Skydiving or paragliding? Parachute or paraglider?
Although both sports use a fabric sail to glide through the air, they are very different in their history, their sensations and their ability to fly.
Skydiving vs Paragliding, what are the differences?
History of the skydiving and paragliding :
To begin with, the parachute is the oldest. Historical texts tell of attempts at parachute jumping as far back as 3000 BC. Since then, men have never stopped wanting to fly, like Leonardo da Vinci, and used the towers of the time to test their inventions during test jumps that were more or less conclusive but always spectacular!
It was not until the late 1700s/early 1800s that the first modern operational parachutes with a basket appeared, but it was in the early 1900s that the harness parachute really came into being. Since then, parachutes have continued to be improved from a hemispherical shape to a directional wing shape, taking advantage of better sink rates, easier packing, safety triggers, sliders that delay the opening of the canopy, in short, everything that makes a modern sporting parachute.
Paragliding is simply a derivative of the conventional parachute. In the 1970s, parachutists were looking for a cheaper way to practice landing without flying. Jumping from a mountain was very economical. The wings became more and more controllable and above all their finesse improved rapidly to become real aircraft capable of exploiting thermals and staying in the air for many hours while covering hundreds of kilometres.
What are the differences between a parachute and a paraglider?
A parachute is primarily designed to jump from a plane or helicopter, reach a maximum freefall speed of about 200 km/h in normal conditions and then open to arrest the fall and land smoothly with an acceptable sink rate. The main canopy is folded in the harness bag and opens either manually by the skydiver or automatically via a safety system based on altitude or via a mechanical system as soon as the skydiver leaves the aircraft. Initially a small parachute called an extractor is deployed in the relative wind of the freefall and will cause the main canopy to open. To prevent the deceleration from being too violent, sliders are provided to dampen the opening of the parachute. In the event of a problem, a second parachute is provided and can be deployed after the first has been released.
In skydiving, this is called a parachute jump.
In paragliding, the objective is to glide as long as possible. The surface area of the wing will therefore be much larger for increased lift. The glide ratio of the glider will also be much better with less friction in the air. The harness used for only a few minutes on a parachute is too uncomfortable for long flights and is replaced by an open or closed harness (cocoon) in which you sit. The piloting is done with a control in each hand. The take-off is made at the top of a mountain or on a dedicated area, or from any suitable terrain well oriented to the wind. Unlike parachuting, in paragliding you fly, not jump. It is common to leave the ground and fly away before reaching the end of the take-off zone. In terms of safety, there is a reserve parachute that can be deployed if necessary, as well as a shock-absorbing system under the harness in the event of a too energetic landing (airbag system or anti-shock foam). To land, simply get out of your harness, slow down your airspeed with a nice flare and run with your wing.
Are both skydiving and paragliding equally sensitive to the weather?
Not quite! In both cases, it is forbidden to cross clouds but in freefall the thermals and the winds of altitudes are less constraining whereas in paragliding it is not possible to take off beyond 30-35 km/h of wind under penalty of taking off in reverse. Stable weather is ideal for a first flight which will then be gentler.
What are the differences in the sensations?
Here are two sports that could almost be confused and yet offer very different sensations. In skydiving, you fall in free fall and therefore almost in weightlessness. The fall lasts only a few seconds but the level of adrenalin explodes many meters!
In paragliding you have the impression of gliding through the air like a bird. From the contemplative discovery paragliding experience to the acrobatic flight that raises the G’s with every trick, paragliding has something for every taste and temperament. And the flight lasts much longer!
What about parasailing?
This is another discipline which is neither really skydiving nor paragliding, but rather a device derived from the traditional parachute and modified with specific air intakes in order to create an upward suction effect thanks to the relative wind. And for that, you just have to be towed by a boat or any other mobile device, even if it is still nicer to fall in the end in the water than in the brambles towed by a quad. But afterwards, each to his own, each to his own.
In conclusion, whether you are attracted by one or the other of these sports, you will inevitably find a skydiving
or paragliding school near you in order to make a first flight and why not to become autonomous afterwards!
