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Paragliding

Use a specially-designed parachute to glide from a hillside and continue your flight.

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What to expect

Many people think that parachutes bring people straight back down to Earth, but that isn’t always the case. Paragliding’s all about being suspended in a harness and seat, and controlling the canopy (making the most of wind and thermals) to continue your flight. You don’t need an engine, just a running start, a fabric wing, and a good wind.

Depending on where you’re getting stuck in, you may launch by running down a steep slope – as the air fills your parachute, you’ll be lifted up. In flatter areas, paragliders may be towed by a car or lifted by a winch until they’re high in the air.

However they get into the sky, airborne paragliders control their flight like a bird – moving their weight and adjusting their wings to stay in control. How they fly depends on the time of year, weather, and terrain – you’ll see people chasing rising air currents or thermal for lift, or riding air currents over hills and through valleys.

Even without an engine, paragliding flights can last for hours, covering hundreds of miles and climbing thousands of metres high. Flying so high means that paragliders have the chance to get great views – another reason why paragliding’s so popular over mountains and in coastal areas.

What you’ll learn

Paragliding is a relatively quiet way to fly and is also one of the least disruptive options. You’ll get a new appreciation for nature and the outdoors and a unique birds-eye view, while getting as close as possible to understanding the feeling of flying like a bird.

Being in tune with the outdoors is crucial, as you’ll fly with the air rather than against it. The wind and air don’t quite have minds of their own – they’re affected by the scenery, so you’ll have to consider it too. For example, a ridge may direct air upwards – paragliders need to spot it coming and know that it’s a chance to gain altitude. They’ll also circle around ascending thermal currents which come from different temperatures on the ground.

You’ll also have to dig deep and find your courage to give it a go. Your safety will be in your hands, decisions, and judgement, and you’ll have to work with the wind to let go of some control and let it take you on the best route.

Fun facts

  • The longest recorded straight distance flown paragliding is 350.6 miles, between the cities of Tacima and Paraíba in Brazil. Donizete Lemos, Rafael Saladini, and Samuel Nascimento share the record.
  • The highest recorded flight reached 8,157 metres. Antoine Girard achieved the height at Broad Peak (Falchan Kangri) in the Himalayas. 

Handy hints

  • Dress for success. Some people wear one-piece flight suits for paragliding, but whatever you’re comfy is in good. It’s best to have some warm layers and take sunglasses too.
  • An extra eye in the sky. A camera is a great way to capture memories, but make sure it’s securely attached to you throughout.
  • Choose the right shoes. Sturdy and supportive walking boots are best – they’re ideal for landing, and also help with running starts on uneven ground.

Safety

You must always:
Be safe outdoors:
  • Check the weather forecast
Preparing for your flying activities:
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts:
  • Acceptable instructor qualifications
    • British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association - Paragliding Instructor
You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:
  • The centre/instructor should hold one of these:
    • British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association - Paragliding Instructor

  • The provider must have public liability insurance.

Guidance

Access to airfields

Air Activities Safeguarding Guidance

Air Activities FAQ's

Reflection

Paragliding gave everyone the chance to enjoy being outside. What other activities have people done in the outdoors? How was paragliding different? What were people’s favourite things about the experience? How do people feel after a day outdoors, getting stuck into an adventure? People might feel tired, or ready to go home, but hopefully they feel calm, happy, or proud as well.

Paragliding also needed people to be courageous, take a deep breath, and go for it. What was unfamiliar about this activity? Had anyone tried anything similar before? How did previous experiences help people to give paragliding a go? Adventures are full of chances to learn and new things to think about, which is exciting, but it can make people feel worried too. How would people approach paragliding if they had the chance to do it again? Maybe they’d be less worried before they began, or they’d like to experiment with being less cautious.

  • Paragliding can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group – make sure you give them plenty of notice.
  • The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding association have an initiative called Flyability, which exists to give disabled people the opportunity to fly. They may be able to help or give you advice.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Air Activities Stage 4

Paragliding requires specific knowledge, experience, and equipment. Lots of people simply work with their local club and build a relationship with them, but if you want your group to be able to take it further, you could consider training as an air experience instructor (AEI). To be an AEI, you’d need to gain experience of canopy flying and hold the British Hand Gliding and Parachuting rating of ‘Club Pilot’, so it’s a long-term goal for people who are committed!