At iParaglide Top Gun Flight School, we take pride in having taught over 1900 paragliding students in our 26 years of operation.
We are the the longest running school based in Metro Vancouver. Due to our central location, we are the only school that flies all of the relevant kiting parks, training hills and mountains within a 3 hour radius of Vancouver. This empowers pilots to get to know the key training and flying spots early, optimizes and accelerates learning, and allows them to grow into great future pilots.
We have the reputation of being an industry leader with an emphasis on engineered safety systems, quality instruction, the finest equipment and a positive learning environment for fun and empowering flying.
We offer the highest level of accreditation, with Senior HPAC and Advanced USHPA paragliding instructors, who coach from first flight to expert paraglider pilots and teach and qualify new paragliding instructors.
Located at 962 - 51st Street Tsawwassen, near Vancouver, BC, Canada, for all your paragliding needs. We are ideally situated just minutes away from the finest training hill at Diefenbaker Park.
We are central to paragliding sites in the Vancouver, Chilliwack, Pemberton, Whistler, Bellingham and Seattle area so students enjoy maximum variety and we can work with weather to optimize selection of the best location each day.
We regularly test fly the latest paragliding gear and select only the very finest for our iParaglide Right Stuff Paragliding Equipment Store. This ensures our paraglider pilots enjoy a state of the art performance and safety advantage to accelerate their learning curve.
Paragliding Webcams/Wind Stations
Vancouver Paragliding Webcams - get a view of cloud base to plan your paragliding cross country flight adventure.
SYS’One by Syride is a one-of-a-kind paragliding micro vario that distinguishes itself from other audio only micro varios by adding light emitting diodes (LEDs). Small, lightweight and intuitive to use, it is dedicated to paragliding pilots looking for the pleasure of simple flying.
The high resolution pressure sensor from ST gives this paraglidng flight insturment high precision and reactivity!
The included Velcro enables pilots to choose whether to place it on the wrist, on the risers, or to stick it on the helmet.
To fully take advantage of silent flying, LEDs blink at the same frequency as the sound. Paramotor pilots and hearing-impaired people much appreciate the light mode. Similarly, many paraglider pilots who enjoy the quiet sensations of un-powered flight, will welcome the silent mode of the vario. The blinking LED is visible even in bright sunlight conditions.
Its 3 buttons enable pilots to easily setup lift and sink thresholds, and sound volume.
Multiple configurations are possible:
You can turn-off sound, and in this case you keep the blinking LED for lift and sink, but you have no sound for lift and no sound for sink.
You can adjust sound volume to 3 different levels: min, med, max
You can turn-off lift, and in this case you have sound and blinking for sink (unless you cut-off sound, and in this case you only have blinking)
You can adjust lift sensitivity to 6 different threshold levels: 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 ft/min, thermal sniffer
You can turn-off sink, and in this case you have sound and blinking for lift (unless you cut-off sound, and in this case you only have blinking)
You can adjust sink sensitivity to 5 different threshold levels: -100, -200, -300,-400 and -500 ft/min
In all situations, whether on a hike & fly, tandem, soaring or cross country, it is the ideal vario to guide you up to cloud base!
Its characteristics, particularly the unique flashing LED, robustness, and affordable price, make this micro vario the most attractive instrument of its category.
A must have vario. Ideal as a first paragliding variometer, easily afforded by students and novices for their first thermalling flights, SYS'One will also serve them well for years to come for hike and fly and even as a back up. For seasoned pilots, preferring minimalist clutter and the simple purity of flight, the Sys'One will immediately become a prized gem in their flying kit.
The SYS"Nav V3 Alti-Vario-GPS has been thoughtfully engineered to stand out from the majority of standard GPS enabled alti-varios currently available on the paragliding market.
The design team desired to create near "heads up display (HUD)" style viewing. By placing optimum viewing angle and operability without releasing the brakes as key during product conception, the design team realized that riser mounting would be optimal. In this manner, this paragliding flight instrument evolved into ultimately the smallest and lightest (only 90 grams!) Alti-Vario-GPS ever produced, for vol'biv and other hike and fly adventures, while ensuring the critical flight data is still easily visible from preferred vantage point.
With just 3 buttons easily pushed with a gloved hand, it is quick, simple and intuitive to navigate through the 6 flight screens.
