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Benefits of Skydiving

December 20, 2010 By

While there is a lot of talk around the dangers of skydiving, many people often overlook the benefits associated with the sport. The truth is, there are actually a lot of benefits that many people find when they are involved in skydiving. Let’s look at some of the benefits you may enjoy as you skydive.

1. It’s fun! If you are looking for a fun sport, then skydiving is definitely it. It’s so much fun to be free falling through the air and feeling the rush that comes.

2. It’s exhilarating! You definitely get an adrenaline rush when you jump from an airplane. The thrill of falling and not knowing for certain that your parachute will actually open is a rush that many people find thrilling.

3. It’s safe! Yes, skydiving is safe. We hear a lot about the dangers and the risks associated with skydiving, but the truth is that skydiving is really safe. The chances of actually dying or getting seriously injured are very rare. If you follow the safety guidelines, you should be just fine when you skydive.

4. It’s challenging! If you are looking for a challenging sport, then skydiving is it! You have to have a lot of athletic ability to jump and then maneuver through the air. Pulling your parachute at just the right time and then landing without hurting your knees or legs also takes skill. You will definitely challenge your physical and mental abilities when you skydive.

When you are ready to take a leap and try skydiving, keep these benefits in mind. In fact, you may find that the benefits of skydiving far outweigh any risks. You will obviously want to be aware of the risks so that you are safe, but do not let the risks scare you out of having a great time skydiving.

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The Basics of Paragliding

December 17, 2010 By

Paragliding is a relatively new sport. While it has been around for awhile, many people are just now discovering how fun and exciting paragliding really is. If you are into being extreme and looking for a thrill, then paragliding may be exactly what you are looking for.

What is Paragliding?
Before you can decide if paragliding is the sport you want to get into, you should first understand what paragliding is. Basically, paragliding assisted human flight. You fly through the air, without any motor or any help other than the wind. You use a paraglider to propel through the air, which is a motorless wing made from nylon. The wing is secured to a harness that attaches to the pilot.

How does Paragliding Work?
When getting ready to go paragliding, the pilot sits on a harness and launches himself from a high surface, such as a hill or a mountain. The pilot launches by foot, running off of the incline and into the air. The pilot steers the wing by shifting his weight. Paragliders soar with the wind. When the wind is right, a paraglider can actually stay in the air for hours.

How Do I Get Started?
If paragliding sounds like something you would want to try, the first thing you’ll want to do to get started is to take a class. You can find paragliding courses that will teach you basic techniques and safety rules. You’ll learn how to do a solo flight during your class. Many paragliding classes only last two or three days. For more advanced training, you’ll want to take additional courses.

If you’re ready for a challenge and want to learn a new sport, then definitely think about taking up paragliding. You’ll feel a sense of freedom and control when you sail over the earth with nothing but your wing to guide you.

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The Difference Between Parasailing and Paragliding

December 15, 2010 By

If you enjoy paragliding, then you may have also thought about joining in on parasailing. But if you think that paragliding and parasailing are basically the same thing, then you may be surprised that the two sports are actually quite different. Let’s look at the differences between parasailing and paragliding.

What is Paragliding?
Paragliding is a flying sport. It’s often done competitively or purely for sport. Paragliding is done with a free-flying paraglide that is launched by foot. The paraglider sits in a harness that is suspended below the paraglide wing.

What is Parasailing?
Parasailing is also a recreational sport, but it is done as a person is towed behind a boat. When parasailing, the person is attached to a parachute known as a parasail. Once the boats takes off and gets speed, the parasailor is propelled into the sky. While paragliding is usually done solo, parasailing can be done with two or three people at a time.

The Differences
Paragliding and parachuting are actually very different sports. A parasail does not fly freely through the air. A parasail is actually propelled by a motorized vehicle. Paragliding is done with only the power of the wind. While both sports are a lot of fun and take some skill, paragliding is usually done as a hobby while parasailing is for people seeking recreation, like on a vacation. You will definitely put more care and thought into your paragliding adventures than you would your parasailing time.

Parasailing and paragliding, while different, are both fun sports. Depending on your purpose, you can try one or both sports. Take some time to explore the possibilities and enjoy your time in the air. No matter which sport you choose, you can be soaring above the earth and experience life like you never have before. Head out and explore the possibilities. What are you waiting for?

