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Comment by dr_robert | Hacker News Reader

I’m a paraglider pilot and powered paraglider recently. Totally recommended, you get to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Also people who practice this kind of sports are nice. From a tech perspective there are a lot of data generated on each flight you can create your own way to capture that data or use already existing apps.

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I got to do this a couple of years ago. It's super cool! Very much recommend it.

But I'll note that it's super...weird? in the sense that it's like halfway between being both relaxing and excitative, nature and machine. I went in expecting a thrill ride and it wasn't quite that, but it wasn't quite relaxing either (though I'd imagine the more you do it the more it feels like the letter!).

A few days ago I donated all my powered paragliding equipment that I did not use for years. Too many accidents in my circle of friends, I still used to fly planes but not soft wings. If safety would not be a concern, paragliding is indeed very nice, more connected than a glider, fun, not too expensive, but I don't remember any paraglider pilot that I personally know that did not have at least a serious accident.

Tom Scott covered paragliding recently and darn if he doesn't make it look attractive, even to someone who has a private pilot's license.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKx1VJsLsfk

I also want to get into hot air balloons, there's some near me ...

The best part is when you can combine your love of engineering and flying and work on your own electric paramotor. Highly recommend paragliding as an affordable and safe way to experience flight

I’m curious, are you working on your own electric paramotor?

i've always been interested in para-motoring. how safe or unsafe is paragliding? do you think about that aspect before going out for a flight?

I’ve been flying since 2012 and I always think about safety. Safety is relative but if you do the things the right way you will be ok. A good common sense is super important, and then keep on your progression, there’s no need to skip steps. Knowing the air is a lifetime journey so there is no rush. Also I feel paramotor is kind of safer because you get to fly with light wind or not wind at all, mostly early in the morning or near sunset. In my personal experience this sport change my life.

I've known 3 people that were into paragliding. 2 of them had near misses from chute collapses and the other flew into a stationery car (he was saved from more serious injury by wearing a full face helmet). So definitely not risk free, based on that sample.

I did it once with an experienced pilot, tandem. An awesome experience. He explained the most dangerous time is when you get slightly confident. That's when most accidents occur, at the intermediate stage. He said you have to be religiously careful at all times, and stay paranoid.

That is good advice for any potentially dangerous hobby.

Me too! I love the view up there.

Totally worth it

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