Phuket 2014

Paragliding is a recreational and competitive flying sport. A paraglider is a free-flying person who sits in a harness suspended below a modified parachute.

The shape of this fabric wing is formed by the pressure of air entering vents in the front and this impacts on how far the pilot can go, it can be steered or controlled by the lines/strings attached to the parachute. Take off and landing is usually by foot.

Paragliding was incorporated into the Asian Beach Games in 2008.

Powered paragliders usually fly between 15 and 45 mph (25 and 70 km/h) at altitudes from 'foot-dragging in the grass' up to 18,000 ft (5400 m) although most flying is done under 500 ft (150 m) AGL (above ground level). Due to the paramotor's slow forward speed, it must not be flown in conditions of high wind, turbulence, or intense thermal activity.

The paramotor, weighing from 45 to 80 pounds (20 to 36 kg) is supported by the pilot during takeoff. After a brief run (typically 10 feet or 3 metres) the wing lifts the motor and its harnessed pilot off the ground. After takeoff, the pilot gets into the seat and sits suspended beneath the inflated paraglider wing. Control is available using brake toggles for roll and a hand-held throttle for pitch.