What is paragliding and what is a paraglider? Paragliding is probably the most simple form of human flight. A paraglider is a non motorized, foot launched inflatable wing. It is easy to transport, easy to launch, and easy to land. The paraglider itself has no rigid structure and the pilot is suspended by lines. The pilot is clipped into a harness which has back protection and is quite comfortable. With a paraglider, you actually fly like a bird, soaring upwards on currents of air. On a good day paragliders can stay aloft for hours, climb thousands of feet and go cross-country for several miles.

What can I expect to do with a paraglider? Paragliders are designed to soar. In training you will start out just skimming the ground. As you progress and become more skilled and confident you will probably want to go higher and use the wing for its designed purpose which is soaring! With no external power, you rely on finding rising air currents to gain altitude. In addition, paragliders can be easily carried and launched from most mountains. All of your gear will fit into a backpack which will have a total weight of around 30-35 pounds. Full gear consists of: paraglider, harness, reserve, helmet, hook-knife and possibly a variometer, two-way radio, cell phone, food and water

Is Paragliding safe? You can make Paragliding, like most adventure sports, as safe or dangerous as you want. It is of course crucial that you receive instruction from a certified professional and use safe equipment – professional schools will create as controlled a learning environment as possible. Paragliding is still an outdoor sport and weather is unpredictable –the primary safety factors are personal judgment and attitude. You must be willing to learn gradually and to think with your head not with your ego. If you do not, then you can get injured or killed; if you do, then you can paraglide well into your nineties.

Is Paragliding scary? top Once again, you can make paragliding as scary as you want! Paragliding is the simplest and most serene way to fulfill humankind’s oldest dream - free flight! The pilot jogs down a gentle slope and glides away from the mountain. There is no free falling or jumping off of cliffs. The launches and landings are slow and gentle and, once in the air, most people are surprised by how quiet and peaceful the experience is. If the idea of watching the sunset from a comfortable seat, supported by the buoyant evening air, with perhaps an eagle or hawk joining off your wing tip, appeals to you, then Paragliding is for you. On the other hand you can choose to fly in more extreme conditions, trying for a big cross-country flight or flying in competitions and rough conditions. This is the other side of the coin - watch out!!

How is a paraglider different from a parachute? top A Paraglider is similar in construction to a modern, steer able skydiving canopy, but different in several important ways. A paraglider is a foot launched wing without the "terminal velocity deployment" of a parachute. (again, you won't be and shouldn't be jumping off of stuff) Consequently a paraglider is designed to have a descent rate of about 200 feet per minute while a parachute descends at 600-1200 feet per minute. This means not just that a paragliding landing is much more gentle but, that a paraglider descends more slowly than a mild current of warm air (a "thermal") rises. That’s why paragliders soar upwards while parachutes descend. A paraglider also has a more elongated rectangular or elliptical shape than a parachute and, with more cells, which increases its gliding performance.

What is the difference between a Hang glider and a Paraglider and between hang gliding and paragliding? top Paragliding is more similar to hang gliding than to parachuting. A hang glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the wing. A paraglider's canopy shape is maintained only by air pressure. A hang glider is capable of flying at much higher speeds than a paraglider. Paragliding is therefore somewhat easier to learn. Your launches are not as "committed", you normally have time to abort your take-off. A paraglider folds up in minutes into a backpack and can be easily transported - people commonly carry their paragliders to the top of peaks. The hang glider, due to its weight and rigid frame, must be transported on a vehicle with a roof rack. Because hang gliders fly faster and glide better, they can cover greater distances more easily. But paragliders can now cover distances almost as great and, because of their slower and tighter turning radius, can often stay aloft in lighter lift.  Modern hang gliders weigh around 100 pounds and can take over one hour to assemble. Paragliders weigh about one third of that amount and can be pre-flight inspected and launched in less than ten minutes after arriving at the flying site. Hang gliders generally require a larger more forgiving landing area than paragliders require.

What are the requirements to get started? top Most importantly good attitude, willingness to listen, and some casual time to spend learning. You'll need shoes with ankle support and the ability to run aggressively for at least ten or twelve strides. Your body should be able to withstand jumping down two or three feet. That's the equivalent to the tailgate height of a pickup.

How much does it cost for training? top The rates for a single all day lesson are $150 ($100 for 2-4 students) and 3-5hr. introductory lessons are $100. All lessons are applicable to a USHGA P2 rating. The rates are $1500 for instruction through the P2 (Novice) level. Any previous lesson tuition paid is applicable toward the $1500. A P2 can require up to 8-12 flying days but it's possible to achieve the P2 level quicker if the weather is cooperative.

What do I need to bring with me? top You should always prepare for colder weather than expected regardless of the season. Also bring: ankle support shoes, long pants, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat,  gloves, water, snack, plenty of good attitude and patience and don't forget cash or checkbook.

Portions of this FAQ page were borrowed with permission from Airplay Paragliding and Hang Gliding Paraglide.com