The 2026 season
The Queensland Paragliding Championships are back for 2026. The championships build on a tradition enjoyed by both new and experienced cross-country pilots. Each year, we adapt the format to the sites available and the demand for skills development within our flying community.
Recent seasons have brought variable and unpredictable weather. This season, a more flexible approach to dates aims to give us more opportunities to set tasks in favourable conditions.
- Run tasks over five or more weekends, covering at least 10 days, from 1 May 2026 through to December.
- Aim for roughly one weekend each month, with decisions based on the weather forecast on the preceding Wednesday evening.
- Aim to include weekends at neighbouring club sites, including Toowoomba and Killarney.
- Present the winner at the club Christmas event.
- Begin with an introductory talk for PG3, PG4 and PG5 pilots looking to develop cross-country skills and build connections within the club. We will check instrument files, practise loading a task, and cover the basics of setting a good cross-country task.
We look forward to your participation again this year.
Competition format
The task committee may choose from a variety of task types to suit the conditions.
Traditional cross-country and speed-run tasks
Traditional cross-country tasks and speed-run tasks may form part of the season.
Handicap cross-country tasks
Cross-country tasks may include a handicap based on glider span and cylinder size.
Thermaling tasks
Stay local and measure the total metres climbed over a set period, such as one hour. The clock runs only while climbing within the nominated height band, avoiding the need for manoeuvres to lose height.
For example, with a cloud base of 1,300 metres, a task might use a band from 600 to 1,200 metres. Timing starts as you climb through 600 metres from below and stops at 1,200 metres. Once you accumulate one hour of climbing, you are in goal. The most metres climbed wins. The winner receives the competition's average top score at that point, with other pilots scoring proportionally.
Towing cross-country distance tasks
A towing day or weekend may involve flying as far as possible within a set time and direction, starting from the time of the tow. A registration fee may apply on these days.
Ground-handling tasks
Kite your glider around a 50–100 metre course with turn points. Scoring follows a similar approach to a normal task, without handicap time. The day's top score is the average top score in the competition at that point.
Distance accounts for 70% of the score. Speed points range from 30% for the fastest time to 10% for the slowest time.
Not all task types will necessarily be used. The competition organisers and task committee will choose by consensus. A varied programme aims to provide more rounds and broaden skills development, particularly during winter.
Retrieves
Unless volunteer drivers are available, we will organise retrieves among ourselves. No one will be left without a retrieve at the end of the day.
If you get back to your car, please check who may still be on the ground and need a pickup.
Communication
Keep an eye on the WhatsApp groups for competition information and retrieve coordination.
Canungra Paragliding
General competition information before each event and on the day.
Canungra Retrieve Group
Coordinate pickups with other pilots. If someone needs a retrieve and you are heading their way, WhatsApp makes it easy to contact them directly, even if their details are not saved in your phone.