Quick answer: Parakite sizing starts with wing loading: your all-up weight (you plus all your gear) divided by the wing's flat area in m². The higher the wing loading, the faster and more dynamic the wing, and the stronger the wind it needs. Smaller sizes suit stronger wind and lighter pilots, and larger sizes suit lighter wind and heavier pilots. Always confirm your size against the manufacturer's chart and with an instructor or dealer.
How to calculate wing loading
Wing loading (kg/m²) = all-up weight (kg) ÷ flat area (m²)
All-up weight means your body weight plus harness, helmet, clothing and anything else you carry. For example, a pilot who weighs 75 kg with 10 kg of gear has an all-up weight of 85 kg:
| Wing size (flat) | Calculation | Wing loading |
|---|---|---|
| 16 m² | 85 ÷ 16 | 5.3 kg/m² |
| 19 m² | 85 ÷ 19 | 4.5 kg/m² |
| 22 m² | 85 ÷ 22 | 3.9 kg/m² |
What the manufacturers say about wing loading
LittleCloud (Fregate manual): 3–4 kg/m² behaves like a regular paraglider, 4–6.5 kg/m² like a mini wing, and above 6.5 kg/m² is for experienced pilots only.
Flare compares wing-loading bands to familiar wing types: around 3–3.5 kg/m² is like a paraglider, 4.5–5.5 like a mini wing, and 5.5–6.5 like a speedflyer.
These are each brand's guidance for its own wings. Don't apply one brand's numbers to another brand's wing without checking that brand's manual.
Manufacturer weight ranges and wind charts
Some brands publish all-up weight ranges or wind ranges per size:
- Swing Sonic RS: take-off weight of 50–119 kg (size 15) up to 70–119 kg (size 24), plus an online size finder on Swing's website. Swing Sonic RS guide
- Dune Rider: reference wind charts for every size, based on an 80 kg all-up weight. Dune Rider guide
- LittleCloud: all-up weight ranges per size for La Mouette, Puffin V2 and Fregate. LittleCloud guide
- Ozone Vapor: Ozone hasn't published weight or wind ranges. It suggests going up one size "for more comfort" and sizing with a dealer. Ozone Vapor guide
Other things that affect your size
- Your local wind: If your site is usually light, a larger size will get you flying more often. If it's usually strong, a smaller size may suit.
- Your experience: Higher wing loading is faster and more demanding. Several brands reserve their smallest sizes for expert pilots.
- Your site: Dune Rider notes that turbulence, wind angle at the ridge and the type of ridge all change the range you can comfortably fly.
- Between sizes? Ask the manufacturer or an experienced dealer. Ozone and Flare both lean towards going bigger if unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Is parakite size based on flat or projected area?
Parakite sizes are usually named after flat area, and the wing-loading guidance above uses flat area. Check each manufacturer's spec table, as some (like Ozone and Swing) list both.
Can I use my paraglider size to pick a parakite size?
No. Parakites are much smaller and run at much higher wing loading. Use the manufacturer's chart.
Where can I compare all the parakite brands?
See our comparison of every parakite brand.
This guide summarises manufacturers' published guidance as at October 2026 and isn't a substitute for the manufacturer's manual or professional instruction. Parakiting is a high-risk air sport: get proper instruction and check local rules with SAFA and the relevant land managers.
