The dream of flying in the sky just like a bird is as old as human kind. You can make your dream come true with paragliding. This sport is considered to be risky, but the reality is that the safety of practitioners is quite high, especially compared to other adventure disciplines. Of course, you cannot paraglide unless you have undergone extensive training. There are numerous paragliding schools that you can select from. It is only natural for you to look for courses in your local area, but there are a number of other essential factors that you have to consider carefully as well.

The first thing to decide on is the type of paragliding that you want to practice. There are different types that you can choose from depending on your preferences. Hang gliding is the main discipline that you cap get trained for. The hang gliding machine has a light aluminium frame and a sail made from a high-tech fabric. The pilot is suspended from the glider with a safe harness. You can launch from a flat ground or an aircraft, but most commonly you will start off from a hill facing the wind. You have to use the air currents to stay airborne. You pilot the glider by moving your body. You can learn how to do this in no more than ten days.

The paragliding is equally rewarding. The glider is made from one canopy. The entire mechanism represents the one of a parachute. The gliding principle is the same. However, given that the paraglider is lighter and more portable, it is easier to fly. You can readily start training for this discipline in any of the paragliding schools. Once you master the necessary skills, you can switch to hang gliding.

Powered hang gliding is also an option. As its name suggests, the flying requires the use of a motorized hang glider. It should be noted that this discipline is not easier. You need to learn how to hang glide first in order to extend your skills to do powered hang gliding. You can also sign up for a course that teaches you how to fly with a paramotor. This machine combines all the characteristics of a paraglider, but it is motor powered. This makes the launching and piloting easier. In turn, the courses are not that demanding, but not necessarily shorter.

Parascending is also a discipline taught in paragliding schools. You fly a canopy that works much like a parachute. Once you are towed into the air your objective is to glide back to land. Parascending is a lot of fun as well as challenging. You can receive full training in almost any of the paragliding schools in the course of a couple of weekends.

You can select any or a number of disciplines to get training for. An important factor that will determine your choice is the cost of equipment. Usually, the training courses for the different disciplines do not vary widely, so you have to calculate the expenses for a machine, clothing and safety gear. Parascending is the cheapest option of all. Paragliding and hang gliding equipment costs pretty much the same. Powered hang gliding is not significantly more expensive. You will need to make the largest investment in paramotoring.

Many people are not sure whether paragliding is for them or which type of discipline they should choose. If you have not made up your mind, you can readily opt for the so called short sample or test courses. These are readily available in almost all paragliding schools. You will learn the basics in just a day or two and this will give you an opportunity to make up your mind.

You should choose to get training in a school that is registered with the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. You are highly recommended to start your search from the official website of the association just to be on the safe side. The training centers should present all necessary certifications upon request. Generally, you should make an inquiry about all the things you need to know before signing up for a course. The paragliding schools should be able to inform you on the cost of the course, its duration and on any age or health requirements. You should not hesitate to ask about trainer experience and teaching methods as well.

For those eager people who want to start paragliding right away, hold your horses! In this case, hold your wings! To be able to start flying, learning should be first done! So what else is there to do but enroll in a paragliding school! There are a lot of paragliding schools in the world today and finding the best one takes a lot of time. The hearsay that we get from other people is not enough to give the best information about a specific paragliding school.

The Guidelines

Here are some guidelines to think about when choosing the right paragliding school for you.

About the Instructors

Guideline #1: The most important persons in any paragliding school are the instructors or teachers. First and foremost, they should be licensed. They should be completely equipped with the important knowledge, skills and experience to qualify. Another thing is that they should be confident and patient when handling their students. Also, these instructors should be highly experienced in their profession to be able to provide their students with the best teaching. Always keep in mind that the quality of instruction you receive should be the most important criteria when choosing a school.

School History and Record

Guideline #2: It is also important to choose a school that has a good track record and history. They should also prioritize the need of their students and provide them the best education and training they have to offer.

Be Trained by the Best

Guideline #3: In order to get the best training and learning, it is best to be able to try other places. It is important in a training school to give their students exposure to different environments. In this case, because this is paragliding, altitudes and hills are included. These paragliding schools should be able to provide their students a holistic training and prepare them for any situation and environment. It’s a good idea to travel to get with a school that has a good reputation instead of choosing a local school with not much of a track record.

