Paragliding  

While similar to hang gliding in as much as they both have no power input devises, are self launched and are dependent upon air current to keep them aloft. But there the similarities diverge. 
Paragliding is a non-skeletal aircraft meaning that it had no rigid frame as it's cousin the hang glider does and may closely resemble a parachute. Basically it is a highly maneuverable fabric wing that is manipulated to follow the rising updraft in order to maintain lift.

This is a relative inexpensive way to be able to soar and the greatest cost involved is usually the travel to get to different launch sites.

 The basic principle of paragliding is to select an elevated location the has wind coming up the rise. You turn to face your wing and pull back up on the forward lines to get the lip up which then fills the canopy with air. After that you run over the embankment until you are caught in the up draft and lifted from Earth. In order to stay aloft you will need an understanding of air current and be able to recognize the terrain formations that will provide you with suitable updrafts and to avoid down draft. Without this knowledge  you will fall prey to gravity and come down, and possibly not how or where you wanted. This is a fun yet dangerous sport and proper instruction is absolutely necessary before attempting to fly.

A fairly comprehensive site that is devoted to this one sport can be found at Paragliding.net

If you are interested in this then you may also find Powered Paragliding (PPG)  exciting. This sport has taken off and has grown tremendously over the last coupe of years. The equipment has made great improvements and is developed specifically for this sport as opposed to the early beginnings when it was a modified parachute and a lawn mower engine. There are organized get-togethers that permit the enthusiasts to exchange information, view new products and compete in a number of amazing events. 
Some  of the powered paragliders are sit down tricycle configuration (a FLIKE) but the most popular appear to be a stand up version where the engine and propeller are strapped to the persons back. They will face the Wing (chute, canopy) and when the wind is right, pull on the leads to fill the wing and cause it to rise up. Once it is up, the flier will turn it's back to the wing, accelerate the engine and take off running until a speed is reached (which assisted by the thrust of the engine) whereby the flier is able to lift off. Once up in the air the flier can dangle from the straps or pull up onto a butt strap for a chair in the air. The cost of these are reasonable and cost very little to operate. Some of the complete units, frame, engine, wing, harnesses, everything will fit into a suitcase and can be ready to use with in a few minutes or arrival. These can be launched from virtually anywhere with just a slight breeze to help fill the canopy. What a great way to sight see. You travel slow enough to be able to get some great pictures and are quite maneuverable. There are versions of the aircraft that are made to carry two people, this expands the possibilities

You may want to visit http://www.usppa.org   or http://www.poweredparagliders.com for additional information and links.

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The more you get to do a sport the more you will enjoy it. We have found that being prepared to leave at a moment notice will increase the number of time that you will actually get out and do it. Ultimately the best way to be prepared is to have all the necessary gear already stored in a "gear trailer". This is a trailer dedicated to this purpose. READ ON.

See all the Activities we currently feature and see what is yet to come.

Being physically fit will make your experiences safer and more enjoyable. We are developing a page devoted to encouraging people to do just this. See the Physical fitness page.

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