Any paragliders out there?

[Will Bradley]

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

Can someone who knows please explain how you take photos if you are holding onto the control lines? I haven't done it before - can you let go of the control lines to take a photo?

Would love to see some of your paragliding photos if you have taken some...

Thanks

Will

 

[steelslider]

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

NO OFFENSE, but...

if you decide on paragliding, you may have to get used to a wheelchair[I know from personal experience, my last jump didn't turn out at planned].

It's fun being a daredevil, I was a Green Beret, hope your jumps end up better than mine did!

Kindly remember this:

DEATH WISH SPORTS are those that you end up dead or crippled for life, with just ONE little malfunction. It's nice being right everytime...or else.

Have fun. Hope you don't end up becoming a "poor student in a wheelchair"

 

[Will Bradley]

No offense taken,

I understand that it is a dangerous sport, and I can't begin to understand what you are and have been going through. But i heard it is relatively safe when you have proper tuition (BSPA). And there is a risk in plenty of other things in life - but we still do them, I could get knocked down by a bus tomorrow.

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

NO OFFENSE, but...

if you decide on paragliding, you may have to get used to a
wheelchair[I know from personal experience, my last jump didn't
turn out at planned].

It's fun being a daredevil, I was a Green Beret, hope your jumps
end up better than mine did!

Kindly remember this:

DEATH WISH SPORTS are those that you end up dead or crippled for
life, with just ONE little malfunction. It's nice being right
everytime...or else.

Have fun. Hope you don't end up becoming a "poor student in a
wheelchair"

 

[Mark P80850]

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

Can someone who knows please explain how you take photos if you are
holding onto the control lines? I haven't done it before - can you
let go of the control lines to take a photo?

Would love to see some of your paragliding photos if you have
taken some...

Thanks

Will

I would use a helmet mount and cable release for the camera. I drilled a 1/4" hole in the top of my helmet, used a 1/4-20 bolt into the tripod mount of a camcorder for my ultralight. However, drilling the hole may compromise the integrity of the helmet.

 

[Will Bradley]

Trouble is - I will be using a dimage 7 - which is quite big and I will be a beginner paraglider.

Is it actually possible to let go of the control lines without losing control?

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

Can someone who knows please explain how you take photos if you are
holding onto the control lines? I haven't done it before - can you
let go of the control lines to take a photo?

Would love to see some of your paragliding photos if you have
taken some...

Thanks

Will

I would use a helmet mount and cable release for the camera. I
drilled a 1/4" hole in the top of my helmet, used a 1/4-20 bolt
into the tripod mount of a camcorder for my ultralight. However,
drilling the hole may compromise the integrity of the helmet.

 

[JoePhoto]

No offense taken,
I understand that it is a dangerous sport, and I can't begin to
understand what you are and have been going through. But i heard it
is relatively safe when you have proper tuition (BSPA). And there
is a risk in plenty of other things in life - but we still do them,
I could get knocked down by a bus tomorrow.

THEN WHY SPEND THE MONEY ON TUITION ... JUST STEP IN FRONT OF THE BUS ..... ????

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

NO OFFENSE, but...

if you decide on paragliding, you may have to get used to a
wheelchair[I know from personal experience, my last jump didn't
turn out at planned].

It's fun being a daredevil, I was a Green Beret, hope your jumps
end up better than mine did!

Kindly remember this:

DEATH WISH SPORTS are those that you end up dead or crippled for
life, with just ONE little malfunction. It's nice being right
everytime...or else.

Have fun. Hope you don't end up becoming a "poor student in a
wheelchair"

 

[Mark P80850]

Trouble is - I will be using a dimage 7 - which is quite big and I
will be a beginner paraglider.

Is it actually possible to let go of the control lines without
losing control?

The Dimage is much smaller and lighter than the old video camera I used.

If the sail is trimmed and the thermals aren't too bad you should be able to get some shots. But, I wouldn't spend much time, if any, looking through the viewfinder while flying. Just set focus to infinity and point and shoot. Take a large number of shots and some are bound to be good. Of course you won't be able to do this until you are comfortable in the craft anyway. Before that you will be way to busy just flying.

 

[Michael11945]

Trouble is - I will be using a dimage 7 - which is quite big and I
will be a beginner paraglider.

