Reduced risk

September 25, 2020

Paragliding is without a doubt a risky sport. But they can be reduced significantly if you follow a few basic rules. A food for thought Sometimes it happens that you see some texts or comments on Facebook that you left there years ago. And then you read through it and think: That was not thought so stupid and it still applies today. The following short text comes from such a source. I wrote it in 2015 as a comment on a Facebook post in which a paraglider who was still at the very beginning of his career asked the group whether paragliding should not be viewed as a risk sport or whether it could be done safely. Here is my answer: ground handling, ground handling, ground handling! // Photo: Lu-Glidz Paragliding is not safe. Point. But you can operate it relatively safely if you observe the following. a) Groundhandling, Groundhandling, Groundhandling: The best way to develop a good feeling under the umbrella relatively quickly and with less risk. Helps for a safe start and also as training for so-called "active flying". b) Meteo: to deal intensively with the weather. Question every misunderstood phenomenon until you understand it. c) Landing: Always consciously switch to landing mode early and aim for a longer, straight final approach. d) Go flying: Only those who practice repeatedly will acquire the natural reflexes that are important for safe flying in moving air. e) Going to land: When the air does not seem safe anymore, even if others seem to fly on undeterred. f) Don't brag: Recognize risky situations as such and look for possible solutions in intensive self-talk or with others. Always ask meekly, how can I avoid rattles instead of sounding out loud: Wow, I had 5 rattles again today. There are certainly many more such tips. If you want, you can add in the comments. However, the focus is on: It's about safe, not performance-oriented flying.

This article has been translated for your convenience and was originally written in German.