In competitions, lighter pilots have always had a disadvantage. Larger wings have more performance for a number of reasons, which is why lighter pilots choose to fly a larger size and use ballast to reach the certified take-off weight.
This practise has gotten out of hand - carrying 40 kg of kit is not unheard of. This can lead to dangerous situations. Pilots stumbling on take-off with up to half of their bodyweight in ballast. Then having to land out in difficult spots with al that extra weight and walk to their retrieve with massive backpacks in sweltering heat.
"There's nothing fun or nice to carry 40 kg bags, not to mention the safety issues," said Ozone's Luc Armant. Also, he said, it stops manufacturers from investing in optimising and improving small sizes, which makes the pilots even less wanting to buy them. He believes the perceived need to fly a larger wing and use ballast puts lighter pilots off competing.
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This article was published in full in Cross Country magazine 257, May/June 2025.