It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s not Superman! It’s a PARAGLIDER!
The Best 7 Reasons Why You MUST Experience PARAGLIDING At Least Once In Your Lifetime
An aerial sport born out of parachuting, paragliding has been very popular and well-loved by many people since its early beginnings. This is one of the most noteworthy micro-sports in the U.S., Europe and in many parts of the world today. The charms of paragliding surely has captivated people who have always dreamt of being able to fly up high in the sky!
Just a little glimpse of paragliding’s onset – It actually started because of a certain military’s parachuting practice that led to an experiment. They were training how to land parachutes from the air, but because of the great number of military men practicing, it was consuming a lot of time in a single day.
To maximize the use of time, they tried starting to launch from the ground, with the parachuting equipment being pulled by a truck, so the parachute ascends; from above, the parachuter lands. It was like a manual and practical parachuting technique, but from there, they had many curiosities and came up with the idea of paragliding.
There are particularly two types of responses to the question, “Do you want to experience paragliding?”
One is the It’s-a-YES! reaction. This is from people who are adventurous, ready for any thrilling activity, anytime and anywhere! You can invite them the same day you want to have some sky cheer! Two is the I’m-never-going-to-try-it-even-if-you-pay-me-a-million kind of reaction. This is from those who are scared. They won’t even budge to do it even if you take everything away from them. Standing firm, they will not waver and not think twice about not giving that mind-blowing activity a chance.
Regardless of which of the two you are, know that paragliding is one of the MOST AMAZING things that you must experience at least once in your whole lifetime! It is something that you will never regret! And here are 6 powerful reasons why!
1 – FLY FROM THE GROUND WITH YOUR OWN FEET
You can go up to the sky while riding a hot air balloon, a helicopter or an airplane. You can even dive from the sky as if you are really flying yourself. But know that paragliding is without the use of a motor or an engine. You just fly from the ground with your own feet!
The inflatable wing, your feet and the air all work together to let you enjoy this aerial sport. You start lightly running from below with your parachutes already positioned and let the winds draw you up to the firmaments. Paragliders can travel mid air being light because of their functional flying equipment.
Isn’t it just astounding and heartwarming to be able to take flight from your own feet?! Paragliding experts tag this micro-sport as the easiest form of human flight. You cannot fly from your toes in any other way similar to paragliding. Definitely unbelievable!
2- WITNESS THE GLORIOUS CREATION FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE
Absolutely one of the major reasons why many people are so fuelled up to experience paragliding is the majestic and heart-stopping beauty of creation! There’s no way that its grace and allure will not make anyone stand in awe!
What makes paragliders appreciate and fall in love more deeply with the world’s magnificence is the spectacular angle from which they witness it! Imagine hovering the skies to heights of 5,000 feet, 18,000 feet, 23,000 feet! Not to mention, the height varies among different paragliding companies and locations and, of course, weather conditions. It’s incredible!
Paragliding’s speed can be adjusted, and it’s usually slow which makes the event even more meaningful. It lets you relish the priceless moment which can never be taken back and surely cannot be seen elsewhere. No exaggerations at all. The fascinating views from paragliding are unbeatable and unmatched. From nature’s refreshing views to the cityscapes’ dash, they are all marvelous to see from such a perspective.
This sport will make you feel like you’re just strolling around the vastest visible gift to mankind but with your feet floating in the sky. Immerse in the tranquility and joy that’s naturally set by such wonders! Picturesque scenes are breathtaking, you might want to stay up there forever! Cool thing, there are cameras ready to take your most unforgettable and astonishing paragliding experiences!
3 – IT’S SAFER THAN YOU THINK
Apparently, aside from the fear of heights, another common reason why many people are afraid of paragliding is the thought that it’s dangerous. True enough that if you look at it and at those people doing it, it seems an extreme recreation and totally for the lion-hearted!
But doubtlessly, you will be surprised to hear that paragliding is among the safest skyward sports out there! Well, of course, just like any other thing you do, there are some risks to it, yet the good news is that they seldom occur, and you can make sure they don’t happen to you!
The best way to have a safe and good paragliding experience is to get trained by a professional paragliding pilot and expert, learn it properly, use a glider in tip-top condition and choose the most suitable location.
4 – LEARNING IS EASIER THAN IT SEEMS
Compared to hang gliding and other aerial sports, paragliding is much easier for people to learn flying because the speed is slow.
What’s more, maneuvering a paraglider is more uncomplicated than it seems. It’s clear and easy to understand especially for nervous first-time paragliders. You grip the controls in your hands. The inflatable wing will move and shift according to your operation. This gives the paragliders a sense of relief that although the wind is the most decisive and independent factor here, they still have a high-level control in their paragliding movements. Having a masterful paraglider with you on your flight, you can be more at ease.
5 – TRAVEL ACROSS A COUNTRY LIKE A BIRD
Birds have always been envied by humans for their capability to fly. Well, they have wings. With a glider, you can travel far and wide like them too!
One of the most impressive and shocking things about this sport which most people are not aware of is that traveling throughout the expanse of a whole country is possible with paragliding.
This is when you are honing your paragliding skills or simply want to take it to the next level. However, keep in mind that this can be done ONLY IF you are a highly skilled glider or a veteran in the craft. This is a weighty thing to do, and knowing that it’s feasible is just so bewildering!
6 – IT’S GOOD FOR THE HEALTH TOO
Paragliding is not just about excitement, delight and admiration! If there’s another thing that’s excellently advantageous about it, it’s the wholesome health benefits that paragliders receive.
You need to have good balance, firm stability, right posture and a tough core in paragliding. And when you don’t have these before you try this in-flight sport, yours will be enhanced while and after you do it. This supports your body’s physical strength and capabilities, helping you reduce the risks of injuries from other strenuous physical activities. Many are glad to know that paragliding aids in weight loss and energy boost as well.
The mental health boons of paragliding cannot be skipped. It is a worthwhile stress-reliever. You can let your worries and troubles be washed away by the wind and the impeccable allure of sights! What’s even more rewarding, paragliding significantly teaches about the importance of discipline, concentration, control and life in general.
The learning is precious. The zest is incomparable.
7 – CONQUER YOUR FEARS
Paragliding is surely better than you think it is! You can do it better than you think you can too. Trying this intense but pleasurable aerial activity is one of the most unique ways to help yourself overcome your fears! It can augment your self-confidence and make you believe more in yourself. Is it heights that you’re afraid of? Maybe the handling of control? Or trusting someone? Whatever it is, there’s so much bliss and zing in paragliding that will help you conquer your fears!
THE FLIGHT OF YOUR LIFE
Paragliding is surely a must-try! There are numerous options if you’re looking for a place to try it. In Australia, gliding over the Central Coast’s ravishing beauty is a must. See the Gorges, Toowoon Bay, Blue Mountains and more glamor from above! In Switzerland, the Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Zurich, Zermatt and Geneva are just some of the many spots to aviate over the country’s glory; don’t forget the Swiss Alps! In South Korea, there are two spots only, but both of them are enough and are distinctly enthralling because of their views! The list goes on!
Without a doubt, paragliding is a peerless aerial sport that might be quite pricey but worth every penny! When you try it, you will understand why it costs how it costs. Have the flight of your life with paragliding! It’s going to be the best!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. She finds quality and well-researched writing as a worthwhile avenue to enlighten and delight others about things that matter. For her, it’s restoring and fulfilling to the heart and a great way to clear the mind while loading it up with fresh learning. Film critiquing and filmmaking are among her interests too. Giving all the glory to God, Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
