Whats the difference between hang gliding and paragliding?
A. Hang gliders are built with a rigid aluminum frame to which a cloth wing is attached. They weigh between 60-100 lbs and break down to an 18 foot long section at the smallest, requiring a truck with a large rack for transportation. By contrast, paragliders are foldable canopies that can be stuffed in a backpack weighing 20-40 lbs. Paragliding has a faster learning curve and is simpler to operate and transport. Hang gliding offers increased performance and hang gliders can often fly higher and further than paragliders. Recent innovations in paragliders, however, are closing this gap and paragliders have been flown over 200 miles and up to 18,000 feet.