This full featured instrument will take you from first paragliding flights through to flying great cross country flights and competition victories, with all your needs covered.
Going beyond traditional Cross Country set-ups, the SYS'Nav V3 includes a G-Meter, so you can also use it to analyse your freestyle and acro flying.
SYS'Nav V3 was designed from the ground up to run optimally off a variety of Operating Systems.
Select Technical Highlights include: Navigation features; competition compatability; Worldwide AGL measurements; Ultra Fast Response (10cm); Thermal Sniffer, Transition Assistant; G-Force Meter; and a Fully Customizable Field Display that can be Backlit.
The Syride SYS'Nav V3 helps Cross Country and Vol'Biv paraglider enthusiasts strip down to the bare essentials and get less weight, volume and screen drilling and get more of what they need!
The design intent was a lofty goal: meet the expectations of pilots who wanted to keep the compactness of the SYS'Nav while benefiting from the functions and technologies of the SYS'Evolution.
The result is clear. The all new SYS'Nav XL is today the most versatile and lightest instrument on the market. Whether you are a beginner, an XC pilot, a Hike’n’Fly pilot, a Vol Bivouac pilot, an adventurer, a PPG pilot or a competitor, the SYS'Nav XL will be an ideal companion during the entire career of a pilot.
This new product does not come alone, in addition to the launch of this very innovative instrument, Syride also announces a new mobile application as well as new functions on the website!
A new generation screen:
This is the first thing you’ll notice when you take a SYS'Nav XL in your hands. 30% larger than its little brother’s, the 2.7'' screen has an active matrix reflective technology similar to the one used in the SYS'Evolution. The advantages for the pilot are clear:
Optimum readability outdoors (the more sun, the more contrast)
Lower consumption (80% less than a traditional screen and no need for back lighting)
Moreover, the resolution of the screen (400x200 pixels) has been dramatically improved (22 times more precise than the SYS'Nav V3 screen) with a spacing between each pixel of 0.147mm (by comparison, it is 0.152mm on the SYS'Evolution). The pilot can display more information and details on the same screen. The display is also more pleasant to the eye.
Versatile Bluetooth connectivity:
With Syride's experience in the connectivity of the SYS'Evolution, it was difficult to imagine a new instrument without Bluetooth. It remains for Syride the best solution to connect to the internet and use peripherals on a flight instrument. Here is an overview of pilots will be able to do with Bluetooth:
Live tracking on syride.com: https://www.syride.com/en/live (with Syride application using GPS data from the instrument)
Send your flights automatically to your Syride profile as soon as you land and upload your IGC file to contests (via Syride application)
Get inflight wind reports on your instrument (via application Syride)
New: Scan the QR Code of a navigation route to send it in the SYS'Nav XL (via Syride application)
New: Share Vario and GPS data with 3rd party application (such as XCTrack or FlySkyHy) to save battery of your phone/tablet. Currently working with XCTrack
New: Connect to external peripherals... More info to come!
This connectivity brings a lot of versatility to the instrument and allows to meet the expectations of many pilots (competitors, Hike’n’fly, XC, ...).
The next chapter is still to be written, thanks to the connectivity of the instrument that leaves many perspectives open for the future evolution of the instrument.
Screen Customization:
More versatile, with a wide choice of sizes, re-sizable items, the ability to add text and frames.
The SYS’Nav inherits items from the SYS'Evolution such as the much-appreciated thermal assistant, the competition route summary, the vario graph...
To simplify the pilot’s tasks and limit in-flight handling, Syride has added the possibility to change the screen automatically depending on the current flight phase: thermalling, in transition, approaching an airspace or approaching a waypoint’s cylinder. The pilot can now focus on flying instead of manipulating buttons in flight.
Audio improvements:
SYS'Nav XL features a more powerful 1 Watt speaker with softer, more harmonious tonality. Custom configuration is always possible with Syride's online tool.
USB-C connectivity:
Expected for its simplicity of use and its reversibility, the SYS’Nav XL now has a USB type C plug. A new plastic injection mold had to be produced to support these new evolutions (screen, speaker, USB...).
The file management has also been completely revised! It will be possible to communicate with the SYS'PC TOOL software as before, but also to access the flight data (IGC files) as if a USB disk had been connected.
