Thursday, March 17, 2011

How to Fly a Paraglider - Useful Tips

How to Fly a Paraglider

Paragliding is very easy to learn but takes time to master. It is best to do the training as close together as possible or you keep having to relearn the same thing. Paragliding is weather dependant it needs to be dry and the wind less than 15 miles an hour.

First chose a nice launch area with the wind coming up. Free from bracken so your lines don't get tangled and clear of obstacles. Don't set up in front of a boulder on a windy day!
When building the wall. Make sure it's directly into wind with an imaginary line drawn between the center of your glider through your back and into the wind. By moving your body from side to side you will get an even leading edge when your back is directly into wind. Pull up the glider evenly using the weight from your body on the harness, your hands just guide the glider up. Don't pull the risers towards you or you will distort the canopy. Keep the tension on the lines at all times. Get ready to pull on some brake to prevent the glider overflying. 

If the glider pulls to one side you can grab both risers with one hand and move your body under the center whilst pulling on the opposite brake, letting it up as the glider comes above you. Try to keep the leading edge coming up straight, without stalling the wing. Once the glider is above you do not be in a hurry to turn. Get the glider stable and check the lines. 

As you turn around step back into wind, this keeps the glider stable. A common mistake is to turn on the one spot or to step backwards which makes the lines go slack, creating a front tuck.
Step calmly into wind keeping your body leaning forward so the pressure still comes from your harness. Take your brakes and if there is enough wind practice standing with the glider above your head feeling the paraglider through your brakes . Try not to look at it. If it drops down to one side move under the center of the glider and pull on the opposite brake whilst keeping the pressure on the wing. Don't pull too much brake or the glider will pull you backwards and stall.

This technique will give you an idea of what conditions are like before you takeoff and is good practice for active flying. When the wind feels good and the glider is trying to lift you, let the brakes up, lean your body weight forward and accelerate as you feel it lifting pull gently on the brakes to transfer some of your speed into lift. Don't Jump! Keep your legs down ready to run again until away from the hill.

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Source: flyingfever

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