Paragliding is the most popular recreational or adventure sport
that is performed aerially. It is done by using a canopy-like parachute
which is light in weight, free-flying, foot-launched gliding aircraft
without any rigid primary structure. A harness is suspended below the
hollow fabric wing where the pilot sits. The shape is such that the
aerodynamic pressure of the flowing air over the exterior of the wing
helps in the gliding.
In spite of the absence of an engine, paragliders are able to cover hundreds of kilometers and last for several hours on air. Although ideally flights involving couple of hours and traversing some tens kilometers are the advised undertakings. However by skillfully exploiting the leverage given by air currents, a pilot can reach an altitude of several thousand meters.
The portability of the equipments is what makes them unique. The entire equipment can be easily packed in a back-pack, which the pilot can carry by himself on his back, or by the means of any public transport. Compared to other entertainment sports, it is a much more convenient option, as its portability enables one to choose the take-off or landing place according to his choice and circumstances.
Equipment
The two most essential equipments in paragliding are its wing and harness.
The altitude covered by the paraglider depends on the strength of the fabric used in the wing. Wings of modern paragliders use non-porous, ultra-performing materials like ripstop polyester and nylon. The wing consists of double layers of fabric that form a connection with an internal support material in a way that forms series of cell-rows. Most of the cells are kept open towards the edge which enables the passage of air between the two sheets of fabric, thus ensuring the maintenance of the wing's shape. The wing's shape is pivotal to a satisfactory aerial experience.
The harness provides support to the pilot. It connects the pilot to the wing and provides adequate support for a safe flight. An extra parachute is also attached to it, as a protection backup in case of untoward circumstances.
Instruments
The essential instruments require for a safe experience are variometer, radio and GPS
However paragliding could be dangerous recreational activity. Even though the rate of people getting injured is not alarming, but recklessness could result in fatal injuries.
However, the chances of injury can be reduced to a great extent with professional training and learning about risk management. Other safety measures are proper equipments like a wing suitable for the pilot, in terms of size and skills, as well as necessary accessories like helmet, an extra parachute and cushioned harness. Thus, it is always better to be careful than sorry.
In spite of the absence of an engine, paragliders are able to cover hundreds of kilometers and last for several hours on air. Although ideally flights involving couple of hours and traversing some tens kilometers are the advised undertakings. However by skillfully exploiting the leverage given by air currents, a pilot can reach an altitude of several thousand meters.
The portability of the equipments is what makes them unique. The entire equipment can be easily packed in a back-pack, which the pilot can carry by himself on his back, or by the means of any public transport. Compared to other entertainment sports, it is a much more convenient option, as its portability enables one to choose the take-off or landing place according to his choice and circumstances.
Equipment
The two most essential equipments in paragliding are its wing and harness.
The altitude covered by the paraglider depends on the strength of the fabric used in the wing. Wings of modern paragliders use non-porous, ultra-performing materials like ripstop polyester and nylon. The wing consists of double layers of fabric that form a connection with an internal support material in a way that forms series of cell-rows. Most of the cells are kept open towards the edge which enables the passage of air between the two sheets of fabric, thus ensuring the maintenance of the wing's shape. The wing's shape is pivotal to a satisfactory aerial experience.
The harness provides support to the pilot. It connects the pilot to the wing and provides adequate support for a safe flight. An extra parachute is also attached to it, as a protection backup in case of untoward circumstances.
Instruments
The essential instruments require for a safe experience are variometer, radio and GPS
- A variometer is used as an indicator to the pilot, when he or she is in need of an uplifting air current
- A radio is required to maintain contacts with fellow pilots, especially at the time when one intends to make a landing.
- A GPS is an essential accessory for paragliders. The GPS as its full-form Global Positioning System suggests is used to detect the pilot's or his fellow pilot's exact position, or the position from where one took off, or where one intends to land.
However paragliding could be dangerous recreational activity. Even though the rate of people getting injured is not alarming, but recklessness could result in fatal injuries.
However, the chances of injury can be reduced to a great extent with professional training and learning about risk management. Other safety measures are proper equipments like a wing suitable for the pilot, in terms of size and skills, as well as necessary accessories like helmet, an extra parachute and cushioned harness. Thus, it is always better to be careful than sorry.
