For Good Paragliding Costa Rica Offers A Recommendable Destination

By Deborah Hall


Paragliding refers to the sport or activity of flying paragliders. It is practiced as both a competitive adventure sport and as a recreational activity. Paragliders refer to lightweight glider aircraft that are free flying and foot launched. They also do not have any rigid structure. The aircraft is made of fabric wings and harnesses that support and suspend the pilot into position. When one needs Paragliding Costa Rica Offers the perfect location to visit.

The wing in the aircraft is also referred to as the canopy. They are made of two different layers of fabric. These two layers of fabric are connected to each other via an internal supporting material so as to form rows of cells. Most of the cells that make the wing are left open at the leading edge. This allows incoming air to inflate the wing, and hence maintaining its shape.

A system of harnesses usually holds pilots in a safe and comfortable position. The pilot is able to maintain a sitting as well as a standing position. Airbag and foam protectors are used to line the underneath of the seat as a safety measure against possible falls due to failed launches. As a result, in case the pilot falls because the wing failed to launch the protectors absorb most of the energy generated from the fall. Safety and comfort have been advanced in modern harnesses.

To improve on safety, a reserve parachute is added to the harness. Modern harnesses come in a wide range of designs to suit the personal preferences and needs of the pilot. There are harnesses designed to be used by amateur pilots or during training while some harnesses are meant for long distance flying. There are other designs that are meant to be used by professional pilots. There is also a special harness meant to be used by kids.

Launching is done into the wind like with all kinds of aircraft. A launch starts with having the wings placed into an airstream. This can be attained by running or pulling the wings. When this is done perfectly, the wing is able to rise above and offer the pilot a lift. The lift is usually powerful enough to lift the pilot off the ground into the air. Once in the air, the pilot can shift from a standing position to a sitting position.

When one is standing on high ground, there are two launch techniques that can be used. On flatland areas, the assisted launch technique is deployed. Forward and reverse launch are the techniques used to launch from a high ground. In a forward launch, the pilot has to run forward while the wing is behind them. The forward movement generates pressure in the wing and inflates the cells. This technique is used in low winds.

In high winds, the pilot has to execute the reverse launch procedure. This process involves the pilot facing the wing so as to bring it into a flying position. Once in that position, the pilot has to turn around while the wing is above them and start running forward. This completes the launch and the pilot becomes airborne.

Reverse launches are usually associated with several advantages over forward launches. For instance, one gets plenty of time to inspect the paraglider before it launches. Thus, one is able to correct any incorrect inflation and untangle the lines before takeoff.




About the Author: