ADVENTURE SPORTS

NAME : SPANDHANA

CLASS : IX

SECTION : D

ROLL NO : 30

DATE : 10.01.2025
Here's an overview of paragliding:
Definition
Paragliding is a recreational flying sport that
involves soaring through the air on a
lightweight, inflatable wing.
How it Works
1. *Launch*: Paragliders take off from a
high point, such as a mountain or hill, by
running down a slope with the wing
inflated.
2. *Lift*: As the paraglider gains speed, the
wing rises, and the pilot is lifted off the
ground.
3. *Soaring*: The paraglider uses rising air
currents, such as thermals or ridge lifts, to
stay aloft and gain altitude.
4. *Landing*: The pilot navigates the
paraglider to a safe landing spot, using a
combination of steering and altitude
control.
Types of Paragliding
1. *Recreational*: Casual, leisurely flying for
fun.
2. *Cross-country*: Flying long distances,
often using thermals and other lift sources.
3. *Acro*: Aerobatic paragliding, involving
tricks and maneuvers.
4. *Tandem*: Flying with an instructor,
ideal for beginners.

Equipment
1. *Wing*: The inflatable paraglider wing,
made of lightweight materials.
2. *Harness*: The pilot's seat and
attachment to the wing.
3. *Helmet*: Safety headgear.
4. *Reserve parachute*: An emergency
parachute, deployed in case of a wing
failure.

Safety
1. *Weather conditions*: Paragliders must
be aware of wind, turbulence, and other
weather factors.
2. *Equipment maintenance*: Regular
checks and maintenance of the wing,
harness, and other gear.
3. *Pilot training*: Proper instruction and
training are essential for safe paragliding.
Popular Paragliding Destinations
1. *Interlaken, Switzerland*: Known for its
stunning mountain scenery and consistent
flying conditions.
2. *Annecy, France*: A popular spot for
paragliding, with breathtaking views of Lake
Annecy.
3. *Queenstown, New Zealand*: A mecca
for adventure sports, including paragliding.
4. *Manali, India*: A scenic destination in
the Himalayas, offering stunning views and
consistent flying conditions.
Here's a list of essential paragliding
equipment:

Paragliding Wing
1. *Paraglider*: The inflatable wing that
provides lift.
2. *Lines*: Connect the paraglider to the
harness.
3. *Risers*: Connect the lines to the
harness.

Harness and Safety Gear

1. *Harness*: The pilot's seat, providing
support and control.
2. *Helmet*: Protects the pilot's head.
3. *Reserve Parachute*: A backup
parachute in case of emergencies.
4. *Variometer*: Indicates the paraglider's
rate of climb or descent.

Navigation and Communication

1. *GPS Device*: Provides location and
navigation information.
2. *Radio*: For communication with other
pilots and air traffic control.
3. *Compass*: For navigation.
Other Essential Gear
1. *Speed System*: Allows the pilot to
increase speed.
2. *Brake Lines*: Control the paraglider's
speed and direction.
3. *Carabiners*: Connect the harness to the
paraglider.
4. *Paragliding Boots*: Provide support and
protection for the pilot's feet.
Paragliding launching involves a series of
steps and techniques to ensure a safe and
successful takeoff. Here's a general
overview Preparation
1. *Site selection*: Choose a suitable launch
site, considering factors like wind direction,
slope, and obstacles.
2. *Weather check*: Check the weather
conditions, ensuring suitable wind speed
and direction.
3. *Equipment check*: Inspect the
paraglider, harness, and other equipment
to ensure they are in good condition.
Launch Techniques
1. *Forward launch*: Run forward with the
paraglider inflated, lifting off the ground.
2. *Reverse launch*: Walk backward with
the paraglider inflated, then turn and run
forward to lift off.
3. *Tandem launch*: Launch with an
instructor, who guides the student through
the process.

Key Considerations
1. *Wind direction*: Ensure the wind is
blowing from the correct direction for a
safe launch.
2. *Slope angle*: Choose a launch site with
a suitable slope angle to allow for a smooth
takeoff.
3. *Air traffic*: Be aware of air traffic in the
area, ensuring a safe and clear launch.
Remember, paragliding launching requires
proper training, equipment, and
experience. Always follow safety guidelines
and regulations, and seek instruction from a
certified instructor if you're new to
paragliding.
Paragliding landing involves a series of steps
and techniques to ensure a safe and
controlled touchdown. Here's a general
overview:

Preparation
1. *Planning*: Identify a suitable landing
site, taking into account wind direction,
obstacles, and terrain.
2. *Altitude*: Start descending from a safe
altitude, allowing time to configure the
paraglider for landing.
3. *Speed*: Reduce speed by using the
brake lines or by flying into wind.