3 Chemin de la Chave – 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle
07 62 180 360
Hang Gliding vs Paragliding
Keen to try something exciting, or are you a flight buff who wants to know what it feels like to takeoff in the most rawest way possible? Hang gliding vs paragliding is the decision which most will make.
There are many similarities between hang gliding and paragliding. They both takeoff from the ground, they offer basic, non-powered flight, and they are both more accessible than mechanical forms of flying.
However there are some differences, which may lead you to choose one over the other.
A hang gliding pilot will be in a position where they are lying face down. Modern paragliding harnesses are like a chair, where the pilot sits upright. This is often more comfortable and less daunting for beginner pilots, however adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of the hang gliding ‘superman’ position.
Complexity of Flight
A paraglider is easier and less physically demanding. Hang gliding is a more physical demanding sport with greater need to shift body weight while turning. Even a 104 year old woman has recently performed a paragliding flight.
Paragliding can be learnt in fewer lessons, hang gliding takes more effort to learn and become confident. However some people have learn paragliding in as few as ten lessons. Hang gliding or paragliding, which ever you choose, we recommend after your lessons to continue flying with experienced pilots and gain experience across different weather conditions.
While minimum speeds are similar at around 25km/h or 15mph, hang gliders can do close to 150km/h while the fastest paragliders can do around 75km/h. Adrenaline junkies or those seeking to cover a longer distance may find hang gliding more suitable, while those wishing to relax and enjoy the view may prefer paragliding.
Paragliding vs Hang Gliding Safety
While paragliding is easier to learn, hang gliding is actually considered to be the safer for competent pilots. The additional weight and rigid structure of a hang glider allows it to travel at higher speed and be less susceptible to wind and weather conditions. This means that pilots are less likely to spin out of control or struggle with turbulence (particularly when taking off). Paraglider pilots are also more susceptible to knee and ankle injuries when landing as pilots often land on their feet.
We are not saying that paragliding should be discouraged, we love paragliding! With adequate training and a respect for the weather conditions
There’s no comparison here, paragliding wins hands down! Paragliders can easily fit inside your car and be carried to your launching area of choice, even if it does involve a bit of hiking. That’s because they only weigh about 10kg (about 22 pounds). As the wing isn’t solid it’s light and can be bundled up small. You just need to carefully ensure your lines are not tangled when unpacking.
Hang gliders are heavier, rigid structure which can measure 5 metres long, making transportation more cumbersome. Hang gliders also weigh about 30kg (around 65pounds). These must be transported on roof racks or in a truck.
Hang gliding has faster speeds and greater opportunities for aerial acrobatics and tricks. Paragliders can perform a smaller number of tricks, these are limited due the risk of tangling the wing lines and the importance of keeping the wing relatively stable. Paragliding is a more slower, more calmer form of flight, more suitable for those seeking to enjoy the scenery and the peacefulness of non-motorised flight.
Cost to Purchase
Both paragliders and hang gliders are similar in price, however if you look hard or buy second hand, you will probably pay less for a paraglider due as there are more of these available. However, a well looked after hang glider is likely to last longer.
Most new paragliders, including wing, harness and reserve parachute will cost between $4500-$7500 USD. The wing lasts for about 300 hours of flying time. It’s recommended to replace the wings after this time due to the gradual wear UV rays can cause, which can diminish the strength. The lines will usually outlast the wing, with the exception of competition lines which last for about 150-200 flying hours. This may sound costly, however costs can be saved by buying a second hand wing from a reputable person affiliated with a club, who may be looking to upgrade from a beginner/intermediate wing to an advanced wing.
A new hang glider with a harness and helmet is likely to cost around $5000 – $7000 USD. A well looked after hang glider which has not been crashed is likely to last 8 – 10 years before it requires replacement due to gradual wear and tear from UV rays.
Hang Gliding vs Paragliding – Our Conclusion
Both hang gliding and paragliding are amazing ways to experience the feeling of flight in the rawest and simplest way possible. There are many similarities amongst the two – they both leverage the principles of lift and drag to achieve flight. Both take off from the ground, and offer the thrill of takeoff, unlike other forms of human flight such as skydiving.
