SolveYourProblem Article Series: Extreme Sports
I Love The Adrenaline Rush Of Extreme Sports

Hang Gliding - It's Like Heaven
   

If you have never experienced hang gliding before, you are missing out on one of the true feelings of real flying. The feeling of soaring through the air at gentle speeds over beautiful landscape is simply breathtaking. With some instruction, this experience can be enjoyed by almost any person, of any age. How many times have you seen a person celebrating their 75th birthday on the news and celebrated by hang gliding? It is a wonderful experience and is fairly easy to learn. Hang gliding takes no special skill, only that you have moderate upper body strength, so this makes it a perfect “extreme” sport for almost any age.

An Australian man named John Dickenson built the first form of hang gliding in 1963. He built the first craft out of a sort of kite. The word about this new contraption soon spread and people were rushing out to experience this new form of extreme sports. Now, the hang gliders that are made for today’s use are much safer and sturdier. These machines are able to reach high speeds for those looking for an extreme way to fly or can be used to simply float gently across the sky.

When learning to hang glide, important instructions are given. The first time hang glider, which is looking to experience the thrill of flying once, might want to consider a tandem glide. This is much like the tandem jump that a first time parachuter would experience. The instructor and the new glider are harnessed together and the flight is made together. This give the instructor complete control so that no one is injured and the first time glider can enjoy the experience.

Despite popular belief, a hang glider does not simply jump off a cliff to fly. When hang gliding, the glider will run and then the wings will take to the air. This launch is always carefully calculated before the fly so that the pilot has complete control of the gliding before ever reaching the edge of the cliff, or from wherever they are flying from. Some more experienced pilots may choose to launch from a move vehicle or lightweight plane. Whatever they choose, the pilot should be experienced before flying solo. All pilots must take courses in how to flying and become accredited. In addition, since this is now a requirement, hang gliding accidents have decreased since the 1980s when these courses were not required.

Anyone over the age of 14 can learn to hang glide and there is no age limit. Most people who want to hang glide might choose to rent equipment, however there are plenty of people who do this as a passion. A new hang glider will cost about $4000 brand new. A hang glider owner must also purchase a harness that will cost around $1000 new and parachute that will run around $600. Sometimes, a hang glider can purchase used equipment at a fraction of the new price, but it is always advisable to make certain used equipment is in superior working condition before buying.

Many people who hang glide for the first time do not describe hang gliding as a scary or harrowing experience. Instead, most describe gentle hang gliding as a wonderful experience that makes them feel free and floating. Even those who have a fear of heights do not feel scared since there is no feeling of falling. Each flight is carefully planned and executed, so most gliders feel comfortable with their experience in the air.

One of the most exhilarating hang gliding experiences can be had when you choose a unique location for your flight. How about trying to fly over the ocean or timing your flight right at sunset or sunrise? Many hang gliders love to have their flight near the mountains or other scenic landscape. Many even describe their hang gliding experience and peaceful and heaven-like.

Of course, there are those who like to turn any sport into a true “extreme” sport. Some might choose to push the limits on this sport and try to reach excessive speeds or jump from the highest cliffs. There is a place for those hang gliding enthusiasts, too. In 2000, the first world record in hang gliding was broken with top speeds. However you choose to hang glide, this will be an experience you will surely never forget.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

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