The pilot gains in convenience, he will be able to use his existing phone or action cam cable to connect the instrument and will not have to use the SYS'PC Tool software to access the flight files.
More powerful battery and a dedicated charge manager:
The surface of the electronic board has been reduced to accommodate a battery with a capacity 40% higher than the SYS'Nav V3 (850mAh against 600mAh), it is essential to meet the needs of the quality speaker. It is the level of the sound volume and the activation of the sink sound that will have the most impact on the battery life of the SYS'Nav XL!
The addition of a dedicated charge manager allows to have a very precise state of the battery charge value. Voltage variations will not affect the displayed information.
Thinner Velcros and featherweight:
New thinner and lighter velcros have been adopted on the SYS'Nav XL for its attachment (risers or cockpit). Despite the addition of new technologies, the instrument is now thinner and lighter than a SYS'Nav V3 by 10%! It weighs only 81gr including the attachment system.
3D is coming on syride.com
This will make visualization of the flight data more interactive on syride.com by integrating the views in 3 dimensions. The result should please a large number of pilots because it allows to easily re-live flights in a very immersive way! You’ll need a recent computer for a smooth replay. Otherwise, recent smart phones ahve more performance, and should be able to replay your flights.
The SYS'Nav XL is designed to take you from your first flights through epic cross country adventures, competitions, FAI world records and the highest highs!
Paragliding enthusiasts searching for the ultimate expression of the flight instrument, need to look no further than Syride's revolutionary SYS'Evolution.
Top Cross Country Paragliding Pilots will appreciate that the key design aspects that make for great flight Instruments are:
Visibility: Seeing the information clearly in bright sunlit conditions. At a glance. Without eye strain or getting distracted from flight or task and compromising safety. Intuitive graphic interfaces.
Tonality: Hearing the info how you want. Loud if you want, very quiet, or silent. Adjustable pitch and other sound customization are a significant added bonus to create sounds more pleasing to the user.
Operability: Being able to easily work the Instrument with a gloved hand. Minimal drilling through screens to get the info you want.
Configurability: The ability to customize the instrument to your specific needs and place data fields on each screen to the size and location you want.
Growability: The Instrument will display just basic flight parameters for Novice pilots but also introduce new intermediate and advanced data as the paragliding pilot grows, and can ultimately take the pilot to the highest levels of flight including competition and world record flying.
Syride has optimized all of these key parameters in creating the SYS'Evolution, a new category of Alti-Vario-GPS instrument, a true tablet style of Flight Computer.
Sys’Evolution is empowered with the best and largest screen available on market for paragliding. A one of a kind, 3rd generation 6" Carta E-ink Screen, specifically designed for 16 shades of grey: is sharp from any viewing angle and actually becomes even more readable in sunshine. This new kind of E-ink screen has 50% increased contrast and 20% reduced reflections over pervious generations of E-ink screen. Use of the E-Ink screen also dramatically reduces power consumption yielding exceptional battery autonomy of 20 to 30 hours!
If you've found the pitch of your old variometer irritating in flight, you can relax knowing that the volume and tone can easily be configured to your taste on the SYS'Evolution.
The pressure touch screen is specifically designed to work with gloved hand. Syride has also taken extra effort to reduce the screen border and complete the instrument with a large screen to instrument size ratio.
SYS'Evolution is designed from the ground up to run optimally off a variety of Operating Systems.
Powered by user friendly 100% Syride Software, all interfaces are simple, intuitive and obvious. The hardware and software are designed to work together seamlessly. This allows pilots to simply plug in their instrument and connect to the Syride website and swiftly configure the instruments screens to their precise liking and carry out other customization, downloading and uploading functions.
The SYS'Evolution has a complete set of competition and FAI world record functions including data logging and innovates a step beyond offering a G-Meter and a new Augmented Reality 3-D flight visualization tool. Augmented Reality displays the topography of terrain along your flight path as grid of 3-D polygons, showing hills and mountains, way point cylinders, airspaces and more to optimize your ability to visualize the best track to take. This advanced tool also assists to confirm glide ratio and landing point and may assist to get out of clouds while avoiding terrain.
All pilots ultimately need to be able to study the weather down to the micro scale effects in order to ensure safe flying and optimal Cross Country flights. SYS'Evolution pulls weather data through Wifi to keep you abreast of changing weather while in standby mode.