Different Brands of Equipment

Guideline #4: A frequently asked question among paragliding school seekers is that if the school offers other brands of wing. Some schools advertise too many brands but in the end, once you have enrolled, they keep on telling you to buy this particular brand. Before buying any certain brand of equipment, students should research further about their brand and of course, should fit their preferences. Certain schools keep on pushing about a certain brand maybe because they get a higher percentage of the sales. When we all look at it, it all comes down to money.

Offered Services

Guideline #5: Considered as one of the most important aspects that paragliding schools should have is the services that they have to offer. Teaching the students only the best should be their number one priority. Continuous learning is needed and the students should be given what they paid for. Not only is education given here, but there is also friendship and bonding that is established in the paragliding school.

Are There Discounts?

Guideline #6: For some paragliding schools, they lure their soon-to-be-students with special discounted equipment packages. Some also tend to look for a school in regards to their distance from their residence, not even minding the specifics of a school. Even with the offered special packages, one must take a closer look at the package itself and compare it with other schools. Before one is cheated, always be one step ahead of the schools. Indulge yourself in some research about the packages they have to offer, what is included and excluded. They find themselves at the end of their training having paid the same price for their equipment they would have some place else which offers high quality instruction without the gimmicks. Most importantly, compute the cost of the package and compare it with the price if it is not presented in a package.

These guidelines are just some of the things that one ought to take note of when looking for the right paragliding school. There are other factors, but to some, these are the most important ones. Look for a school that offers you the best services, great prices and packages, instructors that are trustworthy and most importantly, one that puts your mind at ease. With this in mind, happy paragliding school hunting!

Accidents can happen in paragliding just as much as they can happen anywhere. It is important that you practice safety methods and follow the guidelines given by your instructors so that you can maximize the benefits and have the best time. You can avoid accidents by taking it one step at a time. Here are some more tips and tricks.

The Equipment

Before you even reach the place where you intend to learn how to paraglide, it is important that you check the materials and equipment very well. This way, you can ensure that all the connections and tools are functioning properly. You should always invest in the reliable and quality brands. If you’re renting, make sure that your instructor checks all the materials and test if these are ideal for the setting. Paragliding equipment is readily available in specialty stores and on the Internet. You should read more about the best brands and which types are best for your level.

The Technique

You have to master the basics first before you start trying out more advanced moves. The launch, turns and landing are the most important to learn. From these techniques, you can learn new ones which will maximize your safety. You should try to avoid obstacles and strong gusts of wind as much as possible. Always aim for a smooth and safe flight especially when you are still a beginner. Even advanced paragliders always go for safety first – even if they’re trying more challenging scenarios.

The Instructions

Solo paragliders should make use of some tools like a GPS and their radio where they can take orders and instructions from their tutors on the ground. You should always follow their instructions to ensure the smoothest and safest ride. Know your limits as a person and do not increase the risk when flying by doing things other than instructed.

Physical Fitness

Paragliders also have to be physically fit and stay in their ideal weight and the right shape to stay safe. Health problems or other concerns regarding breathing or the heart can also occur if the person does not embark on a rigorous training program. You should try to lift weights and do some cardiovascular exercise 3 to 4 times a week to keep fit. You should increase your strength and endurance before the trip so that you do not encounter physical problems during the trip. Stay focused and sleep well before the trip.

Paragliding is categorized as a fairly risky sport by several insurance companies. Apart from getting an insurance quote, you can also try a number of methods that will ensure your safety throughout the whole trip. Getting information and relying only on the experts will ensure that you always have a fun and memorable experience each and every time.

Risk Management

Risk management is one of the most important things you can learn in paragliding school. You have to first talk about safety and promote the overall safety level of the sport. You should learn how to accept your physical limitations, think of yourself and safety first rather than try to grab attention, and accept the limits. There are rules and guidelines that should be followed carefully, regardless of whether you are an advanced paraglider or an amateur. It is important to take careful precautions so that the risks are minimized.

