How to Paraglide

Paragliding is the most simplistic form of flight that allows a person to soar in the sky with control. An extreme sport for young and old, paragliding requires proper technique and finesse for a successful flight. Learn the basics of paragliding to ensure a safe flying experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Seek a paragliding instructor to show you proper paragliding techniques ways to achieve a safe flight. Contact your local governing body of paragliders for a certified instructor in your area.
2. Choose the right gear for paragliding and check the gear before each flight. Essential gear for paragliding includes the wing, a harness, a reserve parachute and a helmet. The harness should fit snugly. Try it on before you purchase to ensure that you choose a harness that is comfortable. Other equipment to use when you paraglide includes protective boots that offer ankle support, a hook knife for emergencies, a flight suit to maintain body temperature while in higher elevations and a bag to keep your paraglider in while not in use.
3. Learn the three basic principles of paragliding. Practice how to launch, turn and land a paraglider under supervised instruction. To launch the paraglider, run into the wind and down a slope with your paraglider behind you. This technique is called "hopping" and lets you get a feel for the lift the paraglider receives when it encounters air. To control speed, elevation and direction with the paraglider, use the hand brakes. Pull the brake of the hand to turn a particular direction. Pull both brakes simultaneously to reduce speed, create drag and to land softly.
4. Gather your gear immediately once you land to ensure other paragliders have room to land safely. Check your gear for damages and pack your wing in a stuff sack to protect it from ultraviolet rays.

Tips & Warnings

• Properly store your paraglider and never drag it to reduce rips and tears.
• Receive guidance from a certified instructor before you attempt to paraglide.
• The price of a paraglide ranges from $4000 to $5000. Prepare to replace your paraglide every four years due to natural deterioration.
• Avoid used paragliding gear. Worn gear won't last and is not safe.