Paragliding – Is It For You?

The sporting world can be a challenging place: where surfers have conquered the water, snowboarders the snow and skaters dry land, then Paragliders reign supreme over the skies when it comes to adventure sports.

Requirements of Paragliding
It`s probably safe to say that you need a head for heights when it comes to paragliding, and whilst gliding through the clear skies might look effortless and easy, it actually requires a great deal of skill to master. Beginners can take an introductory course or even fly in tandem with an instructor, but if you`re serious, then you will need to take to the classroom to learn more about flight theory, meteorology and basic air law – followed by a simple exam.

Where to learn
Full courses can be taken at a BHPA school (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) which are located all around the UK (see their website for your nearest school) and you`ll need approximately ten sessions in flyable weather before becoming qualified. Introductory or `taster` courses can offer a limited Elementary Pilot certificate and these can be completed over 4 or 5 days.

Equipment / Clothing Required
It isn`t the cheapest of adventure sports, but then it isn`t the most expensive either and the equipment tends to be quite durable. A new paraglider suitable for a beginner costs around £2,000 though you can find bargain second hand ones too. In addition to the glider you will need a harness, flight suit, helmet and boots. Sunglasses and gloves with a good grip are also advisable.

Speed-to-fly
More experienced paragliders will become used to hearing the expression `Speed-to-fly`. This refers to adjustments a Paraglider makes to his or her speed in relation to wind, lift and sink. It might sound quite complicated at first, but it is really just a bit of basic physics that optimises the speeds of gliding – pilots fly slower in a lift and faster in a sink, and faster in a headwind, slower in a tailwind. Understanding when to pull the breaks or push out on a `thermal` enhances the paragliding experience and mastering the art will give a race competitor the advantage.

Paragliding and safety
As a high-risk sport, injuries do occur in Paragliding particularly in the early lesson stages where twisted ankles can be a common occurrence. The safest way of paragliding is to master the sport as best you can because once you understand the physics of flying (and landing), then you can protect yourself better. Be careful when flying in weather conditions you have never flown in before, and don`t attempt a level of flight that is beyond your experience. Never attempt fixed rope towing or tethering as this can be extremely dangerous.

Best locations
There are a number of Paragliding schools around the UK but the most popular sites tend to be those that have the windiest ridges and where pilots will have the most thermal currents. Some of the more popular places include the Yorkshire Dales, `Mam Tor` in the Peak District and `Scafell Pike`, `Keswick` and `The Coniston Old Man` in the Lake District. `Long Mynd` (close to Shrewsbury) is a popular site, and the south coast of England offers some spectacular routes for pilots. Wales is also a hub of paragliding activity with clubs close to the Black Mountains, and Brecon beacons.

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