Quick answer: In 2026, five brands make dedicated parakites you're likely to see on Australian beaches and dunes: Ozone (Vapor), Swing (Sonic RS, Wave RS D-Lite), Flare (Scout, Moustache², Bandit), Dune Rider (Hopper, Scraper) and LittleCloud (La Mouette, Puffin V2, Fregate). Most brands now offer an easier entry wing, an all-rounder and a high-aspect-ratio performance wing. None of these wings has an EN A–D flight-behaviour class. They are load-tested only (see what EN 926-1 means).
What is a parakite?
A parakite is a small, strongly reflexed wing built mainly for soaring in strong coastal or dune wind, ground handling and "touch-and-go" flying close to terrain. Paragliders use a speed bar or trimmers. Most parakites use kite-style risers instead, mixing the rear risers into the brake handles. Raising your hands lowers the angle of attack, so the wing speeds up and dives. Pulling in brings it back up. Brands describe this differently, but the principle is common across the wings below.
Every parakite brand compared (October 2026)
All figures are as published by each manufacturer at the time of writing. "Level" is each brand's own description, not an official class.
| Brand | Model | Brand's stated level / use | Sizes (m² flat) | Flat aspect ratio | Cells |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone | Vapor | Intermediate / Sport | 11, 13, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25 | 5.3–6.0 (sizes 11–22.5) | 55 |
| Swing | Sonic RS | All-round parakite | 15, 18, 21, 24 | 5.5–5.85 | 52 |
| Swing | Wave RS D-Lite | Alpine-focused parakite for experienced pilots | 10, 11.5, 13, 15, 18 | 5.25–5.70 | 52 |
| Flare | Scout | Entry-level / progression | 16, 19, 22, 26 | 4.7–5.2 | 40 |
| Flare | Moustache² | Versatile, for experienced pilots | 13, 15, 18, 22, 26 | 5.1–6.0 | 52 |
| Flare | Bandit | High-aspect performance | 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 | 6.5–7.1 | 63 |
| Dune Rider | Hopper | All-round, accessible performance | 16, 19, 24 | 6.2–6.5 | 52 |
| Dune Rider | Scraper | High performance | 12, 16, 20 | 6.2–7.0 | 58 |
| LittleCloud | La Mouette | Intermediate | 14, 16, 19, 22, 25 | 5.2–5.9 | 40 / 49 |
| LittleCloud | Puffin V2 | Intermediate soaring wing (mini wing or parakite) | 14, 16, 19 | 5.3 | 49 |
| LittleCloud | Fregate | Performance, experienced pilots | 16, 19, 22 | 6.5 | 57 |
The brands at a glance
Ozone – Vapor
Ozone launched its parakite range in September 2026 with the Vapor, which it calls its first parakite released to the public. The Vapor comes in seven sizes, has 55 cells and uses Ozone's three-line layout with an adjustable-dive bridle and a wooden depower handle. Ozone lists the speedflying sizes 11 and 13 as for expert pilots only. Read the full Ozone Vapor guide.
Swing – Sonic RS and Wave RS D-Lite
German brand Swing builds its RAST internal structure into both parakites. The Sonic RS (announced August 2026) is its all-round coastal wing. The Wave RS D-Lite is a lighter, alpine-focused parakite for experienced pilots. Read the Swing Sonic RS guide.
Flare – Scout, Moustache² and Bandit
Flare, which grew out of skywalk, released the original Moustache in early 2022. Its range now runs from the entry-level Scout (with zip-off "Adaptive Winglets") to the high-aspect Bandit. Read the Flare range guide.
Dune Rider – Hopper and Scraper
Dutch brand Dune Rider designs and tests its wings on coastal dunes. The Hopper is its all-rounder and the Scraper its high-performance wing. Both publish wind-range charts by size. Read Dune Rider Hopper vs Scraper.
LittleCloud – La Mouette, Puffin V2 and Fregate
French brand LittleCloud also sells KiteRisers that can convert many of its existing wings into parakites, as well as making dedicated parakites. Read the LittleCloud guide.
How to choose between them
- Be honest about your experience. Most of the wings above are described by their makers as needing prior paragliding, mini-wing or parakite experience. Whichever wing you choose, get proper instruction first.
- Start lower in the range. Lower-aspect-ratio "entry" wings (Flare Scout, LittleCloud La Mouette) are designed by their makers to be more forgiving than the performance models.
- Size by wing loading and wind, not guesswork. See our parakite size guide.
- Check the manual. Each manufacturer publishes a manual with operating limits. Read it before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Are parakites certified?
Not for flight behaviour. The wings above are load-tested only, not EN A–D classified. More on certification.
Can a beginner fly a parakite?
Some brands make wings they describe as entry-level or progression wings, but no parakite replaces proper instruction. Talk to a qualified instructor before you fly one.
Can you thermal a parakite?
Flare and LittleCloud both say in their manuals that their parakites aren't designed for thermal flying. Check your wing's manual for its limits.
Which parakites does ParaglidingShop.com.au sell?
We stock the Ozone Vapor and the Swing Sonic RS and Wave RS. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications are taken from each manufacturer's published product pages and manuals as at October 2026 and may change. Always check the current manufacturer manual before buying or flying. Parakiting is a high-risk air sport: get proper instruction and check local rules with the Sports Aviation Federation of Australia (SAFA) and the relevant land managers. ParaglidingShop.com.au doesn't sell Flare, Dune Rider or LittleCloud products and isn't affiliated with those brands. All brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
