Hang Gliding and Paragliding Today

Hang Gliding and Paragliding Today

The sport of Hang gliding and paragliding has progressed considerably since the early days, and the image of crazy individuals throwing themselves off the nearest hill on flimsy looking delta shaped wings.

Modern hang gliders and paragliders have turned the dream of Icarus into reality. Materials which combine strength with light weight have helped create personal flying machines that can be packed away quickly, and carried on your shoulder.
An aircraft that in expert hands can also climb up to four miles high, and cover distances in excess of 300 miles, with no power save the movement of the atmosphere itself.

The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) is the UK governing body for the sport, and has over 60 affiliated clubs. Each affiliated Club controls the flying sites located within its own area.

In Wales the majority of flying sites are controlled by the five regional clubs who make up the Welsh Free Flight Federation:

• Snowdonia Sky Sports
• The North Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club
• The Mid Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club
• The South West Wales Soaring Club
• The South East Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club

Over the years things have changed as the sport has matured and developed. There are now BHPA registered schools throughout the UK where you can learn to fly a hang glider or paraglider in a safe environment. It really isn't as difficult as you might at first think.

The goal however remains the same, to experience the joy and freedom of personal flight.