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Paragliding Safety Tips

May 24, 2018

4 min read

Paragliding is a recreational and competitive sport by the use of powered paraglider wings. A paraglider is usually a non-motorized, foot-launched wing. This adventure sport is associated with flying lightweight, free-flying and foot launching. It is also considered as the easiest way to enable individuals to fly around the sky.

Paragliding is becoming a very popular aerial sport because of the thrill and excitement it offers to paraglide enthusiasts. Undoubtedly, it is a fun sport that can enable you to overcome the stresses of your daily life.

Equipment

Paraglider flights are known to last hours on end and cover tens of kilometers by requiring only skillful exploitation of the forces of lift and air movements. The standard set of equipment for paragliding includes the canopy or wing and the harness, a flight suit, safety helmet, and boots.

How It Works

Paragliding is basically launching, flying and landing. Paragliders are extremely light and can take the flyer up to 7000 meters high. The wings are laid out flat on the ground facing the direction of the wind. The gliders are then inflated causing them to rise from the ground until it is in an overhead position. The pilot then runs forward launching in the direction of the wind until the speed needed and is then automatically pulled off the ground. The pilot can then enjoy the breathtaking sight from hundreds or thousands of feet off the ground. The breaks enable the pilot to have full control of the paraglider. By pulling the breaks, the pilot can change the direction of the glider. He can spend hours enjoying the flight but landing back to the ground is mandatory. Landings vary based on the wind and conditions, so as a pilot, you should develop proper landing techniques to reach the ground safe and sound.

Safety Tips

Although paragliding is a fun and exciting sport, it can be daunting to beginners as it exposes the participant to tremendous risk of accidents and mishaps. And because safety is the most important factor to consider when trying out this sport, we deem it necessary to give you some helpful paragliding safety tips.

Get a Certified Instructor

For beginners, getting a certified instructor is the most important thing. A certified instructor is presumed to be a good instructor. And a good instructor will assist and enable you to build systems and techniques to manage proper safety. So getting a certified instructor ensures that one gets the best instructions before sailing for the first time.

Prepare Yourself

Preparing yourself properly physically and mentally before paragliding is very important. Do not fly when tired, sick, or under the influence of any kind of intoxicants. When you fly, you should be on your sharpest mind because mistakes happen even to experienced pilots.

Learn to Read the Weather

Fly only in good weather and keep a close eye on the clouds while flying. Check accurate weather forecast ahead of your flight and know the area well. As a paraglider, you will have to learn to read the weather to be safe because mountain weather can change quickly.

Check Your Equipment

All paragliding equipment should be inspected regularly and before each flight to ensure it is up to proper working standards. In addition, use the canopy suitable for your skills and condition. Whichever canopy you choose to use for paragliding be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Keep in mind that not all canopies are made equal and that some canopies are made for beginners while others are made for more skilled paragliders.

Practice Both Launching and Landing Techniques

Again, safety is of paramount concern. Properly planning a safe approach to launching and to the landing zone should be a priority. When landing, you should avoid landing out of the zone because it increases the likelihood of an accident. Always plan for the end of your flight before you even begin.

Whether you are into adventure or seeking some bold recreational activity, paragliding is the perfect sport for you. And by following these paragliding safety tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable flight.

Flying In De Aar – Falling Head Over Heels In Love With Taking Flight To The Skies

July 1, 2016

by PBNB Editor

3 min read

Could any feeling be quite like it? Taking to the air, like a bird, and flying your heart out. What is it about humans and their desire to fly? We’ve been created with two legs and two arms, definitely not flying materials! Yet, there hardly exists a person who has never had that insatiable desire to take flight.

Granted we may never know just why we have an in-built desire to take to the skies, but what we do know is that there is a way of satisfying that fascinating need.

Many places in the world offer incredible flying experiences for the advanced participant, right down to virgin flyers. One such place that promises a unique and unforgettable flying experience is De Aar. How can you take to the skies in this part of the world? It’s time to investigate!

Para-gliding Paradise

Of all the various ways that taking flight is possible, para-gliding likely comes up tops in giving the feeling of being truly free and liberated. A para-glider uses the wind to to soar and fly like a bird, covering many kilometers and of course stunning views.

De Aar offers the keen flyer an abundant choice of para-gliding regions, all of which will enthrall the flyer by showcasing breath-taking scenery, unique landscape and an unforgettable journey.

Some para-gliding schools in De Aar have even hosted international competitions and specialized tours. With such an awe-inspiring landscape at their fingertips, it is no wonder that para-gliding schools in De Aar take full advantage of their surroundings!

For The Experienced Para-gliders

If you’ve already got your wings, then De Aar won’t disappoint in delivering new experiences, challenging events and an experience to tell the grandkids about. There are many excursions tailored to experienced para-gliders, as well as the opportunity to receive support in breaking records and reaching flying milestones.

For The Virgin Flyers

Don’t worry if this will be your first time to reach for the skies. Schools offer a tandem flights which many novices love. This gives you the chance to enjoy the wondrous landscape, stunning scenery and breath-taking views, without having to worry about the technical side. If you’re keen to get into flying, this is great way to whet your appetite and give you the motivation to commit to a flying adventure.

What About The Weather?

