On Cloud nine: It is an amazing experience to run towards a cliff and soon be lifted off the ground

It was a normal day in school. As usual, I was punished and was standing outside my classroom looking at the sky and the distant horizon. My sense of guilt soon gave way to awe as I stared at a soaring eagle ? the epitome of grace on wing, swooping and turning, rising and diving! I felt envious and desperately wanted to fly like that.

My dream was realised three years ago when I was introduced to paragliding. It is an amazing experience to run towards a cliff and be lifted off the ground by the 30-foot whirlwind of fabric attached to the harness by 50 suspension lines. No engine, no sound, pure wind hitting your face.

India is a fantastic destination for paragliding for its varied flying conditions and topography. The great Himalayan range in the north provides perfect flying conditions in one of the highest and most spectacular regions of the world. When these mountains are inaccessible owing to heavy snowfall, it is best to head for the Western Ghats. Here the 1,500-metre high mountain ranges that go all the way to the southern part of India along the coast provide great flying opportunities. During the monsoons, it is best to turn towards Rajasthan and take off from the Aravalli range. This sport is popular in Himachal Pradesh where there are institutions that teach you how to fly this contraption.

A paraglider ? the most simple of aircraft ? comprises a foot-launched, ram-air aerofoil canopy (the actual “wing” or “glider” or “bag”), risers (the cords by which the pilot is suspended below the canopy) and a harness. It is designed to be flown equipped with no other energy requirements save wind, gravity and the pilot’s muscle power. In addition, the brake cords provide speed and directional control and carabiners are used to connect the risers and the harness together.

The paraglider canopy shape is maintained only by air pressure and the pilot is suspended in a sitting or supine position. The descent is at about three minutes per 1,000 feet of altitude. However, if the air rises faster than the speed of descent ? which happens often ? flights of one to three hours are not uncommon. In fact, last year, paragliders stayed aloft for over 11 hours and are now close to achieving 200-mile distance records.

Most people can learn to launch, turn and land in about an-hour-and-a-half of instruction. This is partly possible because the instructors control the situation, assess the conditions and make decisions for the students. What cannot be taught in this short period of time, however, is how to take a flight decision independently. In order to do that, it is necessary to have comprehensive knowledge of weather, equipment and safety procedures. The pilot certification programme includes this aspect.

You first need to do a four-day course that grants you an elementary pilot certificate. This involves three consecutive flights from 150 feet or above, unassisted by radio contact, with standup landings in a pre-determined area. It includes turns through 90? to the left and right with airspeed corrections throughout. Besides, there is a short test in elementary theory. After this, you can do the basic course which is much more comprehensive and teaches you to judge situations and take charge yourself.

A paraglider weighs around five to seven kilograms and is packed into a largish knapsack that makes it easy to carry on mountains. You must be over 16 and have the consent of your parents or guardian if under 18. Your weight should be between 45 and 85 kgs. You should carry shoes that have a good grip and protect your ankle, apart from wind-proof jackets to shelter from the cool breeze, warm clothes, gloves and sunglasses.

Paragliding, like any other adventure sport, has its associated risks. The most important pre-requisites to learning to fly safely are: pilot attitude, competent instruction and safe equipment. While training, you start by just skimming the ground. As you progress and become skilled and confident, you will probably want to go higher. Paragliders have reached over 18,000 feet above sea level.

TAKE WING

• Himalayan Institute of Aero Adventure, 324, Krishan Nagar, Dehra Dun (Elementary and basic courses)

• India Outdoors, Neelkanth Nivas, 169/C Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar TT, Mumbai

• The Western Paragliding Association, 14 Percy, I.C. colony, Borivali (west), Mumbai

• Adreno, 57 Matru Krupa, 2nd Cross, 7th ‘C’ Main, R.P.C Layout, Vijaynagar, 2nd stage, Bangalore. www.adreno.org

• Closer home you can learn in Jharkhand, Giridih. Contact Adventure Travellers Academy. Phone: 09431152099/9830604197