paragliding

Paragliding is an air sport in which a pilot flies a lightweight, foot-launched glider called a paraglider. The wing is a fabric, ram-air airfoil made of cells; the pilot sits in a harness suspended beneath. Launch typically begins from a gentle slope where the wing is inflated by running or, in some cases, aided by a tow or winch.

Control is achieved by weight shifting in the harness and by pulling on brake lines to adjust speed and direction. The wing’s cells inflate with forward motion, and the pilot can steer by turning left/right with harness and brakes. A reserve parachute and a variometer for vertical speed are common safety and performance aids.

Paragliding emerged in the 1980s from experiments with ram-air parachutes and has since grown into an internationally practiced sport. Training typically begins with ground handling and tandem flights under supervision. Licensing or certification requirements vary by country and often include theory, practical flight tests, and ongoing safety checks.

Typical activities include recreational flying, cross-country journeys, and competitive events such as precision landing and distance tasks. Tandem flights are offered for observers and beginners under qualified supervision. Weather, airspace rules, equipment maintenance, and safety practices shape the sport's risk management.