Anyone on here want to show me the ropes? Please don't say, go to a paragliding forum because I'll do that anyways.

Then they will tell you to go to a school and get your certifications. I'm just guessin. That's serious business that you don't want to be asking questions about while you are hovering off the ground. But yes it would sure be a rush.

Yeah, school is the only way to go on that one.

P.S. And you think kites are pricey?

www.usairnet.com has some links to schools. It also has some decent forecasts if you go to the aviation forcast. http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi

http://www.discoverparagliding.com/

Solaris just got her instructors level !

She is a fantastic rep for SkyCountry . Very good with her time and willing to introduce us to the sport learning to kite them in our park.

This is one sport that getting lessons is a MUST ! But you already know that.

I would paraglide ( and skydive ) in a heartbeat if I could afford to !

Between lessons and gear, how much would everything cost?

More than all your kiting equipment put together I suspect...

The cheapest Ozone Glider (which is for foot/ski launch and is a speed wing) is still $1500 and is for intermediate use. And that doesn't count the helmet, harness, or the multiple lessons required to get the certification that you'll likely need.

Which glider is right for you.

The normal beginner paraglider is around $3000.

Here is the association responsible for it in the US. [EDIT]The site isn't currently loading.[/EDIT]

Can't you do tandem on these?

No idea.

Yes, you can do tandem with a paraglider. I believe a while back Eli posted pictures/video of flying with his pup, so it doesn't matter if you partner normally runs on two or four legs.

Was there a second part to that question?

ATB,
Sam

God can someone take me tandem? I'm hoping to get into paragliding by the time I'm in college or before...

Make sure you offer the opportunity to me too.

You might have to make some new friends....

Paragliding sites in the Roanoke area:
http://www.sage-technology.com/paraglide/

Forum for the Capital Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
http://www.chgpa.org/forums/

ATB,
Sam

I did a tandem flight with Discover Paragliding. It was amazing! It cost me a little more than $100.00. The flight wasn't very long but I wouldn't take it back. It was a great experience. Next time I have $1000.00 laying around I will do the training course to allow me to fly by myself.

Is the training course a long term thing?

I sent ozone a paraglider demo request. They said they're sending me the mantra 3 to try out for the month and I'll keep it if I like it.

training course is 3-5 days I think.

Quote:

Originally posted by power They said they're sending me the mantra 3 to try out for the month and I'll keep it if I like it.

$4300?!?!? Yikes!! :o

ATB,
Sam

I did a class on my 40th bday and I can tell you it was so F'N sweet here is a link of one of my flights... I must of got 18-20 flights just like this that day... not bad for my first time eeeah!!!

Link sorry I was trying to embed it but no luck...

Also, FYI, VERY VERY addicting and a lot more expensive, but worth every penny...:roll:

How long did it take you to get to that point? It just looks so easy but I'm sure its not. And I was kidding about the mantra 3:frog:

Quote:

Originally posted by power I sent ozone a paraglider demo request. They said they're sending me the mantra 3 to try out for the month and I'll keep it if I like it.

That's kinda scary, since that's one of their high end, expert paraglider. Would seem disturbing if they just ship those out for demo to people with no experience...

Hey Maven did you see the post right before yours?
Sorry man just had to do it!!:frog: I know you were typing at the same time!

Actually, I hadn't seen his new post, even after I submitted mine. I'm glad to know that he was kidding, because that would have been frightening.

I'm going to try to work out a good job this summer, and start putting some money towards paragliding instead of kites considering I've finally filled out my quiver. Are there any age restrictions on the certification courses?

While paraglading looks amazing, I think I'll stick with what I have for now. I've got enough expensive hobbies to last me for awhile. I also know that I'll never have a "full quiver". There is always another kite around the corner to pick up. Not to mention all the different things I still would like to do with kiting. I know I have some stuff to learn and do.

Quote:

Originally posted by ragden While paraglading looks amazing, I think I'll stick with what I have for now. I've got enough expensive hobbies to last me for awhile. I also know that I'll never have a "full quiver". There is always another kite around the corner to pick up. Not to mention all the different things I still would like to do with kiting. I know I have some stuff to learn and do.

*************************
I'm with you, Ragden. I asked many questions and viewed many videos, and this forum helped advise me, as well. My conclusion was, that regardless of my love for the air, and barring all equipment expense, I still could never prepare enough for an "off day" when wind conditions and impact exceed my body tolerances.

After viewing various YouTube crashes, I had to ask myself the Dirty Harry question... "Well, Punk..." I could just hear his words being transposed to the howling of the wind... "Go ahead, make my day!" Confuscious say, "Much easier for a man to take off than know where he is going to land." I have to admit, the mind is there, but the flesh is weak. I envy those who succeed and live to tell about it. Instead, I'm going to try the depower route and find ways to stay happy with kiting.

I was flying the first day within 2 hrs... I think I'm the exception to the rule though, the instructor was blown away and said most take 6hrs to get to where I was after 2hrs... I think the kiting helped me some also...