Since the beginning of time, all of mankind has admired the ability of birds to fly, glide and hover in the wind. Not until recently, through Paragliding, has it become possible for human being’s to realize that dream, and, at the least cost of any other form of aviation. Paragliding undoubtedly brings you closer to any form of flight by man. It captures your senses, bringing you to one with nature, but still in complete and direct control of your flight.  

The Freedom To Fly. Danny Nolan Sunset over Mt. Bakewell on the Gradient Aspen 2

Ascending Paragliders from foot launch are able to safely soar to altitudes of over 7000 meters. After skillfully catching thermic air up-drafts lower down, a Paraglider pilot can then fly hundreds of kilometers, like a migration of birds to a new season. Such flights can be combined to cross entire mountain ranges such as the highest peaks of the Himalaya’s, relying only on their Paragliders and thermalling experience.

Flights in successive days can be achieved, crossing extreme mountain ranges, and covering distances of over 850km as in the X-Alps paragliding event, from the Northern Alps in Austria, to the South Western Alps in Monaco.

Gradient - AVAX XC 2  - Cross Country Wing  

Other magnificent achievements such as, flying solo across the Himalayas, without any support has been successfully completed by a handful of paraglider pilots. The Previous long distance world record for cross country paragliding stood at 461 km, flown by 3 Brazilians. the latest is held by Nevil Hulett from south Africa at 502 Km.

The Paragliding journey of discovery brings one even closer to nature. Visual experiences of planet earth’s most spectacular places can be enjoyed from an aerial dimension, whilst developing a true understanding  of weather patterns, cloud formations, wind and thermal activity for sustained flight.

There are also more extreme ways of going high quick, and be dropped via hot air balloon, helicopter or fixed wing plane in order to do acrobatics. in this the skill in not to go up via thermals but to come down fast and doing acrobatics. These methods require the paraglider to be packed in special way in what is called a D-Bag.

Gradient Aspen 2 Freestyle D-Bag @ 8600 ft ASL

 Gradient Aspen 2 Freestyle D-Bag @ 8600 ft ASL

Paragliding is a licensed aviation sport. Qualification is acquired through licensed schools and associations, and falls under the rules of civil aviation. The overall international body of the sport is, WWW.FAI.ORG, whom delegate responsibilities to the Paragliding associations of each respective country worldwide.