The glide ratio, sometimes incorrectly called the “Lift to drag ratio” or “L/D” is the ratio between the horizontal distance covered, and the vertical distance covered. The lift to drag ratio is an indication of aerodynamic efficiency. A glider that produces a lot of lift and very little drag has a high L/D ratio and will travel farther or carry more weight. A glider that produces relatively little lift and a lot of drag will travel a shorter distance. The L/D ratio of a paraglider remains relatively constant while it’s glide ratio over the ground may change dramatically due to rising or sinking air or wind. Most beginner paragliders have a glide ratio of 8:1 in still air, while a top competition glider achieves close to 10:1.
Maximum Glide is the ratio at which the glider will fly the farthest distance possible. The speed of maximum glide is a bit more than minimum sink.
Minimum Sink is a term that it used when you are flying your glider with enough brake pressure to slow the decent of the paraglider to the lowest possible rate prior to stalling the wing.