Paragliding Offers Freedom of the Skies

Flying like a bird was long the dream of man before, in the early years of the last century, the Wright brothers got as close to it as humans thought would ever be possible. And so it was long thought. Fast-forward to 1978 and the dream suddenly came a whole lot nearer when French mountaineers were equipped with a square-shaped "parachute" that enabled them to glide, with some control, from the mid-levels of the Alps. It turned out to be the world's first successful paragliding attempt.

Since then, paragliders have rapidly been developed into sophisticated, technically sound machines that allow safe, perfect control by ordinary people after just a few lessons from experts. The sport was imported to China in the 1980s, and as quickly as elsewhere in the world became a top X-Sport pursuit that combined an element of danger with both challenge and independence for thrill-seekers.

Once the paraglider is strapped on, getting into the air is simple - usually a short sprint off a hilltop or hillside, after which the machine's lengthy, aerodynamically-designed umbrella (canopy), controlled by the flyer's bodily and hand movements, quickly picks up air currents and thermals which the flyer soon learns to read and exploit.

Top paragliders can stay in the air for many hours. The world's distance record currently stands at 300 kilometers, while the longest time aloft exceeds 10 hours. There are more than 100,000 paragliders in the world. China boasts more than 1,000 professional paragliders, who between them have so far trained over 10,000 enthusiasts.

Beijing's first paragliding body, the Superwing Paragliding Club, was founded in 1998. Initially, most members were foreigners, mainly Europeans, working in the city. Soon five more clubs were founded. All six clubs now attract more and more Chinese to their regular training and flying programs.

The most suitable paragliding sites in Beijing include Nankou, Changping District; the Ming Tombs Reservoir, Changping Distrct; and Songshan, Yanqing County. It is acknowledged that Emei Mountain in Sichuan Province is China's highest and best paragliding location, but only a few paragliders have enjoyd successful flights there.
China's first paragliding contest will be held in Chibi City, Hubei Province, from April 22 to May 4. More than 60 professional paragliders will take part. September this year will also see the China Aviation Sports Contest in Zhuhai, sponsored by China Aviation Sports Association and Zhuhai Aviation Exhibition Company.

Interested in Paragliding?
Experts answer key questions:
Is paragliding safe?

Like other extreme sports, it harbors its own potential dangers. Safety is, by definition, in the control of the paraglider, unless he or she happens to be accompanied by an instructor or other expert. Don'st go for cheap equipment. The quality of the glider and the flyer's personal skills are crucial to safety. But when you have been trained, you will feel confident of handling any challenge or emergency.

Can everyone take up paragliding?
Paragliding is not a sport that calls for a lot of strength. Women, in fact, tend to be better flyers than men. In Europe, paragliding in the world is very popular. Currently, the youngest paraglider is aged 10, and the oldest 80. Under Chinese regulations, however, you have to be aged over 18, and free of any serious illness or disease, before you can participate.

How difficult is it to learn?
Normally it takes a beginner five to eight days to learn paragliding. The first step is to watch a training session and start practicing take-offs from the ground, though at this stage you don'st actually get into the air. After learning to control the glider, and being instructed in basic flying theory and safety rules, a beginner can be taken to a low slope to try simple, initial flying.

How does one buy a paraglider?
There are different brands and designs, offering different functions and advantages. Before buying one, you should watch their flying capabilities, either on video or by witnessing them at a paragliding site. You can also get advice from a professional paraglider.

How much does a paraglider cost, and how long will it last?
A new one, including the umbrella, belts, spare umbrella, helmet, and altimeter, etc. costs about 10,000 yuan. Normally it will last for 300-500 flying hours.

Major Clubs in Beijing
Beijing Flying Man Paragliding Club
Training fee: 1,500 yuan (for beginners or of intermediate level).
245, Beisihuan Zhonglu, Haidian District.

Tel: 6234-4230
Email: webmaster@flying-man.com

Hualian Aviation Club
Currently the largest club in Beijing. It arranges activities every weekend for all levels of paraglider.

Training fee: 1,500 yuan.
West Courtyard, 8 Huayuan Donglu, Haidian District.
Tel: 8208-6340, 8208-6341.
Email: gliding@263.net

Superwing Paragliding Club
Training fee: 1,500 yuan.
Room B02, Yingdong Swimming Gymnasium, Olympic Sports Center, Chaoyang District.
Tel: 6491-2233, ext. 302.
Email: superwing@sohu.com