What is paragliding?
A. Paragliding is a form of unpowered flying and uses the same principles as gliders (sailplanes) and hanggliders. The engine here is the gravity, which makes all of them descend (less than 1.5 m/s) through the air but also flying ahead (with more than 60 km/h). In still air a 1000 meter descent/gliding with a paraglider results in 9 km flight. Q.
Paragliding is as close to the feeling of flying like a bird as you will ever get. It is free flight (non-powered) in its purest form. A paraglider is a foot launched flying wing. It is convenient because it is easy to carry, easy to setup, and easy to fly. Paragliders are constructed from nylon and coated with silicone (UV protection). The pilot is suspended from incredibly strong mylar or kevlar lines. The pilot flies in a harness positioned like a reclining chair for maximum comfort in the air. When flying, you can actually soar like a bird- taking advantage of rising air in the form of thermals or ridge (wind) lift.
Paragliding is the most fun you can have with two feet in the air. Unlike a parachute, which simply slows one’s descent, a paraglider is a proper airfoil. It works on the same physical principle as an airplane wing and glides. That means one can control precisely the flight path and use upward moving currents of air (thermals or ridge lift) to fly for hours and even go cross-country. The world distance record on a paraglider is over 400 kilometers. What equipment is needed? “Free flight” means just that, being as free as a bird. There are no motors, no heavy equipment, no need for large tracts of land or airports, and no regulations except to stay out of controlled airspace. All that one requires is a wing made of two layers of rip-stop nylon, a harness, which includes a back protector and reserve parachute, and a helmet. The entire package weighs approximately fifteen kilograms and easily fits in a back pack so you can combine hiking and flying. How do I get started? The best way to g
