If you like the idea of getting the occasional adrenaline rush, it probably does not come as a surprise to read that there are a number of sports you can take up to achieve this. One of these is paragliding and it is becoming increasingly popular throughout the UK.
A paraglider enables you to take to the air in a very cost effective manner when compared to the likes of a fixed-wing aircraft. The canopy of your paraglider catches the wind and powers you on your travels.
These lightweight aircraft are capable of travelling huge distances. In fact, on 3rd August 2014, Mark Watts took to the skies in his Enzo 2 taking off from Milk Hill, not too far from Devizes in Wiltshire, and flew to Cromer on the Norfolk Coast – a distance of 275 km, breaking the open distance UK paragliding record.
There are numerous British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (BHPA) recreational paragliding clubs around the country so you shouldn’t have far to travel to attend one and enjoy all the benefits they provide including both flying and social benefits. However, before taking the plunge, you may wish to get a feel for the sport just to be sure that it is for you.
In this respect, you will find that a number of BHPA registered schools offer a one-day taster course costing in the region of £150. Then, if you decide paragliding is the thing for you, the next thing to do is sign up for the full training course that is likely to cost between £1,000 to £1,300. You can expect it to take about ten days of training to get to Club Pilot level that will permit you to fly without supervision as a member of a recreational club.
Paragliders can be carried in a rucksack on your back so are easy to transport to your take off point. As well as the canopy, you will need boots, flying suit, helmet and harness. In due course, you may choose to buy a GPS and emergency parachute. If you were purchasing a new paraglider expect to pay in the region of £2,000 to £2,500 but used ones can be bought for less.
So, if you want to find out more about the sport, why not take a look at the British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association’s website www.bhpa.co.uk You could soon be making your first solo flight.
At Airsports Insurance Bureau we have specialist schemes and facilities to cover the novice and most experienced paraglider. We can provide equipment cover, personal accident and travel insurance so please give the team a call on 02380 268351 who will be only to happy to help.
Safe flying and landing!
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