SYS'Evolution offers full connectivity via Wi-fi, Bluetooth or USB to synchronize data via download or upload:
The current and next positions (up to next 35 days) of satellites networks through the “AssistNow” feature of U-Blox GPS chip. This will reduce the GPS fix delay down to 1 second after hard reset.
Real-time weather forecast from available weather providers.
Automatic flight upload to your online flightbook on syride.com
Flying sites information from Syride database (more than 6000 flying sites over 100 countries).
Real-time live tracking through Smartphone and Bluetooth.
Pre-recorded Safety message with GPS coordinates sent by SMS via Bluetooth connection to smartphone.
This fine instruments innovative design features are quickly becoming appreciated by a variety of light aircraft users worldwide.
The SYS'Evolution is your ultimate flying coach, helping you gain new insights and choose the best track to get you flying ever greater cross country adventures!
Nerv by Icaro 2000 is a helmet that has long been a favourite with paraglider, hang glider and microlight pilots all over the world, for its lightness, style and certified safety. But technology is constantly developing, and so Icaro 2000 has completely redesigned Nerv with new features to offer even higher levels of performance, protection and comfort. Icaro 2000 has recalibrated its internal ventilation, added an inner cap in the high-tech fabric Coolmax, and optimized sizes with two new outer shells. Characteristics that remain unchanged are the Italian design, the appealing style and colours, and the quality of a helmet made exclusively in Italy.
Icaro 2000 is proud to present Nerv 2.0!
How Nerv 2.0 is made
Italian Design
Nerv 2.0’s stylish lines are the result of design by Ignazio Bernardi in collaboration with Italy’s most prestigious helmet development company.
A new helmet starts from the desired technical characteristics, and it is given form by means of artisanal processes. In fact, the first prototype is sculpted from wood and plaster, and it is then scanned and codified into a 3D file. This in turn, is used for computer simulations on which colours and detail design can be perfected, and it provides the data necessary for the CNC machines that will cut the dies for the outer shell and the polystyrene inner shell.
Similar processes are used for all the other helmet components, such as ear covers, visor and so forth. Once everything is ready, the helmet can be assembled, checked for quality, tested and packaged. The finished product is a fine example of Italian design and technological prowess.
Two outer shell sizes, made of strong polycarbonate
For Nerv 2.0 Icaro 2000 has introduced two outer shells, a larger version for sizes 60 and 61, and a smaller version for sizes 54-55, 56-57 and 58-59.
The principal reason for this change was to increase safety by means of a higher thickness for the inner polystyrene shell.
The smaller outer shell is 222 mm in width, the larger version is 236 mm in width. A minimal difference, just 14 mm. But this was essential for passing the stringent impact tests required for EN 966 Certification.
Icaro 2000 has retained the 3mm-thick polycarbonate outer shell, which is both exceptionally light and very strong.
Inner Polystyrene Shell
Icaro 2000 has increased the thickness of the inner polystyrene shell, in order to further enhance the safety and protection offered by Nerv 2.0
Vents on the helmet’s exterior guarantee interior air flow, with two channels between the outer shell and the polystyrene inner shell optimizing comfort and temperature in flight.
Sizes
The size of a helmet is specified by the comfort padding’s inner circumference. The size number therefore corresponds to the head circumference in centimetres, which you can determine using a soft measuring tape as illustrated below.
Please note that as there are two versions of the outer shell, one for the larger and the other for the smaller sizes, it is important to choose the correct version.
If you are in doubt whether to opt for the larger helmet with size 60, or the smaller helmet with size 59, we recommend choosing the larger version. The larger helmet can be adjusted using the rotary size regulator described below even if it initially feels too large. On the other hand, there is no way of adjusting the smaller size 59 helmet if it feels too tight.
Rotary Size Regulator
The new rotary size regulator can be used to modify not only the helmet’s internal circumference, but also its position with respect to the back of the neck. It is simple to adjust and the operation can be performed directly by the pilot. Comfort is ensured by padding on the size regulator’s inner surface.
Interchangeable Inner Padding
Icaro 2000 has introduced a cap in the high-technology fabric Coolmax, which increases comfort by wicking perspiration away from the head and enabling it to evaporate rapidly, keeping you cool and dry.