Whilst most schools are open all year around, opting for a flying holiday during the Winter season can be a good idea. The weather during this period tends to be reliable and predictable, almost guaranteeing a trip that is as flight-packed as you could possibly wish for.

Feeling free and liberated is an emotion that many people search for throughout their life. Whilst various activities and events may give a limited sense of freedom, taking flight can satisfy this need in a much fuller sense.

If you’re a novice who wants to get started, then De Aar could be a great place to begin your flying chapter. With incredible schools, great weather conditions and utterly beautiful terrain, you may find yourself falling head over heels in love with taking flight to the skies.

The Amazing Experience Of Paragliding In De Aar

July 1, 2016

by PBNB Editor

3 min read

Paragliding is one of the most popular leisure activities, so there’s no wonder so many companies offer it to tourists. There are many sites in the world where you can enjoy this kind of adventure, as the basic requirements are a sea or an ocean and a mountain in its neighborhood. The sea is beautiful, but it isn’t an absolute must. However, you do need the top of a mountain or an alternative artificial system to launch yourself in your flight.

South Africa is one of the countries where paragliding is quite common. Thanks to its natural shape and relief, the De Aar region is one of the best in this respect. There are at least 10 paragliding sites around De Aar, so you have plenty of options, should you be willing to try this kind of adventure. This site is rated very high by many users, as they’ve been impressed with their personal experience of flying over mountains, hills and fields. As a matter of fact, the mountain launch isn’t very used in De Aar, because of its very strong wind gradient. Most people prefer the artificial launch that uses a payout winch system. This is much better, as it is safer and easier to use. The site is know for its reliability, so there’s no wonder many pilots come here to get their first 100 km.

There are also other sites in this region, so you can choose another one, should you want a different type of experience. For instance, you can try the De Aar Airfield, featuring an elevation of 1314 m. However, this site doesn’t offer too many facilities, as no clubs and no professionals use it. Besides, you can’t buy gear and you can’t benefit from added services such as tandem flights.

If you need a paragliding school, you may be better off with the De Aar Renosterberg site, as it offers a good PG school, as well as a gear shop, tandem flights and repair facilities. There are some pilots who have used this site, their flight duration averaging between 2 hours and 4 and a half hours. Nonetheless, you have to keep in mind that these figures have been recorded by professional pilots, so you may not be able to obtain similar results.

De Aar is one of the most important regions of South Africa. Despite the fact that it is pretty arid, it is a primary commercial distribution center for a wider region. At the same time, it is popular for hunting. Besides, there are multiple tourist attractions in this region, so it is a good idea to visit some of them, should you decide to do some paragliding in this area.

Before choosing your adventure, you should take your time and research all paragliding sites in the area, as there are differences between them. If you are new to this sport, you may want to take a look at all available schools, so that you can find a good instructor to teach you the basics of flying like the birds. You may be able to find some good videos published by people who have been through this experience. Watch them, as this can be the best way to discover the area and to adjust your expectations to reality. South Africa is an amazing country anyway, hence the big number of tourists and adventurers who visit it every year. Paragliding is only one of the experiences you can have, so do yourself a favor and read about all other amazing things a visitor can take advantage of while here.

Finding The Top 5 De Aar Guesthouses

July 1, 2016

by PBNB Editor

3 min read

If you’re planning a trip to De Aar, you’ll want to find the best accommodations possible. The place you stay in can have a significant impact on your trip.

Thankfully, there are a number of beautiful guesthouses available. If you want to find the best of the best — the top 5 De Aar guesthouses — keep reading. You’ll learn how to find a great place to stay.

1. Read Reviews

If you want to get a better idea of what a guesthouse is like, you’ll want to take a look at some reviews. A lot of travel sites allow people to post detailed reviews of the places they have visited or stayed in.

Take a look at some of the top rated guesthouses. Read some of the positive reviews as well as some of the negative ones. Find out what people have to say. Make a note of any guesthouse that sounds promising.

2. Look At Photos

While reading reviews can be very helpful, in some cases, a picture might be more informative. Although you should be able to find professionally-taken photos of your prospective accommodations, photos that were taken by other travelers will probably be more helpful to you.

Take a close look at the photos. Evaluate the rooms and decide whether or not you would be happy staying there. Do the beds look clean and comfortable? Is there enough space? Try to look at a variety of different photos. That way, it will be easy for you to decide whether or not you would like to stay at a guesthouse.

3. Watch Videos

Some people can get a better sense of what a place is like if they see it in motion. Try to see if there are any videos of the guesthouses you’re considering. You may be able to find videos on social media sites like YouTube or Instagram. Just do a quick search for the guesthouse.

You won’t always be able to find videos, but if you can locate them, they can be a great resource. A video can give you a much better idea of what it is like to stay somewhere.

4. Talk To Other Travelers

While you should spend time researching various guesthouses on your own, you should also try to talk to people who have actually been there. You should be able to find lots of other travelers if you head to travel forums or groups.

Find out what guesthouse other people stayed in. See if they were satisfied with their lodgings, or if they wish they had stayed somewhere else. Take their feedback into the equation and you try to decide where you should stay.

When it comes to De Aar guesthouses, you’ll find that there are a lot of wonderful options. Take a close look at all of the choices that you have. Keep searching until you find the best guesthouses in the area. You should be able to find a place you will love.

Paragliding Safety Tips

Equipment

How It Works