Defining Risk

High risk is considered as unacceptable or taking a risk without any justification or fair reason. High risk should be tolerated only if the benefit is adequate. Risk can also be managed so that the advantages can outweigh the risks. Risks are sometimes considered very small so these cannot be an issue. High risk is not generally acceptable to society or other individuals.

Risk can be measured. It is the result or possibility of a thing or event happening that can cause harm. So the calculation is multiplying the frequency with the severity. Probabilities can be categorized into 5 groups. These are grouped into frequent, probable, occasional, remote and improbable. Severity is also categorized into 4, namely catastrophic, critical, marginal and negligible.

Minimizing Risks

Paragliders need to be mentally aware. You should learn to accept the risks. Be aware of all kinds of accidents that may occur. Take all the necessary precautions against the risks and admit that there are limitations and that safety rules should be followed. You have to choose a mentor and listen to guidelines given by advanced pilots. Learn from the mistakes of others in the past.

Safety First

Check your equipment before going on any paragliding trip. You should secure the proper documents and insurance plan. You should follow the guidelines and tips provided by your instructor. If you do not feel confident about flying alone, you should work with your instructor and follow the radio instructions. Always check the weather, wind and takeoff and landing points.

Paragliding has caught the attention of not only adventurous individuals but men in the police profession, as well. Recently, stories of police officials patrolling on a powered paraglider have surprised the citizens of the United States and Peru.

SOAR

Police officials patrolling with the use of a powered paraglider first started in Palm Bay Florida, USA. The Palm Bay Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in the United States to deploy a team, dubbed SOAR or Search Operations Aerial Response, for search and rescue operations. The Palm Bay Police are aiming to address the city?s problems with missing children and adults, stolen cars and property with the use of an ultra-light gliding aircraft.

SOAR is tasked to do surveillance and scouting, photographing crime scenes, spotting hazards in the city and assessing damage after disasters. Operation SOAR makes routine aerial patrols in selected areas within Palm Bay, where there are a high number of residential burglaries and other crimes of that kind.

Peru’s Gliding Police

Peru’s police department designated a group of policemen and women to patrol in the coasts of Lima. The Head of the Seventh Territorial Direction, Police General Oswaldo Hernandez Revolle proclaimed this innovation of Peru?s law enforcement strategy last November 2009. This innovation was undertaken with the aim of ensuring the safety of the public. Peru?s aerial police on paraglides started their new duty last November 27.

Disadvantages

The idea of police patrolling on a paraglider is deemed ridiculous by many citizens both in the United States and in Peru. The Federal Aviation Administration of the US is not thrilled about the idea of Palm Bay?s Police Department.

The reasons- first of course a powered paraglider only has 18 horsepower. Remember that the operation SOAR actually hopes to catch burglars with the use of a powered paraglider. Eighteen horsepower is only equivalent to a lawn mower. So a powered paraglider can never match the speed of a moving vehicle and criminals are mostly on wheels. Then there?s the problem with the constantly changing and mostly unpredictable air velocity and air direction changes. It will be ridiculous to find policemen being tossed here and there by the wind.

These police agencies also plan to fly the powered paraglider less than 400 feet, which reminds us about a paragliding accident involving a pilot who got caught by the statue of liberty. The statue of liberty stands in the middle of a wide open space, a city on the other hand has several dozens of buildings standing taller than 400 ft.

Paragliding has encouraged a lot of new ideas for innovation but paragliding for police patrolling? Surely, government officials have to rethink this one.

Since paragliding includes more risks and dangers compared to the regular sport, it is only fair that insurance is offered and provided to enthusiasts. Some people need to travel halfway across the globe to experience the scenery and programs of various paragliding agencies. You should also make sure that the features are applicable for your case.

Overview

Paragliding is considered by insurance companies as a Grade 3 risk sport. This means that paragliders usually have a high chance of getting injured compared to other sports of lower levels. Sports travel insurance is usually a must if you plan to go paragliding, even if it is only on beginner?s courses or tandem flights. Paragliding can cause different injuries like ankle or knee injuries. You may be hospitalized for several days due to bad landing or collision with other objects or paragliders. More serious injuries include spinal damage or death. Others may have to deal with below the waist paralysis or paraplegia for life.