Every Nerv 2.0 helmet has a label that guarantees the use of this famous new textile, which is also soft to touch and so makes the helmet even more comfortable.
4 caps are available:
For the larger helmet, marked with a label:
L = size 60 - 61
For the smaller helmet, marked with a label:
M = size 58 - 59
S = size 56 - 57
XS = size 54 - 55
The cap is quick and easy to change for a better fit. Size can be further adjusted using the rotary size regulator at the back of the helmet.
If the helmet is not a perfect fit, we can send you new padding free of charge, independently from where you bought the helmet.
Another important benefit of this internal padding system is that you can easily remove it and replace it with new padding, or simply wash it.
Colours
One of the advantages of using polycarbonate for the outer shell is the fact that it offers great freedom in the graphic design and colours used for its surface finish.
But this flexibility also means that it is difficult to maintain an identical colour in successive production runs.
So the finished helmets may show slight chromatic variations. Of course, once Icaro 2000 has defined the desired hue, they do everything possible to ensure that it remains the same, as far as is possible, from batch to batch.
Carbon Black
Carbon White
Orange
Green
Blue
Scratch Blue (Preimum Finish)
Scratch Grey (Premium Finish)
Visor
The visor is an optional extra. It is made of polycarbonate with anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment.
Four versions are available: transparent, tinted grey, orange, mirror (premium finish). Foam edging can also be applied to reduce air circulation inside the visor.
Visor Fastening System
In order to further increase safety for paraglider pilots, Icaro 2000 has introduced a new visor fastening system. It was essential to ensure that the aluminium disc does not project from the outer shell by more than 5 mm, ensuring that the paraglider lines cannot get caught on the helmet. This modification was also mandatory for EN 966 certification.
There is an O-ring inside the aluminium disc which provides the friction necessary to adjust visor position continuously and smoothly. When the visor is lifted completely, it is entirely outside the field of vision.
Airflow Inside the Helmet
Nerv was developed from a previous Icaro skiing helmet.
Skiing is a sport that requires a lot of energy, and so efficient ventilation inside the helmet is essential. That's why Icaro 2000 introduced ventilation slots that could be adjusted using the thumbswitch at the front of the helmet, a feature that was both stylish and innovative.
But hang gliding and paragliding are sports in which the use of energy is not so high, and that can potentially take pilots to heights at which the air temperature is very low. So in the new Nerv 2.0 Icaro 2000 has eliminated the thumbswitch, while retaining slots that ensure satisfactory ventilation.
Ear Covers
The ear covers are very soft, comfortable and easily removable. For optimum protection, we recommend always using the helmet with the protective ear covers in position.
Micrometric Chin Strap
The chin strap can easily be adjusted, with millimetric precision. You just have to press the red button to undo the strap. The chin strap is padded with soft, comfortable fabric.
EN 966 Certification
The video above illustrates the rigorous testing that is performed to obtain EN 966 Certification. Icaro 2000 helmets are tested by CSI, an Italian laboratory authorized by Italy’s Ministry of Transport.
The Nerv 2.0 is designed specifically for free-flight for hang glider, paraglider and microlight pilots. It is designed and built to be as light as possible, while optimizing safety. Like its predecessor, Nerv 2.0 is certified in compliance with the European EN 966 standard.
Many pilots ask if Nerv 2.0 is also suitable for skiing. Yes, the helmet is ideal for this sport as well, and in fact Icaro is currently obtaining additional certification specifically for skiing (EN 1077).
Weights
Helmet with large outer shell: 630 grams Helmet with small outer shell: 580 grams Visor: 93 grams
Italian Artisan Crafted Quality
All Icaro 2000 helmets are created by Italian designers, made in Italy using Italian materials and technology, assembled at thier workshop in Laveno by trained Italian personnel, and certified by an Italian company.
It would be cheaper to outsource production overseas.
Icaro 2000 prefers to do everything themselves, in Italy, for a reason: quality. This means safety and user satisfaction. Icaro 2000 quality is not just a slogan: it is demonstrated by tangible results. Thier hang gliders and helmets are used by leading pilots who have conquered an impressive list of world championship victories.
And you can see quality in action. You are welcome to visit thier workshop and watch their team working on the helmets.
