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Taking on a new sport can be an absolutely thrilling experience — especially if that sport involves hanging out in the sky hundreds of feet in the air on a paraglider. Paragliding isn’t a simple sport you can just ‘jump’ off of a mountain and into; there are many steps involved, skills to develop, and equipment to ensure you have before taking the great big leap into the sky. As a beginner, your 1st and most important first step is to find a good school and take lessons. And taht is way before you buy any gear.
At Let’s Go Paragliding, we are here to support you on your conquest to take on one of the greatest sports on the planet — from beginners to experts we house some of the best free resources for helping paragliders of all levels thrive. In this article, we help outline the essentials of paragliding equipment you need as a beginner, along with tips on what to look for when making your first purchases, ensuring you have the right gear is crucial for safety, comfort, and enhancing your flying skills.
Although not gear, proper training and certification are essential to a good paragliding experience. This comes before buying any gear. This sets the foundation of a successful and safe paragliding journey.
Are you living or flying in America? We recommend taking a peak at the The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) and familiarize yourself with America’s only nationally recognized free-flight governing body of flight sports. Learn to hang glide, paraglide or speedfly, achieve a rating, fly with a tandem pilot, or teach others. Through certifications, information resources, specially negotiated insurance, competition sanctioning, partnerships with the FAA, FAI, NAA, and more. Visit USHPA to learn more.
The most important piece of your equipment for suspending you seamlessly in the sky. Your paraglider wing is the most critical piece of equipment and your lifeline in the air. There are three key factors to look into for selecting your perfect Paragliding wing as a beginner:
The harness provides support and comfort during your flights. It’s essential to invest in a harness that matches your flying style and offers proper protection.
It’s nearly impossible to overstate the importance of safety in paragliding, and a certified helmet is mandatory.
A reserve parachute is a crucial backup in case of an emergency. You want to make sure you have this essential handy and packed right if your paragliding wing fails on you during a flight.
Knowing where you are located in the sky is absolutely essential for getting your bearings and making the right weather and wind calls when navigating the sky. You need to know exactly where you are so that you can figure out exactly how you can come back down safely. A variometer helps you understand vertical movement and positioning, making it easier to find thermals and improve your flight efficiency.
Your hands are fairly exposed to the elements while flying, making gloves a must-have accessory.
Material: Look for gloves for cold weather that indicate wind proofing and insulation. In warmer conditions, lightweight gloves with good grip are sufficient.
Dexterity: Ensure the gloves allow for easy handling of brakes and other controls. Your fingers should be able to move well within the mit.
Dressing appropriately for the weather ensures not only comfort but also safety during your flights.
Base Layer: Wear moisture-wicking materials to keep sweat away from your skin. We typically recommend synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, or natural fibers like merino wool and bamboo
Outer Layer: A windproof and waterproof jacket is essential to protect against changing weather conditions.
Footwear: Be sure to use sturdy, ankle-supporting boots with good grip to protect your feet during takeoff and landing.
A specialized paragliding backpack allows you to carry all your gear comfortably. Factors to consider for selecting the perfect backpack for paragliding:
Size: Choose a backpack that accommodates your wing, harness, helmet, and other essentials if you are doing a hike-and-fly with your own equipment.
Features: Look for ergonomic designs with padded straps and compartments for organization. For long flights, you want to make sure you have a comfortable vantage point to take in the beauty of your surroundings.
A two-way radio is another must. This ensures clear communication with your instructor, fellow pilots during flights, or may give you the ability to reach out to someone on the same broadcast if you get lost in a more remote location.
Frequency: Check for compatibility with local flying clubs or schools.
Accessories: Invest in a headset for hands-free operation and better clarity.
Being prepared for minor injuries is part of being a responsible paraglider. What you should pack in your kit:
Contents: Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Portability: Choose a compact kit that fits in your harness, Cockpit or backpack.
As you gain experience, you might want additional flight instruments to enhance your skills. Our top recommendations for improving your gear and upgrading your sky experience:
GPS Devices: Specialty variometers like Spot to send messages from remote locations.
Smartphone Apps: Many apps offer navigation, weather updates, and flight tracking.
Consult Your Instructor: Your instructor can guide you on the best gear for your skill level and flying goals. Also the best source for package deals.
Buy from Reputable Sources: We can’t stress this importance enough – purchase gear from trusted retailers or manufacturers to ensure quality and authenticity. This is not a sport you want to get stuck stranded in a knock-off sub-par functionality. You can shop certified industry favourite brands like Supair, Skywalk, Advance, Gin, Nova, and Ozone directly from our website paraglidingequipment.com.
Consider Second-Hand Options: For budget-conscious beginners, gently used equipment inspected by a professional can also be a good option. We recommend asking your instructor if you prefer the eyes of your own professional, or you can request a wing inspection report from the seller.
Prioritize Safety: Never compromise on safety features, even if it means spending a little more.
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your equipment and ensures it performs reliably.
Inspection: Regularly check your wing for tears, harness for wear and tear, and helmet for cracks. Remember that a wing inspection is recommended every year or 300 hours of flight time.
Storage: Store your gear in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. For extended storage time periods like winter in some regions, keep it loose in a stuff bag.
Cleaning: Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning your wing, harness, and other components following recommendations.
Starting your paragliding adventure can be both an exciting and rewarding experience. With the right gear and proper training, you can enjoy the freedom of the skies while staying safe and comfortable. Use this checklist as your guide to prepare for your flights, and remember that investing in quality equipment is an investment in your safety and enjoyment.
Happy flying everyone!
To start paragliding, you need a paraglider wing, harness, helmet, reserve parachute, variometer, gloves, appropriate clothing, a radio and first aid kit.
In addition to the essential gear, you need proper training from a certified school and basic knowledge of weather conditions and flight techniques.Look at the USHPA.org web site to see the list of school in the US
Pack your paraglider, harness, helmet, gloves, variometer, a compact first aid kit, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, or any substances that may impair your judgment. Also, ensure you’re well-rested and hydrated before flying.