If paragliding is one of the things left on your bucket list, then here are a few tips on how to prepare and what to take.
Depending on your age, you can paraglide on your own, but if you are eight (with a 30kg payload) or 100, you can paraglide in tandem.
Before you buy your kit, take a paragliding course online and a useful manual on paragliding. A good Beginner’s Guide is always useful. This one contains everything you need to know from how to take your first flight to becoming a qualified pilot and beyond.
Join A Club And Make Friends Before You Fly With Them
If you are doing it for the first time, it is best to book a tandem flight. It’s also good to join a club and make friends before you fly with them.
Clear writing, photos and illustrations make the concepts easy to grasp. From how turbulence can form behind hills and terrain, to how you can use thermals to climb up thousands of feet in the sky.
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Book Has Everything You Need
The book has everything you need to know to take you from your first thrilling, ground-skimming flights to becoming a qualified pilot and beyond – from soaring hills to flying over stunning mountain peaks.
Physical strength Is A Key Factor
You don’t need to be very physically fit to paraglide. As long as you have some physical strength, have hiked a bit, and can run a little, you should be okay. Many people well into their seventies have done this sport safely.
Fatality Rate For Paragliding Is Low But Be Careful
According to statistics, the fatality rate for paragliding is low, with an average of 0.46 in 10,000 flights resulting in a fatality. However, it’s important to note that this rate can vary depending on various factors, such as weather conditions, pilot experience, equipment failure, and more.
What You Need:
- Flying suit/warm layers – This costume includes an authentic aviator jumpsuit with printed badges and zip features. Also included is aviator glasses and dog tag necklace.
- Boots for paragliders need to be strong and made of leather with a rubber sole. A good pair will have a platform heel and be lace-ups.
- Balaclava
- Gloves with 3mm SBR pads on the palm improve grip and absorb vibrations and are ideal
- Sunglasses
- Camel back
- Canopy or wing
- Harness
- Helmet– lightweight construction with maximum impact strength thanks to the inseparably joined shell of the EPS inner layer and the polycarbonate outer layer
- Spare parachute
- Radio
Documents
- BHPA card or IPPI card
- Repatriation insurance
- Map where flying
- European Health Insurance
Tickets
- Do your own research to get the best flight and accommodation options. There are many websites available offering you good deals.