Is it actually possible to let go of the control lines without
losing control?

The Dimage is much smaller and lighter than the old video camera I
used.
If the sail is trimmed and the thermals aren't too bad you should
be able to get some shots. But, I wouldn't spend much time, if any,
looking through the viewfinder while flying. Just set focus to
infinity and point and shoot. Take a large number of shots and some
are bound to be good. Of course you won't be able to do this until
you are comfortable in the craft anyway. Before that you will be
way to busy just flying.

It's only a thought but surely it's maybe better to figure outfigure how to paraglide than worry about how to mount your camera. In my position I'd probably start with one of those cheapy disposible film cameras strapped, taped or attached somewhere you could reach it rather than have the hassle of a complicated and expensive digital camera.

I am fairly certain incidentally that doing anything with a helmet, e.g. drilling holes or whatever is certain to compromise its integrity and ability to save your life - should it have to.

However good luck, please post the photos when and if you shoot them.

regards Michael http://www.360sphere.com

 

[rr28233]

Paragliding is a relatively safe sport when good judgment and sense is used and proper training is an absolute requirement. Beyond training in how to control the craft a complete knowledge of micro meterology and weather conditions is necessary. This is not a dare devil / death wish sport as perceived by some but is based upon the enjoyment of life and the desire to fly. There have been many hundreds of thousands of safe flights and relatively few accidents in comparison. As with all forms of flight there is risk. Flying within your abilities and in acceptable conditions is the key. Free flight such as this is an experience that most will never enjoy or understand. In my way of thinking I'm glad for this as less of you is better, I would prefer my flights to be a solitary and personal experience. I wish you would all give up skiing and snowboarding also as you always seem to be in my way. As to the camera used I would start with a video camera strapped to your leg as it's out of the way and your hands are free. It is wise to never release your brake lines but can be accomplished. In competitions, many times flight waypoints need to be photographed by the pilot for verification. You have a very long way to go first.

PS paragliding has literally nothing in common with parachuting, parasailing, jumping from or out of anything or taking risks as with rock climbing, sky diving. But as with everything there are always people who will push things to the limit.

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

Can someone who knows please explain how you take photos if you are
holding onto the control lines? I haven't done it before - can you
let go of the control lines to take a photo?

Would love to see some of your paragliding photos if you have
taken some...

Thanks

Will

 

[Will Bradley]

Sweet photos - thanks alot..

I am going to take up this sport despite the risks - I have many good schools nearby and ofcourse I will be cautious

Paragliding is a relatively safe sport when good judgment and sense
is used and proper training is an absolute requirement. Beyond
training in how to control the craft a complete knowledge of micro
meterology and weather conditions is necessary. This is not a dare
devil / death wish sport as perceived by some but is based upon the
enjoyment of life and the desire to fly. There have been many
hundreds of thousands of safe flights and relatively few accidents
in comparison. As with all forms of flight there is risk. Flying
within your abilities and in acceptable conditions is the key. Free
flight such as this is an experience that most will never enjoy or
understand. In my way of thinking I'm glad for this as less of you
is better, I would prefer my flights to be a solitary and personal
experience. I wish you would all give up skiing and snowboarding
also as you always seem to be in my way. As to the camera used I
would start with a video camera strapped to your leg as it's out of
the way and your hands are free. It is wise to never release your
brake lines but can be accomplished. In competitions, many times
flight waypoints need to be photographed by the pilot for
verification. You have a very long way to go first.
PS paragliding has literally nothing in common with parachuting,
parasailing, jumping from or out of anything or taking risks as
with rock climbing, sky diving. But as with everything there are
always people who will push things to the limit.

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

Can someone who knows please explain how you take photos if you are
holding onto the control lines? I haven't done it before - can you
let go of the control lines to take a photo?

Would love to see some of your paragliding photos if you have
taken some...

Thanks

Will

 

[rr28233]

Allright, great, it's a wonderful sport. Just curious where are you located / and be training?

