Tips for aspiring paragliders
Understand the risks
Always understand the risks of such an extreme sport before deciding to take it up. Make sure you fly safe.
If you’re an avid paraglider, getting personal outdoor insurance coverage from a reputable insurance company would be your best bet. This would cover a number of things, from loss of or damage to sports equipment, all the way to accidental death.
Learn from the experts
Learn to paraglide from a certified licensed instructor. Here are some websites that can put you in touch with a reliable paragliding instructor. > Malaysian Sports Aviation Federation – www. msaf. gov. my > Mountnear – www. mountnear. com > Paragliders – www. paragliders. my
Never give up
Perseverance and consistency are essential. There are certain setbacks that you will have to go through. Sometimes, there is just no wind on the day that you want to fly.
You might be ready to take off on the hill but you might not be able to after waiting the whole day. So, don’t give up and try again another day. As for consistency, practice makes perfect. So train as often as you can.
Be prepared
Always make sure you carry the proper gear. Make sure that the glider is in good flying condition, and that there are no tears. Make sure that you have all the buckles in good working condition, and that the harness has a reserve parachute.
If you have the money, invest in a variometer, a device which indicates the rate of your climb and descent.
Don’t forget to have fun
The best pilot is the one that never stops learning and is always enjoying each moment. Have passion in the sport. There are different experiences to be had in paragliding.
For example, certain flying sites require you to hike up a hill ( such as Kokol in Sabah), whereas other more established flying sites provide a four- wheel drive ride up the hill ( such as in Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor).
Other than that, different weather conditions will require different skills in glider manoeuvring, so be prepared to learn while you’re in the air!