Paragliding - A Fascinating Aerosport
The fascinating sport of Paragliding, is one of the most popular aero sports all over the world. A large number of people across the world enjoy this sport, as it is convenient and safe medium of soaring high in the air. Paragliding is the latest aero sport, whose origin goes back to1940s, but it expended rapidly after 1980s. The adventure sport is a blend of skydiving and hand gliding, but a para-glider is different from a hand-glider or a parachute. A para-glider is much lighter, easy to open and it take a short time to glide, as there is no any need to jump from a helicopter or plane. Paragliding is somewhat similar to Para Sailing, the only difference is that Para Sailing is done on the beach while the launch sides for Para Gliding are gentle hill sides. One needs some basic training and strong determination to successfully glide high in the air.
The Himalayan mountain ranges in India are world famous as they offer enough Para gliding opportunities. The lofty peaks of these mountains, sprawling from north to east are considered amongst the best gliding sites of the world.
General Info
Major Paragliding Destinations :
Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Darjeeling, Gangtok and Jammu & Kashmir.
Best Time for Paragliding :
Paragliding in India can be done throughout the year as the climatic of varied paragliding regions are quite favorable in different seasons.
Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh
Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the most famous Paragliding site, which offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar ranges. Solang is the best for amateurs, while Bijli Mahadev is a perfect site for hill launching. Other famous sites are Bandla ridge (2,600 ft), Lahaul & Spiti and Arhaul-Anu.
Para Gliding in Uttaranchal
Garhwal Himalayan ranges in Uttaranchal are considered ideal for both professionals as well as beginners. For Paragliding training courses are available in Garhwal. Most famous Paragliding sites of the regions are Naukutchiyatal, Dayara Bugyal, Dhanolti Ridge and Bedni Bugyal in Kumaon.
Paragliding in Rajasthan
Paragliding options are available even in the desert land of Rajasthan. It can be organized with permission from civil aviation authorities in the places like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner.
Equipments Required
Equipments essential for Paragliding include a glider, that can resist the thermal currents, a harness which binds the Para-glider safely with the pilot. The glider should be designed in such a way that it can be released quickly after landing of the pilot. Other equipments requires are a helmet, a reserve parachute and a variometer to gauge the ascent or descent of the glider. Those who cannot afford the equipment or do not have the time to get the gliding training, they can enjoy the aero sport in a Tandem Glider with an experienced pilot.
Para-Glider
The Para-Glider is the main equipment of the Paragliding. A para-glider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable wing, that can be easily launch, turn and land. It is made up of rip-stop nylon or high stress polyesters. The pilot remain attached to the para-glider with a harness by a sturdy Kevlar nines. The pilot is clipped into a harness in a comfortable sitting position. Gliders can fly high up to the heights more than 10,000 ft or can cover long distances with the help of the glider.
Para Gliding Essentials
» One needs to be physically fit and should know how to fly a glider. Beginners should be aware about the basics of paragliding, including launching, turning and landing.
» Do not try so many stunts, as it is an aero sport, and you may come across unavoidable circumstances.
» Always remain mentally alert to cope with the adverse conditions as well as hurdle of paragliding.
