

With that ability comes the capability to fly in windy, turbulent conditions, allowing you to outrun bad weather. Because of this, you can cover phenomenal ground in a small amount of time. When you go hang gliding, you can reach staggering speeds, clocking in at up to 170 mph. In strong winds, a mistake during take-off is unacceptable. Whether you are launching a hang glider or paraglider, one vital ground rule applies: you must remain completely in the moment and launch perfectly. Additionally, you can do a reverse launch, which is surprisingly popular and often better than the straight method because it’s easier to spot any tangles or snags before you hit the air currents. You may perform the standard, forward launch, which means leaning forward as much as possible and, while running, keeping your arms as far back and up as you can. In contrast, when paragliding, you only have two choices. Other exotic launch techniques have been successfully deployed, such as hot air balloon drops from immense heights. Take-off options include foot-launching from a hill, tow-launching from a ground-based tow system and aerotowing behind a powered aircraft or boat. Hang gliding offers all kinds of launch techniques and styles. In terms of takeoff styles, hang gliding vs paragliding means myriad possibilities vs select choices. Hang gliders, however, require a rack for car trips and are near impossible to bring on a plane. Because of their lightweight materials, paragliders are easier to carry and transport. Typical hang gliders weigh in anywhere from 65 to 100 lbs as opposed to the 30 to 40 lbs in the case of paragliders. Because hang gliders have more bulk, they weigh much more. These openings allow the fabric to be inflated by movement through the air, known as the “ram-air” effect. In contrast, paragliders have no rigid framework – the parachute canopy acts as a wing and is made of fabric cells with openings at the front. Hang gliders use metal with heavy sailcloth material stretched over the frame to produce a fairly rigid airfoil.

The key difference between hang gliders and paragliders is their structure and weight. To cut through the complexity and find the right sport for you, check out our hang gliding vs paragliding comparison that distinguishes one aerial sport from the other. Hang gliding and paragliding may be close cousins, but the two sports have all kinds of differences. Gear & Gadgets Gear & Gadgets View All Gear & Gadgetsįoam beaters push limits of extreme trick surfingĮlevation training mask simulates high-altitude workoutsĮxtreme Hang gliding Vs Paragliding David Wilson August 29, 2013ĭo you know the difference between hang gliding and paragliding? If you want to take to the skies, the subtle differences between the two will dictate which sport is right for you.Perlan Project sends glider to ozone holeĬarlos Burle rides record-breaking 100-foot wave at Nazare Tyler McQuarrie takes second place at 2013 Formula Drift
