PARAGLIDING INFORMATION

PARAGLIDING WORLD

The paragliding wing is totally portable and a canopy weighs very little, fits into a small rucksack and can be taken to flying sites all over the world, from the Alps in Europe to mountains in Asia, or if there is a site near you, fly in your lunch break.

HOW A PARAGLIDER WORKS

Different than a hang glider, a paraglider is a ram air canopy in the shape of an airfoil and as air flows over the surface it generates lift while also inflating the paraglider through the openings at the front. Rather like a modern parachute, the wing is always falling down and forwards relative to the air mass. If you take off from a hill where the air is deflected upwards and going up faster than you are coming down you will go up. When the sun heats up the ground, or object, the warmer air may rise and this is called a thermal, you may have seen birds circling and going up, well we do the same. If you enter a thermal where the air may be rising a few thousand feet then you are off cross country. Pilots have flown from Brighton to Margate, about 80 miles, of course don't expect to do this on your first day

PARAGLIDING SCHOOL

Paragliding courses run 7 days a week weather permitting, and flying lessons are available all year although April to October is best for beginners. Airsports Paragliding School offers 1st class tuition, equipment sales and flying holidays.