One of the most frequently asked questions related to the fabulous world of paragliding: How can a piece of cloth allow us to fly?
In a nutshell, paragliding flies using energy sources (wind and/or sun). The pilot can vary the speed of it using the brakes. When you release the brakes, the glider reaches its maximum speed. Flight depends primarily on the speed created at takeoff using your weight under the wings or canopy.
To take off, the paraglider must run down a slope, which will inflate the wing with air to take the shape of a wing and thus allow you to take off!
What are the different stages of paragliding flight?
Of course, you must first contact a paragliding center to make an appointment.
When you arrive at the center, an instructor will give you information about your flight. A transportation service will pick you up to drop you off at a point to take off. The instructor will give you a harness and a helmet.
The wing is prepared on the ground and checked by the pilot. You will then move so that the kite inflates and is in place. Now it’s time to run uphill (usually between 10 and 20 meters). Once you take off, you’ll sit in the harness and be ready to fly.
Once in the sky, keep your eyes open to admire the magnificent landscapes that surround you.
Paragliding will not give you thrills like skydiving, it is rather a calm, relaxing and magical moment to live. It is more like a hot air balloon flight than a parachute jump in terms of sensations.
As for the landing, it is also smooth. You only need to take a few steps like for take off and you will be back on solid ground with beautiful pictures in mind. If you are doing an introductory flight, an instructor will teach you how to use the wing and you will be able to do small flights on a “school slope”. It is absolutely necessary that you follow this step in order to fly alone. However, if you are doing a paragliding introduction, an instructor will be in a harness right behind you.