Have you ever looked up in the sky and seen someone soaring through the air with what looked like a parachute? That's the beauty of Paragliding.
Maybe you've even seen someone being towed by a boat while flying above the water. That's called Parasailing. Besides the boat, what is the difference in the actual experience like?
While they both involve flying through the air with a parachute-like device, there are significant differences between parasailing and paragliding. Let's take a closer look.
PARASAILING - FUN IN THE SUN
Parasailing is an activity that involves being towed behind a boat while flying through the air. The parasail, which looks like a round parachute, is attached to a tow rope that is connected to the boat. As the boat moves forward, it lifts the parasail and the person attached to it into the air.
Parasailing is typically done over water. The altitude is limited by the length of the towing rope. It's a popular activity at many beach resorts and is often seen as a fun and relatively easy way to experience flying, although it isn't really flying in the traditional sense. Parasailing doesn't require any special training, and it's suitable for people of all ages.
However, while parasailing is a fun and exciting activity, it's important to remember that it can also be dangerous if not done properly. Accidents can occur if the tow rope breaks or if the parasail gets caught on something, causing the person to fall into the water or crash into a building or other obstacle.
Additionally, operators who do not use caution regarding adverse weather conditions may be putting their passengers at great risk.
PARAGLIDING - FLYING LIKE A BIRD
Paragliding is a more advanced form of flying that involves using a wing-shaped parachute to glide through the air. The person attached to the paraglider is not towed by a boat or any other vehicle, but instead, they launch themselves from a hill or mountain. If you don't know how to fly one then the Tandem experience is what you want. Similar to skydiving, the tandem flight lets you relax and enjoy the ride without any special training requirements.
Unlike parasailing, paragliding can be done solo which requires some special training and equipment. In order to paraglide safely, you need to learn how to control the paraglider and how to read the wind and weather conditions. You also need a harness, a helmet, and a reserve parachute in case of an emergency.
Without the limitation of a tow rope, you are free to fly to thousands of feet in the air, right up to the clouds, and explore miles of open sky above beautiful mountains. It's peaceful, surreal, and dreamlike.
If you want to see what it's like, just find a reputable instructor to take you up. You do not need any special training for a Tandem Flight experience because your instructor does all the work for you!
Paragliding is often seen as a more peaceful and meditative activity, as it allows you to soar through the air like a bird and take in the beautiful scenery below. It's a great way to experience the feeling of flying without the noise and speed of an airplane or helicopter. It's pure flight.
If you're interested in trying paragliding, Fly with Jordan Paragliding Lessons and Tandems is a great place to start. Located in San Bernardino, California, this paragliding school offers lessons and tandem flights for beginners.
Their experienced instructors will teach you everything you need to know about paragliding, from launching to landing safely. They'll also provide you with all the necessary equipment, including a helmet, harness, and reserve parachute.
During a tandem flight, you'll fly with an experienced pilot who will control the paraglider while you enjoy the ride. It's a great way to experience the thrill of paragliding without having to worry about the technical aspects of flying.
So if you're looking for a new and exciting way to experience flying, consider trying a tandem paragliding flight with Fly with Jordan Paragliding Lessons and Tandems. Who knows, it might just be the adventure of a lifetime.
Ultimately, whether you choose to try parasailing or paragliding, the most important thing is to have fun and stay safe. Both activities offer a unique perspective on the world and a thrilling sense of freedom that's hard to find anywhere else. So why not take the leap and give it a try? You might just discover a whole new way of experiencing the world around you.