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Learning about Base Jumping

December 11, 2010 By

If you are into extreme sports, then chances are you’ve heard of base jumping. If you love the thrill that you get from skydiving or bungee jumping, then base jumping may be your next big thing. Before you rush out and try base jumping, let’s first talk about what base jumping is.
What is Base Jumping?
Base Jumping is a combination of skydiving and bungee jumping. Base jumping uses a parachute, but instead of jumping from an airplane, you jump from a fixed object, like a building or a bridge. In fact, BASE stands for the objects that base jumpers usually make their jump from: buildings, antennae, bridges (spans), or earth (cliffs).

How Does Base Jumping Work?
Base jumping is basically a form of skydiving. In fact, the sport grew from the basics of skydiving. Base jumps are made at much lower heights than skydivers would jump, so the speed and the distance is more limited that it would be with a skydive. In general, base jumps have slower airspeeds and jumpers lack aerodynamic control. In order to get more speed, base jumpers wait longer than skydivers to open their parachutes.

Base jumpers fall at lower speed and may actually tumble as they fall. The jumper needs to quickly get in control of the tumble in order to properly execute the parachute.

Many people believe that base jumping is actually more dangerous than skydiving. The lower speeds and jumping from objects makes base jumping more technical. There are a lot of aspects the jumper has to think about in a short amount of time.

Both base jumping and skydiving are extreme sports. If you are into speed, challenge, and high risks, then base jumping may be just right for you. Learn more about the sport and be sure to always take the proper safety precautions. Then, it’s time to jump!

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Discovering the History Behind Paragliding

December 9, 2010 By
The Paresev experimental aircraft. A normal fl...
Image via Wikipedia

Paragliding is a fun hobby and a great sport to get into. If you are a paraglider, then you already know how great the sport is. You love the thrill you get as you soar through the air and the adrenaline rush simply cannot be beat. However, have you ever stopped to think about the history of paragliding? Let’s take a short look into the story behind paragliding.

Before we can talk about the paraglider, we must first talk about the parachute. The parachute is how the paragliding was born. The first time a parachute was ever used was in World War I. The navy often towed people with a parachute behind a boat to see what was on the horizon. Who knew that parachutes actually helped fight a war?

Fast forward a few year to the 1950s and we start to see the beginnings of modern day paragliders. In 1958, Francis and Gertrude Rogallo invented what is known as the first wing of this type. They actually developed the wing for NASA and called it the Rogallo wing. This is what many call the beginning of paragliding.

David Barish, in 1965, took the first trip with a paraglider, or what was known as a “sail wing” in those days. His trip took off from Hunter Mountain, New York. This is where we see the first mention of a paraglider.

Paragliding as we know it today can probably be credited to Gerard Bosson. He introduced paragliding to the world championship of hang gliding in 1979. Just a short 10 years later, in 1989, the first Paragliding World Championship was held.

From humble beginnings, paragliding has an interesting history. What was once a means to help with a war is now a fun and exciting hobby. Take your place in history and try paragliding today.

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Adventures in the Air

December 8, 2010 By

Flying and flying-related sports are so much fun. There is just something special about being above the earth and exploring the sky. Flying sports are exhilarating and exciting! If you are interested in flying sports, you should first know what kind of flying sports are available. Here’s a look at our top picks for flying sports.

1. Private pilot. Our favorite flying sport is becoming a private pilot. If you have always wondered what it was like in the cockpit, now is your chance. You can take control of an aircraft and explore the world on your own.

2. Skydiving. Here is another fan favorite. Skydiving is a very popular sport – and for good reason. There is a certain rush that comes over you as you jump from an airplane and soar through the sky.

3. Paragliding. For those who like the rush that comes from skydiving, but prefer more of a slower pace, paragliding might be the thing. You still jump from great heights, but you are floating through the air instead of free falling.

4. Base jumping. Serious thrill seekers will go for base jumping. This is basically jumping from a building or a bridge, with nothing but a parachute. Be careful where you attempt to base jump; it can actually be illegal in some places.

5. Bungee jumping. For a fun, short flying experience, take to the bungee cords. You can free fall and then bounce up and do it again! Many people love the fun that comes from bungee jumping.

