Go paragliding and fly through the Austrian landscape!
By: Simon la Lau at 17 April 2024
Admire the stunning mountain landscape of Austria from an entirely new perspective! Let yourself be guided by the wind, embrace the ultimate freedom, and feel the adrenaline rush through your body. Paragliding offers an unforgettable experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature from a bird's-eye view. Do you dare to take on this challenge? Prepare for an amazing adventure!
Although paragliding shares similarities with skydiving, there is an important difference. While a parachute is used to slow down the fall, paragliding is about staying in the air for as long as possible.
Flying
In paragliding, also known as parapenting, someone uses a type of flying screen, resembling a large parachute, to "fly" down from great heights. Without a license, paragliding is only possible under the guidance of an instructor, who is securely attached to the paraglider via a harness. The instructor controls the paraglider through weight shifting and the use of control lines.Although paragliding shares similarities with skydiving, there is an important difference. While a parachute is used to slow down the fall, paragliding is about staying in the air for as long as possible.
Thermal
Pilots stay in the air by using thermals. Thermals provide natural upward air currents that pilots can use to gain altitude without mechanical assistance. By flying in thermal columns, pilots can gain altitude and make longer flights, making paragliding even more enjoyable and providing the opportunity to cover great distances.Adventurous
Actually, the reason to go paragliding has already been revealed in the intro of this blog. A paraglider experiences ultimate freedom in the air and feels the adrenaline rushing through his or her body. Additionally, the paraglider enjoys the beauty of nature from a bird's-eye view, and the activity can also serve as a way to reduce stress and experience a sense of self-confidence. All in all, people do it mainly to have an unforgettable experience!Guidance
Beginner paragliders can often gain their first experiences through tandem flights, flying under the guidance of an experienced instructor before flying solo. To paraglide without an instructor, it is necessary to gain some training and experience so that you can safely perform the activity. During training, you will learn skills such as launching, landing, navigating, and mastering flight techniques.In addition to acquiring the right skills, it is essential to have the right equipment. A paraglider needs, among other things, a harness, helmet, and paraglider. Furthermore, you must have the required license to fly alone.
Practitioners
Parapenting can be practiced by people of different ages and backgrounds, provided they meet the physical requirements. To venture out alone, the paraglider must possess certain skills as mentioned above.While most paragliders are recreational, there are also professional practitioners who engage in the sport at a competitive level. They participate in competitions where they must complete a predetermined course with a start, several turning points, and a finish line as quickly as possible.
Flight Schools
Paragliding is a popular activity in Saalbach-Hinterglemm due to the beautiful Alpine landscape and ideal conditions for paragliding. Because of these conditions, there are several launch sites in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. You can book a flight with an instructor, for example, at Fly’n Soul and Falken Air. Paragliding is also a popular activity in Bramberg am Wildkogel. You can contact the Pinzgau flight school to book a flight.If you want to go solo, familiarize yourself with the various types of airspace classifications. This helps you understand where you are allowed to fly and what restrictions apply.