Landing Configuration
1. *Flare*: Pull the brake lines to reduce lift
and slow down the paraglider.
2. *Pitch*: Adjust the paraglider's pitch to
control the rate of descent.
3. *Alignment*: Align the paraglider with
the wind direction and landing site.

Touchdown
1. *Glide*: Maintain a steady glide path,
aiming for a gentle touchdown.
2. *Flare*: Pull the brake lines again just
before touchdown to reduce lift and speed.
3. *Run-out*: After touchdown, run
forward to dissipate energy and maintain
control.
Safety Considerations
1. *Wind*: Be aware of wind conditions, as
strong or gusty winds can make landing
challenging.
2. *Obstacles*: Identify potential obstacles,
such as power lines, trees, or rocks.
3. *Landing gear*: Ensure the paraglider is
properly configured and secured for
landing.

Remember, paragliding landing requires

practice, experience, and attention to safety
protocols. Always follow guidelines and
regulations, and seek instruction from a
certified instructor if you're new to
paragliding.
Paragliding control involves using various
techniques and equipment to steer and
navigate the paraglider. Here are some key
control methods:

Control Techniques
1. *Weight Shift*: Shifting your weight to
change the paraglider's direction and pitch.
2. *Brake Lines*: Pulling the brake lines to
slow down or steer the paraglider.
3. *Speed Bar*: Using the speed bar to
increase speed and reduce lift.

Equipment
1. *Harness*: The pilot's seat, which
provides support and control.
2. *Brake Lines*: Lines connected to the
paraglider's trailing edge, used for steering
and slowing down.
3. *Speed System*: A mechanism that
allows the pilot to increase speed.
4. *Variometer*: An instrument that
indicates the paraglider's rate of climb or
descent.

Control Types
1. *Roll Control*: Controlling the
paraglider's rotation around its longitudinal
axis.
2. *Pitch Control*: Controlling the
paraglider's angle of attack.
3. *Yaw Control*: Controlling the
paraglider's rotation around its vertical axis.
In paragliding, a fast descent is typically
achieved through specific techniques and
maneuvers. Here are some common
methods:

Spiral Dive
A spiral dive involves flying in a spiral
pattern, which creates a high rate of
descent.

Wing Overs
Wing overs are a type of maneuver where
the paraglider is intentionally banked to one
side, creating a rapid descent.

Big Ears
Big ears involve folding the wingtips of the
paraglider to reduce lift and increase the
rate of descent.

B-Line Stall
A B-line stall involves intentionally stalling
the paraglider by pulling the B-lines, which
creates a rapid descent.

S-Bends
S-bends involve flying in an S-shaped
pattern, which creates a high rate of
descent.

Helical Descent
A helical descent involves flying in a helical
pattern, which creates a controlled and
rapid descent.

Risers
Risers involve pulling down on the risers to
reduce lift and increase the rate of descent.

Speed System
Using the speed system, which involves
pulling a cord to reduce the angle of attack
and increase speed, can also facilitate a fast
descent.

Important Safety Considerations

It's crucial to note that these techniques
should only be performed by experienced
paragliders, as they require precise control
and knowledge of the paraglider's behavior.
Additionally, pilots should always follow
safety guidelines and regulations, and
ensure they have the necessary training and
equipment before attempt

Recreational Flying
1. *Soaring*: Flying without engine power,
using thermals (rising columns of warm air)
to stay aloft.
2. *Ridge Soaring*: Flying along mountain
ridges, using rising air currents to stay aloft.

Cross-Country Flying
1. *Thermal Flying*: Using thermals to gain
altitude and cover long distances.
2. *Flatland Flying*: Flying over flat terrain,
often using thermals and wind currents.

Acrobatic Flying
1. *Aerobatics*: Performing aerial stunts,
such as loops and spirals.
2. *Freestyle*: Combining aerobatics with
other flying styles.

Tandem Flying
1. *Tandem Paragliding*: Flying with an
instructor, ideal for beginners or those who
want a relaxing flight.

Other Types
1. *Paramotoring*: Flying with a portable
engine and propeller.
2. *Speed Flying*: Flying at high speeds,
often through challenging terrain.
3. *Hike and Fly*: Hiking to a launch site
and then flying.
- *2023 World Champions*:
- Men's: Maxim Pinot (France)
- Women's: Meryl Delferriere (France)
- Team: France ¹
- *2021 World Champions*:
- Men's: Russell Ogden (United Kingdom)
- Women's: Yael Margelisch (Switzerland)
- Team: United Kingdom ¹
- *European Champions*:
- 2010 Men's: Luca Donini (Italy)
- 2010 Women's: Petra Slivova (Czech
Republic) - 2012 Men's: Yassen Savov
(Bulgaria)