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Last updated on December 29, 1997.
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So if you are just curious about paragliding, or looking for references, instructors or other pilots, browse through my links and you will most likely find what you're looking for.
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Later that week I took a one day class in ground handling and training hill techniques and took to the air under my own power. Actually most of my energy was spent climbing up that little puny hill for another 6 seconds flight at 4 feet off the ground, but that felt great to be in control of a flying machine. I could now relate to what Otto Lilienthal felt like back in the late 1800's when he got his flying contraptions off the ground. There's just no other feeling like it, because your field of vision around and below you is totally unobstructed.
When I got back home, I wanted more. So I set off to find a second-hand wing to pursue my training locally. I found a good deal on the web, got in touch with the seller by email and arranged for delivery. I was then the proud owner of my first wing on December '95. Since then, I've been practicing my take-offs and landings from small hills. I haven't progressed to any serious soaring flights yet over 20 feet AGL.
I had joined the USHGA in '95 and found them to be a great source of information. Now I only susbcribe to their 'Paragliding' magazine. It has great stories and excellent photography. I am now a member of the HPAC/OHPA which provides insurance coverage for Canada and the USA. I have yet to obtain any official pilot rating since I'm still practicing and haven't taken any exams. I finally found a local paragliding instructor that could help me achieve a rating. There aren't too many PG pilots and flying sites around where I live, so I don't get a chance to get some air time too often. However, whenever I'm travelling, I try to get in touch with local pilots and check out their flying sites. The web has been a pretty good sources of contacts.
 | Here's a picture of my current paragliding wing, it's a '91 Air-Pol Voyager. It's getting dated with respect to its performance, but it's still a safe wing. Just click on the picture on the left to view a slide show of myself making a short flight from a training hill. |
| Circling for Thermals | 
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