Many people have envied the birds as they have watched them soar and glide high in the sky. There is a sport activity that comes very close to becoming bird-like and it is called paragliding. Paragliding is closely related to hang gliding, but there are a few differences. The paraglide rig is a flexible parachute like piece of supported fabric with a harness for the rider suspended below it.
The hang glider is rigid and will not collapse like the paragliding rig. The paraglide rig uses air currents to hold it aloft. There are thermal air currents which result from heating of surface areas, and ridge currents which result from wind passing over landmark features like hills or ridge lines. The sport as a whole is viewed by many as very risky, but is actually far safer than it appears. There is danger involved in it, however, and proper equipment and training is a must.
The Date Activity
Obviously, paragliding is not a very wise first date option when both parties are novices, but if one party is trained and experienced, it would certainly rank as among the most exciting and exhilarating activities two people could experience. For people who would prefer to have a little more than wind holding them aloft, there is a variation called powered paragliding. This involves placing a small motor on the back of the rig to provide the air currents necessary to hold you aloft.
Powered paragliding is one of the least regulated personal aviation activities, but again, it does take training and equipment is rather costly. A new powered paragliding rig would cost close to $11,000 for the paragliding wing, motor, and a reserve parachute. There are outfits that will provide training and rent equipment, but it certainly seems this is an activity that entails some preplanning, and might not be the best idea to spring on an unsuspecting date with a fear of heights.
On Your Own / With Friends
Paragliding can easily be a group orientated activity and there are competitions held in the sport. Paragliding clubs are increasing in membership, and generally offer support and training for new members or interested people. There is no doubt that this is a sport that has few rivals for thrills and a feeling that you have slipped the bonds of surly earth, but like parachute free fall jumping, it is not intended as a casual source of entertainment, but rather demands a serious approach and an investment of time and funds.