Paragliding evolved from parachuting. Parachutists wanted to stay airborne longer and have more manoeuvrability. They progressively modified wing designs through continuous innovation.
In the mid-1960s, Domina Jalbert created the ram-air parachute: small compartments that allow wind to inflate the canopy. This new design enabled parachutists to take off from sloping ground, which later gave the activity its name - "paragliding".
Today, paragliding is practised both recreationally and as a competitive sport. To control the wing, you'll need to understand not just the equipment but also how to read aerial currents.
That said, learning to paraglide is relatively easy - it's accessible to everyone aged 14 and above with no upper age limit.
You don't need to be particularly athletic, and even those with vertigo can participate. In fact, with no connection to the ground, there's no sensation of vertigo!
Don't hesitate to contact a paragliding school near you! If you've never flown before but are curious, you can book a tandem flight with an instructor.
If you enjoy the experience, you can progress to pilot training!
Your first paragliding lessons as a pilot will focus on ground take-offs. Taking off primarily involves learning to pre-inflate and inflate the canopy, handle the brakes, manage body position... in short, don't expect to join the birds without some theoretical and practical knowledge.
To become fully independent, you'll also learn to recognise favourable weather conditions for paragliding, including how to manoeuvre your canopy mid-flight to extend your airtime.
In summary, all you need to fly is desire and motivation. The cards are in your hands - if you truly want to fly, you will!
We've all had that dream where we're soaring through the sky, dancing among clouds. The backdrop changes - floating over cities, breathtaking landscapes, countryside - but the sensation remains universal.
An incredible wind of freedom carries you aloft, and upon waking, you long to recapture that feeling. Yet you needn't wait for sleep to relive this dream: paragliding lets you fly while wide awake!
You'll enjoy breathtaking aerial views of your town, region, country - why not even abroad!
Feel free to ask questions on our paragliding forum and share your stories - tell us about your passion!
See you in the clouds!