I am going to take up this sport despite the risks - I have many
good schools nearby and ofcourse I will be cautious

Paragliding is a relatively safe sport when good judgment and sense
is used and proper training is an absolute requirement. Beyond
training in how to control the craft a complete knowledge of micro
meterology and weather conditions is necessary. This is not a dare
devil / death wish sport as perceived by some but is based upon the
enjoyment of life and the desire to fly. There have been many
hundreds of thousands of safe flights and relatively few accidents
in comparison. As with all forms of flight there is risk. Flying
within your abilities and in acceptable conditions is the key. Free
flight such as this is an experience that most will never enjoy or
understand. In my way of thinking I'm glad for this as less of you
is better, I would prefer my flights to be a solitary and personal
experience. I wish you would all give up skiing and snowboarding
also as you always seem to be in my way. As to the camera used I
would start with a video camera strapped to your leg as it's out of
the way and your hands are free. It is wise to never release your
brake lines but can be accomplished. In competitions, many times
flight waypoints need to be photographed by the pilot for
verification. You have a very long way to go first.
PS paragliding has literally nothing in common with parachuting,
parasailing, jumping from or out of anything or taking risks as
with rock climbing, sky diving. But as with everything there are
always people who will push things to the limit.

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

Can someone who knows please explain how you take photos if you are
holding onto the control lines? I haven't done it before - can you
let go of the control lines to take a photo?

Would love to see some of your paragliding photos if you have
taken some...

Thanks

Will

 

[Will Bradley]

RR - I am in the South of England - the south downs are where all the paragliding takes place around here (basically on my doorstep) - apparently some of the best in England... They aren't massive but thats good to learn I guess!

I am thinking about this school:
http://www.flysussex.com
(Think it looks good and safe?)

This is what the terrain is like:





more here if you want:
http://home.clara.net/hintez/sdwfot1.htm

So far I have bought the book "Touching Cloudbase" by Ian Currer and Rob Cruickshank - seems pretty good!

Will

 

[Paul Taylor]

Hi.

Try Purple Haze. I did my 5 day course with them with no complaints - they have a private site at Steyning that can operate in any wind direction, this is a massive advantage as you don't have to jump in a car and go to another site every time the wind changes. Once you get the basics done, the School will take you to Devils Dyke.

http://www.mistral.co.uk/purplehaze/index.html

good luck
Paul

RR - I am in the South of England - the south downs are where all
the paragliding takes place around here (basically on my doorstep)

• apparently some of the best in England... They aren't massive but

thats good to learn I guess!

I am thinking about this school:
http://www.flysussex.com
(Think it looks good and safe?)

This is what the terrain is like:





more here if you want:
http://home.clara.net/hintez/sdwfot1.htm

So far I have bought the book "Touching Cloudbase" by Ian Currer
and Rob Cruickshank - seems pretty good!

Will

 

[Will Bradley]

Cheers Paul, yeah I looked at them, in fact that may be a better since my mum works in Steyning - plus it looks a little cheaper. Isn't the Dyke a bit big to start on straight after the training bowl?

What I would really like to do is fly off Wustonbury hill and land in a field next to my house! that would be cool!

Will

Try Purple Haze. I did my 5 day course with them with no complaints

• they have a private site at Steyning that can operate in any wind

direction, this is a massive advantage as you don't have to jump in
a car and go to another site every time the wind changes. Once you
get the basics done, the School will take you to Devils Dyke.

http://www.mistral.co.uk/purplehaze/index.html

good luck
Paul

RR - I am in the South of England - the south downs are where all
the paragliding takes place around here (basically on my doorstep)

• apparently some of the best in England... They aren't massive but

thats good to learn I guess!

I am thinking about this school:
http://www.flysussex.com
(Think it looks good and safe?)

This is what the terrain is like:





more here if you want:
http://home.clara.net/hintez/sdwfot1.htm

So far I have bought the book "Touching Cloudbase" by Ian Currer
and Rob Cruickshank - seems pretty good!

Will

 

[rr28233]

Looks nice. Another good book is Understanding The Sky by Dennis Pagen This book deals with sport flying and weather conditions.

RR - I am in the South of England - the south downs are where all
the paragliding takes place around here (basically on my doorstep)

• apparently some of the best in England... They aren't massive but

thats good to learn I guess!

I am thinking about this school:
http://www.flysussex.com
(Think it looks good and safe?)

This is what the terrain is like:





more here if you want:
http://home.clara.net/hintez/sdwfot1.htm

So far I have bought the book "Touching Cloudbase" by Ian Currer
and Rob Cruickshank - seems pretty good!