Many people would enjoy both hang gliding and paragliding, however there are a few small differences between the two which may determine which form of flight you choose as a long-term hobby.
Hang gliding is suitable for those who live for adrenaline. If you’re the kind of person who loves skydiving and other high adrenaline activities such as bungee jumping, dirt bikes and kite surfing, you’re probably going to love hang gliding. If you need to challenge or frighten yourself, there’s plenty of tricks you can do to keep you interested.
Paragliding is suitable for those who are not looking to perform a variety of tricks and are not driven to achieve high speeds. Once you’re in the air, you’re the type of person who wants to enjoy the view, perhaps even take photos or a video. You may also find transporting a hang glider too challenging and enjoy the ease of carrying your paraglider while hiking to an ideal launch area and taking off into the sky.
Hang gliding or paragliding, whichever you pick, we hope you enjoy your flying and stay safe!
Paramotor vs Paragliding: Differences, Pictures, and Safety Stats
If you’re interested in paramotors and paragliders, you may be wondering what makes them different! They are fairly similar in design and function but there is a key difference.
What’s the difference between a Paramotor and a Paraglider? The main difference between paragliding and paramotoring is that a paraglider only uses a wing and environmental factors to gain altitude and speed, while paramotors use a giant fan to move the pilot forward and upward.
Paramotoring and paragliding have many other similarities and differences. What are some of these differences, and how do they stack up to each other?
|Fatalities Per Year||1/1504||1/752|
|Changes a Motor Makes||Additional Maneuverability||Lighter|
|Where can they be Launched?||Any open field, hill top, or mountain||Hill top, or mountain|
|Difficulties with Learning||Maintenance||Finding Thermals|
|Differences in Wings||Trimmers||No Trimmers|
|Relation to the Wind||Unreliant upon Wind||Reliant upon Wind|
|Maintenance||Motor + Wing||Wing|
Differences in Safety Statistics
When weighing the pros and cons of Paramotoring and Paragliding against each other, one of the most important things to look at are the fatality rates of each of the sports.
The probability of being in an accident with a paramotor is about 1/1504 (per year).
Paragliding, on the other hand, has a statistical probability of 1/752 fatalities per year. This is double the amount of deaths that have been seen in paramotoring.
These are dangerous sports, but all things considered, the statistics aren’t terrible. Motorcycling has a statistical death rate of 1/1382 every year. Car crashes have a fatality rate of 1/103 crashes. Falls have a probability of 1/114 falls being fatal.
If you want to avoid death, it’s best to avoid taking up such an exciting sport, as one of every six people you know will die of heart disease.
Paragliding is about twice as likely to kill you than paramotoring, but there are many more activities that are more dangerous.
For more information on death statistics relating to paramotoring and paragliding, and for some useful tips on how to make sure you aren’t among the unlucky, check out this article.
Changes That a Motor Makes
One of the most obvious differences between paramotoring and paragliding is the motor. Just what does this motor do though?
The motor turns a paraglider into a more maneuverable machine. Being able to gain elevation quickly, without needing to rely on thermals can be a huge asset. Having a motor also makes launching easier, and by extension makes launch sites much easier to find.
Fun Fact: Paramotors weigh on average about 50 lbs.
Paragliders have a few advantages over paramotors though. Motors are very heavy for one thing, making transport difficult. Buying and maintaining a motor is also wildly more expensive than only needing to maintain a wing.
Paramotors are flexible with how they can move, and where they can be launched from, but they are expensive and require a high amount of upkeep.
Where and When Can They be Launched?
Other things to consider when comparing paramotoring and paragliding are the places and times that they can be launched.
Paramotoring is much more versatile than paragliding in how they can be launched. You can take off from practically any open field. When paramotoring, you just have to be careful to not hit any power lines, trees, or other obstacles while taking off.
Paramotors are only restricted by the fact that they can’t really be launched while running up a hill.
In contrast to the paramotor, paragliders can only be launched from a hilltop. Finding an adequate hill can be a challenge, and you may need to drive a good distance to a site where conditions are optimal.
