Unlike all the other extreme sports, hang gliding does not necessitate a large amount of equipment. You only need a few pieces of essential equipment and gear, as well as proper training, to get started! Even if you only require a few items, it can still be pricey.
There are a few items we suggest you bring with you before embarking on a hang gliding adventure.
Must-Haves for Hang Gliding
A hang glider, a harness, and a helmet are the basic equipment required for hang gliding. Hang gliding equipment can be quite expensive, but there are ways to save money if you’re on a tight budget, such as purchasing used equipment.
Other tracking and safety equipment will be required, such as a GPS, altimeter, radio, goggles, variometer, flying suit, reserve parachute, and boots. A more lengthy description of the significance of having this equipment is provided below.
Basic Hang Gliding Gear
Hang Glider
If you want to go hang gliding, this is the most basic equipment you will need. The most usual materials employed in the manufacture of hang gliders are carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, and flexible sail fabrics. Top-of-the-line hang gliders can be expensive, especially if you’re buying a new one, but it’s well worth the money if you aim to go on frequent hang gliding trips in the sky.
Flying Suit
A flying suit keeps the body warm and is typically worn over your regular clothing. Because they are easily zipped and loose-fitting, they are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. It is certainly worthwhile to invest in one before taking to the skies.
Harness
There are various types of harnesses, but it is always sensible to have a solid but still flexible harness when going hang gliding. As the harness keeps you in a prone position, this allows you, the pilot, to move freely.
Helmet
When you go hang gliding, make sure you wear a very sturdy helmet. This will greatly assist in keeping your head safe if your chute collapses or if any other type of accident occurs.
Boots
It is best to wear a flexible, extra light, and comfortable pair of boots to avoid weighing you down while soaring in the sky. Hang gliding boots should have a firm enough grip to keep you from sliding and slipping when taking off or landing the hand glider.
Hang Gliding Tracking Gear
Radio
Radios are typically used by hang gliding pilots to talk with other pilots flying through the sky or with individuals helping them from below. Microphones are typically attached to the pilot’s helmet, allowing them to communicate with one another quickly and effectively.
Variometer
A variometer is a device that monitors the pilot’s sink or climb rate using sound signals like beeps and/or visual displays. It is a vertical speed indicator that is extremely responsive.
GPS
A GPS (Global Positioning System) device greatly aids the pilot in tracing a flight path and monitoring their flight technique. This tracking device is also very useful for those guiding them from the ground because it allows them to see the advances of a pilot in the sky.
Altimeter
When flying high in the clouds, some pilots bring this very useful navigation instrument to assist them in keeping track of their altitude.
Safety Gear
Reserve Parachute
Pilots typically bring a second deployable parachute with them, especially on high-altitude flights. In the event of an accident, this parachute will come in handy.
The parachute is stored in a container on the harness’s chest or, more commonly these days, on one side. When you deploy it (should the misfortune be severe enough to necessitate it), the entire rig, including the hang glider, descends under the chute; you do not jump out.
A well-maintained pre-owned emergency parachute of the appropriate size can be a steal. It’s critical to get one that’s the appropriate fit for your weight combined with the weight of your harness and wing.
When the first emergency parachutes were developed, they were frequently too small. The pilot’s safety on impact depended on the hang glider’s airframe (or wreckage thereof) catching some of the impact before the pilot. Or else, you could wish to land in trees, on a slope, or in deep snow, all of which happened, but such outcomes are not guaranteed.
On the other hand, modern parachutes are made to the correct size to give you a better last glimmer of hope if all else fails; such disaster in hang gliding is likely to occur from a mid-air collision. They are also lighter and pack more compactly than older parachutes. They have an unusual inside-out middle, recognized as a pulled-down apex, which allows a given size of the canopy to be more efficient at slowly lowering you to earth.
It is difficult to part with money for an expensive item you wish never to use, but conquering such psychological obstacles is necessary for a hang glider pilot. It is the same for other aviation sectors and–before flying–sea-faring.
While we’re on the topic of aviation, here are must-have items for a long plane ride that could help in your travels
Goggles
Some pilots wear goggles because it protects their eyes and reduce glare during flight. These goggles are similar to those used for skiing.
What Should You Wear for Hang Gliding?
If you wish to go hang gliding in the winter or summer, you should wear several pieces of clothing because it can be piercingly cold and very windy up there, especially at much higher altitudes. After accomplishing the fun activity, some hang gliding pilots bring a change of clothes (shorts, t-shirt, etc.).
Wear gear that makes you feel good and doesn’t restrict your movement. Remember that layering is essential when it comes to looking the part for hang gliding to assist you in regulating your temperature in the cold.
Here’s what you should wear on your hang gliding adventure:
- Helmet
- Flying suit
- T-shirt
- Flying gloves
- Jacket or windbreaker
- Goggles
- Sweatpants or yoga pants or track pants
- Thick socks
- A pair of closed-toe shoes
Take your instructor’s advice on what equipment to buy if you’re new to hang gliding. They could be an agent or importer for a manufacturer, and they could also sell used gliders. Do not be concerned that these facts will limit your options. Your instructor will give you the best advice to maintain their good reputation.