Insurance Among Other Things

Start searching online for the best insurance companies with a solid background that have true knowledge about the sport. Paragliding should also be done only after you have enough experience and have taken enough lessons to lessen the risk. You should also invest in the right equipment and trainers, since it is done on more hazardous sites like mountainous areas. Weather can also be a hazard if not checked well. Sports travel insurance is important regardless of your location.

The Coverage

The coverage will include specific details of the flight, such as the specified number of days you will be covered for paragliding. Coverage is also given for amateurs to amateur competition level, without any time limit, without participation and only in the right conditions. Insurance is usually taken out before you leave for the place where you’ll be paragliding. Rescue costs are also covered, such as transportation to the hospital.

What’s Not Covered?

A number of countries may not be covered by your insurance policy. Personal accidents are also not covered, especially if these are not involved with the paragliding activity. Personal liability is not covered either. The expedition should be thoroughly described and explained. Paragliding equipment is usually not covered by most insurance companies. You should be responsible for your own materials. There are limitations to the coverage, based on the location. If you go to extremely remote areas, you risk losing coverage altogether.

To Know more best option is to contact your nearest insurance provider who gives insurance cover to paragliders or paragliding associations. Get the best possible Paragliding Insurance and keep your peace of mind.

What is Paragliding?

Paragliding is a recreational aerial sport that makes use of a non-electric powered, human-assisted aircraft that can be maneuvered through an initial foot launch and the shifting of body weight by the pilot while airborne. Paragliding is now a growing aerial sport enjoyed by tens of thousands of enthusiasts all over the world and the popularity of the sport continues to grow. Right now, paragliding is also being employed in holiday resorts around the world for tourists to experience the exhilarating and wonderful sport of paragliding.

As a Sport

Paragliding is a sport that is still being shared with other countries but there are areas where paragliding is frequently enjoyed by many more than anywhere else. One of the regions in the world that offers the sport is South America. For both beginning and premiere enthusiasts of the sport, there are several reasons why paragliding in South America is a fine choice.

Paragliding during Vacation Time

If paragliding is something that you want to do during the week and want to have a very enjoyable vacation at the same time, travelling to Cusco, Peru and learning the sport there at the same time is definitely a great idea. Peru provides great but cheap paragliding experience. There are so many things to see and do at Peru and paragliding there should definitely be included in the to-do list.

The Price to Pay

Paragliding expenses in Cusco, Peru may differ with the various companies that offer the sport so it is recommended to do a bit of exploring. The prices may also be altered related to the season, as well as how good the tourist is at haggling and speaking Spanish during the deal. Prices may range from as low as US$70 to as much as US$100 but that is pretty much the only difference the paraglider being taught may have. Even when choosing to pay for the high-end price range. There will be no difference in the level of safety or instruction whether the high or the low price range is taken.

Today?s Best Paragliding Companies

Most of the paragliding companies in Cusco, Peru take their visitors to the well-known Sacred Valley, a world-renowned, highly recognized area of the country filled with ruins and a long list of history. The valley is also a good, beautiful and breath-taking point for taking off. Opting to go with a different company won?t change the backdrop or environment experienced. However, always be certain that the company you have chosen will have more than just one single instructor, especially if your group exceeds more than a couple of people.

If there are only few instructors provided by the company, expect a long period of time waiting around while the instructor takes each paraglider up to the sky, lands each one and uses up time to return to the group and do it all over again. This will really take much more time with not much to do while being provided with very little shade to avoid the searing hot sun.

Paragliding Courses

There are various types of courses being afforded to visitors who wish to do paragliding in Cusco, Peru. It is likely that the company or resort may offer tandem or partner flights with the instructor for one full day. Aside from that, they may also offer a one-week course for people who wish to learn more about the basics and fundamentals of the sport.

After the one-week course they will be given the chance to fly solo. The company will provide all the necessary equipment and at the cessation of the training, the person will have knowledge of interpreting the alterations in attitude and reading the wind while flying safely and with the most comfort.