What Icaro 2000 Customers Say
For privacy reasons, Icaro never publishes the name of the customer who sent them the comment.
"I live in the USA. I have flown with my Icaro Nerv for years and love it."
"I have recently bought a helmet Nerv on Internet. I am very satisfied by the design, the comfort and the color."
Swiss design and precision brings the JDC Skywatch Xplorer 1. This is and ideal paragliding windmeter for assessing the suitability of wind conditions at paragliding launch and landing sites. Although small in size, it offers exceptional accuracy, at a remarkable value. Single button operation allows for easy paragliding wind measurements, and the display has a backlight; handy for low-light conditions.
iParaglide reads the latest paragliding books and updates this list of recommended material. Only the finest paragliding books have been selected.
Dennis Pagen brings the definitive "how to" paraglide book in the Art of Paragliding. Order Here. Recommended companion book for iP1.5 Student to iP2 Novice paraglider pilots. Well illustrated, filled with drawings showing details and photos.
Understanding the Sky by Dennis Pagen is a paragliding pilots' must read to understand the invisible medium that allows free flight. Order Here. Paramount for paragliding safety to decide when to fly or not and also for performance to understand sources of lift. Essential reading for iP2 Novice to iP4 Advanced paraglider pilots. Recommended companion book for our iP2 Novice Paraglider Pilot Certification.
Burkhard Martens exceptional use of modern graphics and photographic overlays give a comprehensive, easily understood, highly visual guide to paragliding concepts that are difficult to explain textually. Order Here. Thermal Flying will aid you in your quest to soar and thermal as you progress as a iP3 Intermediate or iP4 Advanced paraglider pilot. Recommended reading for our iP3 Intermediate Paraglider Pilot Certification.
Acro legends: Mike Kung, Alexander Meschuh Michael Nesler and Gundrun Ochsl combine talents in syncro as the "Professional Flying Team" to bring you Acrobatics: Paragliding Secrets:the "Bible" on how to acro and do it on a safe progression. Order Here. Ideal book for once you are a seasoned advanced iP4 pilot, flying hundreds of hours per year, ready to embark on the ultimate level of paragliding. Recommended reading for our iP4 Advanced Paraglider Certification.
iParaglide researches and reviews the latest paragliding videos and updates this list of recommended material. Please note, newer is not necessarily better in tems of instructional videos. Only the very finest are selected for our library.
Rainy Friday night got you trying to explain to your friends why you love paragliding? Join filmaker Sean White in Never Ending Thermal as three friends take a journey to some of paragliding's most dramatic locations. Take to the sky in the ultimate global paragliding adventure: soaring, thermalling, acro and aerial parades are sure to leave your friends inspired. Watch here.
Paragliding Learn to Fly by Kitchen Productions. Order Here. An excellent "how to" video for paragliding pilots. Close up video shows details of perfecting technique. Computer generated graphics relay fundamental paragliding concepts. Recommended companion to our iP1.5 Student and iP2 Pilot courses.
Ground handling skills are the most important aspect for safe and comfortable paragliding. Paragliding Ground Handling Techniques, by Kitchen Productions will get you kiting your paraglider in style. Order Here. We recommend 2 hours of kiting to each hour of mountain flying. Recommended companion to our iP2 Pilot paragliding course.
Instability 2, with Bruce Goldsmith. The ideal companion video for iP2 Pilot and iP3 Intermediate attending an SIV Seminar. It covers induction and recovery of flight incidents a pilot may encounter: c-line steering, asymmetric collapse, cravats, spiral dives, front collapse, stalls, spins and reserve parachute deployments. Quick descent techniques: B-line stall, spirals and wing-overs are explained with active piloting including pitch control, and inputs to prevent cascades. SIV should only be done with instruction, over water. Watch here.
Jocky Sanderon's Performance Flying assists iP2 Pilots preparing for a SIV Seminar; iP3 Intermediates for paragliding XC Seminars; and iP4 Advanced pilots for Acro Seminars. SIV topics include: harness settings, frontals, spins, twists & stall. XC topics include themalling, scratching, transitions, the second climb, speed bar, cloudbase and flatland flying. Intro to Acro closes the video off with wingovers, asymetric spirals, loops, SATs and helicopters. This is a companion video only, for pilots attending paragliding seminars. Watch here.
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