One for all. One for all. The DOUBLESKIN has been designed to allow a flying experience without any compromises. Due to the light construction it combines the advantages of a single-surface wing with the optimal flying characteristics of a glider with an under surface. Ultra-light fabrics and a highly weight optimised yet complex internal structure complete the package. The DOUBLESKIN gives you the opportunity to travel super light and enjoy your hike up the mountain – always in search for the next take off. Tip: Pilots with a take off weight between 75-90 kg may fly the DOUBLESKIN in size 17 within the extended weight range as a dynamic EN/LTF B wing.

Every gram counts. Size 17 (55 - 90 kg Take-off Weight) weighs only 2.1 kg. Together with the MONTIS harness (320 gram), the DOUBLESKIN is an ideal base for a weight optimised Hike & Fly kit. The complex internal structure, including mini-ribs, vector-tape and the high number of cells, the wing has also an excellent performance and stability. Instead of our Light Risers you can choose our minimalistic Ultralight Risers at check out and carry another 60 grams less.

Into the Wind. The DOUBLESKIN is exceptional at maintaining directional stability as well as a good glide ratio allowing it to deliver when you are in ‘need for speed’. Here at NOVA we regard this as one of the safety features of the wing, since the wind does not necessarily adhere to the forecast on your hike & fly location. The DOUBLESKIN is a pleasure to fly in thermic conditions, thanks to its intuitive handling. Pilots who are looking for a super light yet playful wing, and who wish to travel the world, or simply complete a hike and fly challenge at their local flying site, find in the DOUBLESKIN the perfect companion for their next adventure.

Super relaxed. The short lines of the DOUBLESKIN make it much easier to spread the wing and launch, in particular in rough terrain - it simply requires less open space. Thanks to useful holding-pins the glider will stay in place even on very steep or snow-covered take-offs. All the main lines, stabilo lines and brake lines are sheathed and colour coded to increase durability and to facilitate take off preparations. 

The DOUBLESKIN (EN/LTF A) features a high degree of passive safety (Flat Aspect Ratio: 4.4) but due to its agility, excellent performance and enjoyable thermaling characteristics, it is always ready to turn a top to bottom flight into an XC round trip. Pilots who enjoy the odd wing-over will enjoy the short and precise brake travel in combination with the benign reactions of the DOUBLESKIN. Pilots who enjoy an even more dynamic handling will benefit from the extended weight range of the size 17 wing – with a take off weight between 75 and 90 kg the wing is certified as EN/LTF B. Despite being mainly EN-A rated - depending on the total take off weight - we did not design this wing as a school glider. The Ultralight Risers require a certain routine in order to avoid riser twists when clipping in and the ultra-light fabric may be more prone to getting damaged during extensive ground-handling sessions. For those who wish to embark on their pilot training, our PRION or the light weight all-rounder IBEX are a more appropriate choice.

From Mid-August 2023 we offer a Theo de Blic Special Edition – limited to 50 pieces and in Theo's favourite colour combination. The limited edition is available in the two sizes 17 and 20.

Theo de Blic says: "I remember when Richard Gallon's signature wing was released. At that time, I could not imagine that there would ever be a wing with my signature. But now, 16 years later, thanks to NOVA, I have ‘my’ colours and my signature on a wing. And not on just any wing, but on the DOUBLESKIN, a great Hike & Fly glider. I have to admit, I’m a little proud, but at the same time I feel under pressure: hopefully 'my' colours will meet the taste of others pilots as well..."

For the colour graphic, check below.

At noon on 15 May 2022, South African Pierre Carter paraglided from South Col (7.950 metres) on Mount Everest and landed near the settlement of Gorak Shep. The 56-year-old adventurer is the first paraglider pilot to take off from Everest with permission from the Nepalese authorities. So far, only three teams have been able to fly from Mount Everest.

Read the full story here.

 The Thermik editors have tested our DOUBLESKIN in the issue 3/2020. Their conclusion: "The Doubleskin has not only heralded the new NOVA-wing design, but has successfully continued the company's internal history of hike and fly wings. Other than originally intended, it did not become a single surface wing. But with the Doubleskin 17 you are - concerning weight and packing size - very close to a single surface paraglider. A very positive surprise was the great thermal behaviour! That is why the Doubleskin is much more than just a pure hike and fly wing. As an all-rounder, e.g. when travelling, the Doubleskin can score points wherever playful ease in a small package is required.“

The complete review (PDF in German) can be found here. Thanks for the kind permission to share, Thermik Magazine!

In a nutshell the flat surface area is the area of your paraglider when spread out on the ground. In contrast the projected area equals the area of the shadow your wing would cast with the sun standing vertically on the horizon. The projected surface area of the DOUBLESKIN is roughly 85% of the flat surface area by the way. Unfortunately, there is no standardised definition of those areas. E.g. some ballooning effects will be considered differently depending on the design software used by different manufacturers. The definition of the flat surface area is generally better defined, so this is why we use the flat surface area to compare the weight of a wing to other gliders. Generally, a wing with a larger surface area will climb better in thermals. It also allows slower speeds and that can be an advantage in certain take-off and landing situations.

Weight optimised fabric. All fabrics are of the highest standard. We have tested all materials with regards to resistance against aging (porosity, tear strength, UV and abrasive wear) and mechanical resistance e.g. stretch resistance. For quality assurance purposes we also test random samples out of the serial production in regular intervals. The DOUBLESKIN features the lightest fabrics on the market which also shines due to very small pack size and high UV resistance.

Mini Ribs. Mini Ribs increase the number of cells at the rear of the wing and produce an aerodynamically optimised trailing edge. The DOUBLESKIN mini ribs are particularly short – again, in order to keep the glider as light as possible.

Top-Surface Vector-Tape. The vector tape reduces the kink that is created when brake is applied. The result is an improved climbing performance and better handling characteristics. On the DOUBLESKIN the vector-tape passes just behind the, for weight optimisation extra short, mini ribs.

Risers with less weight. The Ultralight Risers sit comfortable in your hands at launch and are, like the rest of the glider, optimised to reduce the overall weight of your kit. Like with all ultra-light risers, we suggest to doublecheck for riser twists when connecting the wing to your harness. Alternatively to the Light Risers, you can choose the Ultralight Risers when purchasing the DOUBLESKIN.

Holding-Pins. Small loops on the top surface of the wing serve as mounts for wooden Holding-Pins in order to easily attach the wing onto slippery and steep terrain - e.g. on snow – this will prevent the wing from sliding down after it has been laid out before take-off. The Holding-Pins are self-releasing and will come out of the ground automatically when launching. Please consult the DOUBLESKIN handbook for a detailed description of the correct use of the Holding-Pins.