I wanted to do paragliding for ages but never got around to it. It fascinated me when someone hovering in the thermals like the birds. I would imagine it would be very peaceful and quiet up. Anyway, I finally committed to the difficult, and will describe the experience here.
I was a little worried when the feeling of the day arrived. I am uncomfortable in high places. I do not know if I would say that I'm afraid of heights, but when I was on the balcony of a high rise apartment for example, I feel vulnerable when I look over the edge. Anyway, my point was that it was going to be a big thing for me. We arrived at the point clear said that the conditions are good, with active thermals, so you should be in the air for some time. There were other people out there setting up, and some are already in the air. We started setting up boats, and got into a flying suit, which in some ways I feel more prepared for what I do. I knew he was probably going to be cold up there. In any case, once kitted up, it was time to head over to take-off area and get strapped into the belt in front of my instructor, Phil.
We were standing on top of the cleared slope, with the wings and watching how the canopy. It looked good and told me to start walking. I am, and we smoothly lifted off the ground and began to grow bigger. This is a very smooth take-off and it was not long before we were even high above the trees, huge back and forth across the mountain like an eagle. It was a truly amazing experience, it is quiet and peaceful just as I thought it would be. I had worried about how I feel suspended high only armor, but I felt safe and secure.
