Hang Gliding vs. Paragliding

Even though humans are not equipped with the means to fly, they have created several ways in which a person can take flight. Both hang gliding and paragliding allow you to leave the land behind and float through the air. Though the feelings of freedom are the same with both forms of recreation, the processes are different.

  1. Flying Apparatus

    • The flying apparatuses used for hang gliding and paragliding are different because of the way the rider flies. For hang gliding, the rider typically lies face down in a special harness. The chute used for paragliding is constructed on an aluminum frame so the wings hold their shape. This makes the wings heavier than those used by paragliders. The paragliding chute is similar to a parachute. It does not have a frame and is much lighter. Paragliders are harnessed to the chute in a sitting position.

    The View

    • The views you see when hang gliding and paragliding vary depending on where you are riding. Both hang gliders and paragliders are able to soar over both land and sea. Some paragliders are towed behind a boat and can mostly see the waterway below, along with the surrounding shoreline. Other paragliders travel over the land. Hang gliders view scenery of many types, depending on the launch site. If you are paragliding over land or using a hang glider, you will need to launch from a high place, such as a cliff.

    Launch and Landing

    • The way paragliding and hang gliding each work affects the way in which you will launch and land. Hang gliders must begin from a high place and end in a lower place. You can catch an updraft to soar higher, but overall, your adventure will take you down toward your landing. Paragliding is similar. A paraglider jumps from a high place and drifts slowly back to the ground. One of the biggest differences is the amount of control a rider has with each method.

    Control

    • The control of the hang glider and paraglider are different because of the construction of their individual chutes. Hang gliders are able to control their movements more precisely than a paraglider. A hang glider can move right or left and can alter his speed. If he catches an updraft, he can soar even higher instead of drifting down. If you paraglide over land or over water without a boat, you will only have control over your right and left turns.