How RAST Technology Makes Proximity Flying More Predictable

Making Proximity Flying More Predictable

With the launch of the Swing Wave RS in Australia and New Zealand, many pilots have asked: What exactly is RAST and why does it matter for proximity flying?

RAST — Ram Air Stability Technology — is Swing’s proprietary internal pressure management system. And for proximity pilots, it’s one of the most important innovations of the last decade.

Here’s a breakdown of why.

What RAST Actually Does

Inside the canopy, RAST divides the wing into pressure zones using an internal partition. These zones regulate airflow during:

Pitch movements
Collapses
Dive recovery
Turbulence
Energy transitions
Steep terrain carves

Instead of the entire wing responding as one big air chamber, RAST lets different parts of the canopy maintain their internal pressure independently.

This creates a “semi-rigid” feeling without losing the agility pilots want.

Why This Matters for Proximity Flying

Proximity flying puts a unique set of demands on the wing:

Tight terrain lines
Fast roll input
Big pitch ranges
Micro-corrections at high energy
Turbulent or sheared airflow pockets
Small margins for error

RAST gives the pilot a more cohesive canopy, allowing for cleaner feedback and more predictable behaviour.

Key benefits of RAST for proximity flying:

1. More Pitch Control

The wing resists sudden surges and stays more “locked in” during dives and carves.

2. Reduced Collapses

Particularly in compression zones, rotor edges, or strong wind gradients.

3. Cleaner Dive Recovery

Essential when flying technical lines.

4. Better Internal Pressure in Steep Terrain

Your wing stays structured when you need it most.

5. More Precise Energy Management

You can anticipate the wing’s response — crucial for proximity.

Why the Wave RS Uses RAST at Its Core

The Wave RS was designed from day one for:

Alpine flying
Technical lines
Steep approaches
Proximity carving
Speed-style foot-launch terrain

RAST allowed Swing to build a wing that maintains high agility while still giving the pilot confidence in the tightest scenarios.

It’s not just a gimmick — for proximity flying, RAST genuinely makes a measurable difference.

Tags: proximity flight proximity flying Swing Paragliders swing parakite swing wave parakite

About Tim Sabre

Tim Sabre is a seasoned paraglider who approaches the sport with a deep sense of passion and commitment. Having begun paragliding in 2014, he has since gained a wealth of experience and taken on thrilling adventures both in his native Australia and beyond. Tim Sabre is also giving paragliding tips through his blogs.