Will

 

[Will Bradley]

ahh ok thanks - might try and get hold of that one - I am getting a bit worried about this sport - everyone talks about the dangers - never the good part

RR - I am in the South of England - the south downs are where all
the paragliding takes place around here (basically on my doorstep)

• apparently some of the best in England... They aren't massive but

thats good to learn I guess!

I am thinking about this school:
http://www.flysussex.com
(Think it looks good and safe?)

This is what the terrain is like:





more here if you want:
http://home.clara.net/hintez/sdwfot1.htm

So far I have bought the book "Touching Cloudbase" by Ian Currer
and Rob Cruickshank - seems pretty good!

Will

 

[JoePhoto]

ahh ok thanks - might try and get hold of that one - I am getting a
bit worried about this sport - everyone talks about the dangers -
never the good part

There is NOTHING to "worry" about .... EXCEPT THAT SUDDEN STOP AT THE BOTTOM !!!

--Thanks for reading .... JoePhoto( Do You Ever STOP to THINK --- and FORGET to START Again ??? )

 

[rr28233]

We'll it can be dangerous as can anything else. For me after a thousand hours+ flying experience it is actually quite relaxing and secure. While flying I certainly don't have time for problems from the office or anything else. I am in more fear while driving on the freeway to get to work or where I do fly than while I fly. It is a wonderful sport. I really suspect most comments recieved here are from people never iinvolved with the sport and just stating their impressions, not what they actually know to be fact. The reality is to be safe, use good judgement, use the same when crossing the street. I was not trying to worry you with a book recommendation, it's just that knowledge will keep you safe and greatly enhance your flying experience. Go to a flying site and talk to people involved with the sport for meaningful opinions. I know several hanglider and paraglider pilots that are commercial pilots, engineers, doctors and other professional types. These are not risk takers, idiots, wackos, nuts, people with a death wish, or crazy. There just believe there's more to life than Golf.

RR - I am in the South of England - the south downs are where all
the paragliding takes place around here (basically on my doorstep)

• apparently some of the best in England... They aren't massive but

thats good to learn I guess!

I am thinking about this school:
http://www.flysussex.com
(Think it looks good and safe?)

This is what the terrain is like:





more here if you want:
http://home.clara.net/hintez/sdwfot1.htm

So far I have bought the book "Touching Cloudbase" by Ian Currer
and Rob Cruickshank - seems pretty good!

Will

 

[Mark P80850]

We'll it can be dangerous as can anything else. For me after a
thousand hours+ flying experience it is actually quite relaxing and
secure. While flying I certainly don't have time for problems from
the office or anything else. I am in more fear while driving on the
freeway to get to work or where I do fly than while I fly. It is a
wonderful sport. I really suspect most comments recieved here are
from people never iinvolved with the sport and just stating their
impressions, not what they actually know to be fact. The reality is
to be safe, use good judgement, use the same when crossing the
street. I was not trying to worry you with a book recommendation,
it's just that knowledge will keep you safe and greatly enhance
your flying experience. Go to a flying site and talk to people
involved with the sport for meaningful opinions. I know several
hanglider and paraglider pilots that are commercial pilots,
engineers, doctors and other professional types. These are not risk
takers, idiots, wackos, nuts, people with a death wish, or crazy.
There just believe there's more to life than Golf.
Murmur2k wrote:

Amen to that. But golf courses can come in handy in a forced landing )

 

[Mike K]

I would like to echo rr's suggestions; focus on flying, it will take all of your concentration for the first year or two. When your flying skills become very automatic you will know when you have time to do something else like take photos. Don't worry about it until then. I have been an avid hang gliding pilot since 1980 and have taken my digicam flying with me some last summer.

Here is an exampleflying tandem with my brother, who has tripped the IR remote. I am piloting.





Thats an oxygen cannula in my nose. Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative on my camera flights this summer.
Regards, Mike K

Hi
I am thinking of taking up paragliding this summer.

Can someone who knows please explain how you take photos if you are
holding onto the control lines? I haven't done it before - can you
let go of the control lines to take a photo?

Would love to see some of your paragliding photos if you have
taken some...

Thanks

Will