There are lots of ways to enjoy flying-related sports. If you want thrill, excitement, and a total adrenaline rush, then try one of our ideas here. Don’t be surprised if you become addicted to flying sports! Some people try these sports just once and then they are addicted for life.

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Best Places to Go Paragliding

December 7, 2010 By

Paragliding is a hobby that many people around the world have taken up and are enjoying. It is a fun and exhilarating way to spend your time. Take a look at some of our favorite places to go on your next paragliding adventure.

1. Head to Europe and go paragliding in the French Alps. Paragliding is very popular in this area of the world. In fact, some of the first paragliders actually come from France. Summer is the perfect time to go paragliding in the Alps because the temperatures are moderate and the winds strong.

2. Staying in Europe and on the continent, you could go paragliding in Barcelona, Spain. If pristine atmosphere is what you are looking for, this is the place. You can fly over the Pyrenees mountains for a spectacular view.

3. Jump across the pond (or the Channel in this case) and try soaring over England. With the beautiful green lands and rolling hills, England is a great place
to go paragliding.

4. If you want to do some paragliding in the United States, then stick to the Western states. The flat land and dry conditions in the West make paragliding ideal. One of the best places to go paragliding in the U.S. is Utah.

5. You may also want to go to Colorado if you want to stay in the United States. The high mountains make for an interesting experience.

6. A place you may not suspect, but is also great for paragliders, is Australia. In the land down under, you can go straight into the sky and reach new heights.

Try some of our favorites here on your next paragliding adventure. Rain or shine, you will find these places to be some of the best in the world for paragliding. Pack your bags, grab your glider, and head out for a new adventure.

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Sports that Need a Parachute

December 5, 2010 By
MATAMATA, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 16: In this h...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

There are many sports out there that utilize a parachute. Parachutes aren’t just for the armed forces; they are actually used by common people to have fun and seek adventures. Below are some of the sports that use a parachute.

1. Skydiving. It comes as no surprise that skydiving is a sport that uses a parachute. It’s the parachute that helps you land safely back on ground after you’ve made your jump from a plane.

2. Base jumping. Here’s another sport that uses a parachute. When base jumping, you have to pull your parachute quickly in order to keep safe.

3. Parasailing uses a type of parachute. It’s not a traditional parachute, but it is still a type of parachute. In this case, the parachute keeps you up in the air, instead of helping you land safely.

4. Paragliding. Like parasailing, paragliders use a type of parachute. Again, it is the parachute that actually keeps the harness up in the air for longer periods of time.

5. Indoor skydiving. Like jumping out of an airplane, indoor skydivers also use a parachute. This is a fun and safe way to try skydiving.
These are just a few of the sports that use parachutes. If you are into extreme sports, especially those that take you up in the air, then you will want to become very familiar with parachutes and how they work. When your parachute isn’t packed correctly or isn’t working the right way, it can spell disaster for you. Take the time to learn all you can about parachutes and the sports related to them in order to stay safe, while having a great time.

You can have a lot of fun when you play with parachutes. Keep it safe and then you’ll be able to enjoy your flying sport for many years to come.

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How to Join a Paragliding Club

December 2, 2010 By

If you love paragliding and participate regularly in the sport for your hobby, then it may be time for you to join a paragliding club. Here are some ideas and tips for joining a paragliding club that you may want to keep in mind.

1. The first thing you have to do is choose a club. You may find many different types of clubs in your area so be sure to look at all the options. You don’t want to get into a club that doesn’t really meet any of your needs, so be sure to do your research. If you are looking for friends to go paragliding with, make sure your club has enough people in it. If you are looking for information about paragliding, the number of people may not be an issue.

2. You’ll likely have to apply to be in the club. This is often an easy process. You’ll fill out an application and then pay an entry fee. The fee goes to paragliding classes and other helps that the club might offer.

3. After you are in the club, you’ll probably have to pay dues every year. Again, this is the money that goes towards the benefits the club offers.

4. Go out and have fun! After you’ve joined a club, be sure to be an active participate. You’ll want to get out there and meet all the club members. Then, take off on some paragliding adventures and have a great time!

Paragliding is quickly becoming a very popular hobby. If you join a paragliding club, be sure to keep the tips here in mind. You want to find a club that fits your needs and works around your schedule. Check out the clubs available in your area and then start having some fun with your new paragliding friends.

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