Fun Fact: Flying Paramotors and Paragliders at night is illegal! Be careful about the choices you make.
As far as wind conditions go, this is an air sport. So wind conditions have to be within a set standard. Typically paramotors have a greater amount of flexibility than paragliders when faced with different wind conditions. They work best in wind speeds from 0 mph to 12 mph, but wind speeds that are higher are still very much manageable.
Wind gusts affect paramotors as well. Typically, If the wind gusts are 5 mph above whatever the average is that day, it’s best to not go out. But they can handle wind gusts less than that handily.
Paragliding, on the other hand, relies solely on the wind. There is no motor to propel the paraglider forward, and if the wind conditions aren’t perfect, it won’t be a very long flight.
The ideal conditions for paragliding are when wind speeds are between 2 and 18 mph. For beginners, wind speeds should be 2 mph to 12 mph. Paragliders do not work well in zero-wind conditions.
Paragliders gain altitude through a phenomenon called thermals, where the sun heats a pocket of air, which rises up into the sky past the colder air around it. If you catch a thermal, you can rise high up into the air.
Though paramotorists use thermals in addition to their motor, paragliders rely on thermals completely for any elevation after a launch. Because of this, conditions must be right in order for thermals to form.
It doesn’t have to be a completely clear and sunny day to go paragliding, but any rain or chance of rain should be a clear sign to call it a day and pack up, for both paramotorists and paragligers.
Popularity Around the World
As far as popularity goes, paragliding is the more well known and popular as an activity. Because it is so much cheaper than paramotoring, tandem paragliding flights make for great tourist attractions.
This being said, paragliding is also a sport that is rather localized to mountain range areas. Because the best launch points tend to be high up in the air, mountain ranges are where paragliding companies tend to focus their advertising.
Paramotoring, on the other hand, has a rather small cult following. The fans are scattered all over the world, although many paramotorists live in more open areas, due to the requirements for safely launching a paramotor. Trees can have an impact on launching a paramotor, and they are ground obstacles that are to be avoided at all costs.
Paramotorists also tend to like mountainous areas for many of the same reasons that paragliders do. Thermals are easier to find, there are interesting wind patterns in mountain ranges, and the views are just breath-taking.
Fun Fact: Paragliding was started up in June 1978 by three friends, Jean-Claude Bétemps, André Bohn and Gérard Bosson, from Mieussy, Haute-Savoie, France.
There are a number of festivals that take place around the world that celebrate both paramotoring and paragliding. One such festival is the Paragliding Festival which takes place in India. Tourists who are craving for some adventure can be a part of the Paragliding Festival at the Satpura range.
The 26-day long Paragliding Festival receives more than 5000 entries from far-flung places every year. Training sessions are also conducted for the novices by the expert pilots. Both adults and kids can take part in paragliding. The sole reason for celebrating the festival is to promote Satpura as a paragliding destination.
Another exciting festival to attend is the Andes Open, which takes place in Merida, Venezuela. This 6-day festival takes place from January 2nd through January 8th and is a place where paramotor enthusiasts can gather together to enjoy the sport together.
There are also competitions for paramotorists and paragliders alike. One such competition is the Icarus Race, where paramotorists must travel 1,200 miles in 5 days, stopping at various waypoints to rest.
In this intense race, paramotorists must work quickly to fix any problems that their paramotor encounters, and navigate their way through the air.
You can see one of the previous Icarus Race’s winners here.
Paramotoring VS Paragliding: Which is Easier to Learn?
Paramotoring is by far the easier of the two to learn. Paramotoring, with the addition of an engine propelling you forwards, is easier to get a grip on. Finding and using thermals to their fullest potential is a skill that must be picked up for both sports, but especially for paragliding.
In paramotoring, you have more control over where you can be, and what you need to be doing at any specific time, while paragliding is much more of a mental process. Paramotoring can be thought of as doing the math on paper, while paragliding is doing mental math.
You have clear and tangible cause and effect relations between making the engine go more, and going up when it comes to paramotoring. In paragliding, the reason you are rising comes from an in-depth understanding of wing patterns, and how to use them to your advantage.
