Paragliding, to touch the sky with your hands

Paragliding How can you enjoy the power of flying?

Paragliding (from the French paragliding, parachute acronym, parachute, and bridge, slope) is a sport that emerged in the late twentieth century, created by mountaineers who wanted to fly down with a parachute from the tops of the mountains where they had climbed.

The wing (may include all equipment) is also called paragliding; technically it is a flexible light glider. It is a glider because it has no engine, flexible because there are no rigid parts that make up the wing, so it can be transported in the trunk of a car. 

The weight of the entire team is between 15 and 20 kg, although there are less weight equipment. The pilot and the paragliding passenger have mandatory safety equipment, helmets and emergency parachutes, various electronic instruments (variometer or altivario, GPS and radio equipment). The flight time is between 10 to 15 minutes, although it can be extended to 25 or 30 minutes.

The age for value is indifferent, but the minimum age is 5 years, you should not have heart problems and weigh less than 100 kilos. In addition to having the equipment, you must receive basic training, and as long as you do not master the technique you must fly accompanied by an experienced instructor or guide.

The place from where it takes off is called parapuerto and has the necessary conditions to take advantage of the wind impulse and gain height. The average height is 300 meters, but the experienced can reach up to 500 meters.

The minimum takeoff height is 100 meters above sea level, the maximum flight height of 250 meters (in Lima), but in some cases in the district of Barranco, thermal currents develop that can elevate the paraglider and its passengers up to 500 or 700 meters above sea level. city. The flight is dynamic, that is, it must perform continuous adjustment maneuvers.

Where can you fly in paragliding? In the city and enjoy the magnificent views of the sea, in the valleys, mountains, lakes, in the villages of the interior and in extreme places. It only needs basic conditions such as the take-off point, complete equipment with continuous maintenance, experience, nerves and self-control, and of course, the inclination for adventure and freedom.

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