Peruvian Paragliding Experience

Overall, paragliding in South America, especially in Cusco of Peru is highly recommended because it is very affordable. This reason alone is enough for enthusiasts to try paragliding on a different side of the world. Aside from this, you can have the luxury of having to travel to another country, learning about the culture and plainly just enjoying the best things the country offers. Another option for paragliders is heading towards Merida, Venezuela.

Like in Cusco, Peru, paragliding in Venezuela is also affordable and the scenery is very beautiful and breath-taking. Always remember that any person, without concern to level of experience attained, can paraglide. Make the most out of what life has to offer. The experience one can get from paragliding is incomparable to any other.

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What is Paragliding?

Paragliding is a fast growing sport that makes use of a lightweight aircraft and is maneuvered by launching the aircraft through foot and making use of mountainous or hill slopes as the launching points. The wing of a paraglider is made primarily from a strong fabric called a rip-stop nylon fabric that is also used in other aircrafts such as hot air balloons, parachutes and camping equipment like tents.

Global Interest in Paragliding

More recently, paragliding has gained so much interest by people around the world. Premiere paragliders made the sport even more popular by holding tours all over the world. So far, the largest population of paragliding pilots is in France with a rough estimate of 25,000 pilots in the year 2004.

Other countries that advocate the sport include South American countries like Peru, Argentina, Brazil; European countries include Germany, Austria, and Italy; Asian countries with large numbers of paragliders include Japan, South Korea and China. In 2004, the United States has a rough total estimate of around 4,500 pilots but this number still continues to grow rapidly right now. The number of pilots in the United States keeps growing through advocacy and creation of paragliding training schools and events.

In the USA

In the United States, there are certain paragliding sites that will provide expert pilots and beginning enthusiasts a ride that will far exceed their expectations. Currently, there are more or less 250 paragliding sites all over the United States territories. The sites that will be mentioned here are highly recognized and will provide pilots with breath-taking, beautiful scenery while airborne; enjoying the calm and peaceful backdrop of lush forests and vivid terrain on top view and the calm, bright, sunny weather from above.

Paragliding Sites in the USA

Blossom Valley in California is one of the many paragliding sites in the United States. To get to the actual site, enthusiasts will have to hike up to the site for 10 to 15 minutes or can choose to get there through a 4×4 drive starting at Quail Canyon Road. Blossom Valley is pretty much considered to be beginner-friendly. Landing in this area is very easy.

There is a large field in the valley, right next to El Monte Park Road. What pilots need to watch out for though during landing are the power lines right next to concrete roads and driveways. The site is considered to be a sensitive site and it is important to communicate with the local pilots in the area before taking off for flight.

Another paragliding site located in California is Herd Peak. The area is a high desert with phenomenal vistas in view with lush fields of sage and juniper. The landing in this site is on soft ground. The area is considered to be privately owned though and it is not recommended to fly on northern days and mid-day during the summer season. Local pilots must be contacted as well since site introduction may be necessary.

Paragliding with Temperate Weather

If you want to go somewhere more tropical with temperate weather, Kahana in Oahu, Hawaii may be a perfect place for you. The site is accredited by USHPA. Before taking flights here though, pilots must recently be members of USHPA and the local club in the area. There is no fee when entering the local club.

The landing site in the wide, open area is surrounded by trees and is located at the middle of the beach. The area can be found on Windward Coast that can be reached within an hour from Honolulu by private or rented car or 1.5 hours by bus. Again, it is highly encouraged to contact pilots in the local club before flying in the site.

American Pilots

Although there are not many pilots in the United States compared to flying regions all over the world, the influence of the sport continues to grow. Be careful though in choosing training schools and also in choosing flying sites. Always seek the advice of local pilots in the area so as to be oriented with the specific details. In choosing training schools, be sure that they provide top-quality instruction and training.

You can make sure of this by visiting the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA)website. The USHPA website lists the names and locations of training schools that have been given the authority to provide high quality instruction to those who wish to engage in paragliding. Remember that safety is of utmost importance and enrolling in a certified training school will be crucial for a safe and fun paragliding experience.