In order to be proficient in either paramotoring or paragliding, you must understand the wind, but a total novice would be able to pick up paramotoring much more quickly than paragliding.
Fun Fact: The greatest cause for accidents with paramotors is pilot error.
Of course, you shouldn’t just try to learn to paramotor or paraglide on your own. There are special training schools for both paramotoring and paragliding. These are institutions where you will learn the basics of both paramotoring and paragliding.
Spending about a week in a facility, you will do book study while inside, and while outside, you’ll practice handling and maneuvering a wing.
When looking at the differences between the schools, paramotoring school should teach you a lot about both paramotoring and paragliding, but it certainly still has that aspect of motorized flight ingrained in the curriculum.
Paragliding schools, on the other hand, are far more weighted on book study. By the end of either session, you should be well versed in the parts of the wing, what they do, how changing wind patterns will affect you, and how to react in emergency situations.
Looking up local schools near you is not difficult, but most schools will close for the winter, so keep that in mind when trying to find a school to attend.
Differences in Wings
The wings used for paramotoring and paragliding are very similar but have a few small differences that can make a big difference.
Trimmers are an extra line that can pull the wing tips in slightly, and when active act similar to a speed bar in that they make the paramotor/paraglider go faster.
Paragliding wings do not typically have trimmers. They’re expected to be flown in more active air, and having trimmers increases the possibility of violent whipping maneuvers in the air.
Reflex paragliding wings have trimmers but are for more experienced paragliders who, (need I say it), have the reflexes necessary for maneuvering a paraglider with trimmers.
Fun Fact: The speed range of paragliders is typically 20–75 kilometers per hour (12–47 mph).
In paramotors, trimmers are less of a risk. The engine takes away most of the issues with The trimmers also increase the weight allowance of the wing.
Most paragliding wings can be used as paramotor wings, but some will not have the weight allowance required. Always check to be sure that your wing can hold the weight you’re going to put on it.
There are other subtle differences that make it easier to fly for the specific type of flight that the wing was made for. The positioning of the wing when taking off, as well as in the air is slightly shifted, due to weight distribution and the requirements needed to get an entire person off the ground vs the requirements needed to get an entire person plus an engine off the ground.
If you’re looking for Paragliding wings, a good place to look is peaktopeakparagliding.com, which has a wide selection of paraglider wings for you.
For wings more suited to paramotoring, try flybubble.com for some good deals on wings.
Utilizing the Wind: Paramotors VS Paragliding
In air sports like paragliding and paramotoring, the wind is a very important factor to consider. The way that each of these sports interacts with the wind can differ significantly.
In paragliding, it’s impossible to get a good flight with no wind. When there is wind, conditions must be near perfect for the flight to go well. Launching from a high point helps to stay aloft for a long time, but in the end, paragliding is very reliant upon the wind to be gracious.
Paragliders make use of thermals. Thermals are pockets of air that the sun heats up, and they can be many kilometers long. As we all know, warm air rises. Paragliders must be able to take advantage of thermals that they find and use them to be lifted into the sky.
Fun Fact: A variometer is used to help pilots find and stay in the “core” of a thermal.
Paragliders need to fine tune their thinking to be able to find these thermals. There are places where thermals can be found commonly, and launch sites can be set up near these locations, but when flying on their own, paragliders need to be able to find these thermals on their own as well.
Paramotors, however, are far less reliant on thermals, or even wind for that matter. A paramotor can take off in zero-wind conditions, and not find a single thermal, and still get to ridiculous heights.
The paramotor’s advantage over the paraglider comes from its motor. Paramotors don’t need the wind if they can generate their own momentum. Paramotors have the unique advantage of being able to utilize the wind much the same way paragliders do, while also being able to manipulate themselves.
A paramotorist who finds himself too low can instantly begin to climb in elevation, while a paraglider in the same position would be forced into either landing or trying to get lucky with the wind.
Paramotoring’s true advantage over paragliding is that it is far more maneuverable and flexible in what it can do situationally than a paraglider.
