[image: wikipedia.org]
Paragliding is the simplest, most straightforward way to fly, and it is inspired by parachuting canopies. Learn more about the equipment involved, how to do it, where to paraglide, and the best way to learn by reading on.
Paragliding Equipment
The equipment required is minimal. It includes a parafoil and harness, helmet, flight suit, and boots. Many Paragliders also use a variometer, radio and GPS system. The variometer tells the paraglider whether they are rising or sinking. Using the radio, paragliders can communicate with other flyers and train their pupils. GPS systems can give paragliders instantaneous information on their location, and their travelling direction.
How and Where to Paraglide
In order to paraglide, usually, gliders find a hill to launch off of. Or, they can use a winch to launch themselves into the air in order to catch onto wind currents. Once aloft, the athlete can use the brakes to slow the craft, the speed bar to accelerate, or a weight shift to change direction. The brake is used in order to land the parafoil.
Paragliders can take different lengths of flights, from a short run to intercontinental flights. There are several regions around the world that are full of paragliding enthusiasts and have a large community, such as the Bay Area in California, USA or the West Country in the UK.
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Learn to Paraglide
Paragliders must learn from and accredited school; the courses generally take about 10 days, provided the weather is suitable for flying. First, students learn to control the glider on the ground. Then, they tackle small hills, with the elevation rising as their skills increase. It's important for paragliding students to know about aviation law, meteorology and general air etiquette, and so these subjects are generally covered during the training sessions as well. Instructors then take students on a test run as passengers and finally, with the instructor's blessing, the student is cleared to take their own flights after the course has been completed to satisfaction. After the course, enthusiasts usually receive a national flight card and an International Pilot Proficiency Information/Identification card, which has 5 levels which range from Elementary to Pro.