideal for independent pilots.

Winch - a solution

Our solution places the main emphasis on ease of use, trouble-free operation, and quick and easy maintenance without the need for specialized tools.

We offer two models — “light” and “standard. The names have nothing to do with thrust; they refer only to the maximum working load. The standard model features a water-cooled system, meaning it does not require breaks for cooling—recommended for pilot training groups, schools, and instructors. The light model is definitely intended for independent pilots.

Our solution, which is based on an internal combustion engine, allows for repeated towing without worrying about, for example, a dead battery (as is often the case with electric solutions). It is also easy to install—whether anchored in a field or mounted on a car trailer (trunk)—which simplifies transportation and storage, as well as the actual operation.