The Cost of Paramotoring Against the Cost of Paragliding
One of the main concerns with paramotoring is its high cost. Paragliding is expensive enough if you want a good wing, and paramotoring is much more costly. Basic motors cost upwards of $3000, plus a typical wing (~$2500), and you get a cost of around $5500 just for the wing and motor.
Motor upkeep is expensive and time-consuming as well. If you fly your paramotor often, you should be doing maintenance for every 10 hours of flight.
The cost of gas will stack up over time as well if you fly a paramotor. Depending on the engine you have, you can end up using fuel at a rate of 1.5 to 4 liters of fuel per hour.
Fun Fact: There are such things as 4-stroke paramotors, and they’re gas guzzlers.
When it comes to paragliding, the only thing you need to purchase is the wing. Purchasing a wing is still a high cost compared to most other purchases (sitting at around $2500 dollars with the paramotoring wings) but with paragliding wings, that’s the only purchase you’ll need to make.
Maintaining the paragliding wing is much easier and cheaper than maintaining the wing in addition to a 2-stroke engine.
However, one should factor in how far launch sites are from their house. Sometimes, if the locations are far enough away, you may as well have a paramotor for how much gas you use getting to the launch site.
Maintenance of Paragliders and Paramotors
Fun Fact: About 2.6% of all paramotor accidents have to do with water immersion.
Just like any sport, the equipment used must be checked and kept up to date. The maintenance for paragliding is a bit easier than the maintenance for paramotoring.
For paragliding, maintenance mainly consists of the following:
- Check to make sure there are no holes or tears
- Clean wing after landing and before packing the wing up
- Choosing to launch from areas that are safe for the wing, without gravel, brush, etc.
- Be sure the wing is dry before packing it
- Test the integrity of the line connections
When maintaining a paramotor, you should follow all the above steps for the wing you are using, in addition to steps to caring for the motor.
Motor maintenance has a few steps across the board:
- Check the spark plug
- Tighten the bolts (torque the head)
- Readjust and tighten the prop rig
- Check for any gas leaks
- Ensure integrity of the rubber mounts
- Verify idle stability
It’s best to do maintenance for every 10 hours of flight.
No matter what, whether you have a paraglider or paramotor, you should follow the detailed instructions that the manufacturer provides for the users on how to maintain their product.
Do Laws Apply Differently to Paragliding and Paramotoring?
Because both paramotors and paragliders are foot launched, they do not require a license to fly. However, both are still bound by aviation law. Aviation law is the branch of government that deals with anything that flies.
Fun Fact: If you need to run from the cops and you’re using a paraglider to escape, you’re better off turning yourself in.
Because of this, there are some restrictions on what can and cannot be done while in flight, when one can fly, and where one can fly.
For example, when paragliding or paramotoring, you are not permitted into restricted airspace. You may not drop things from your aircraft, or fly in conditions that are too turbulent. Look up your local laws concerning ultralights before flying.
What should I wear when paramotoring/paragliding? When paramotoring or paragliding, it can get very cold. Always be sure to wear warm clothing and winter gloves when flying paramotors or paragliding. For a complete list of equipment that you might want for your flights, click here.
What are some good Paramotoring/Paragliding Schools to go to?There are many different paramotoring and paragliding schools out there. Our advice would be to ask yourself these questions when you’re considering a school:
- Are these experiences instructors that teach at the school?
- Does this school have a good history?
- Does the school operate when I’ll have free time?
- Does the school offer many brands of paramotor or paragliding wings/motors?
Asking these questions while searching for a school will help you find a good school close to your location.
I am a California native and I enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. My latest adventures have been taking the family camping, hiking and surfing.
Winter is usually a time to hunker down inside, but in Nashville when the winters are mild, there’s no need! That makes Nashville a premier spot for outdoor wintertime dates. What should you do.
The summer months in Nashville can get quite sweltering, but this city doesn’t shut down. Quite the contrary, there’s plenty to do if you’re ready to get outside! What are some great outdoor.
We all love the outdoors! Each one of us at Outdoor Troop is an outdoor enthusiast in one area or another. From rappelling to camping, from cabins to paramotor, we have the outdoors covered!
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