Hang Gliding vs. Paragliding - There seems to be a constant debate of which is better than the other. Hang Gliding. Gravity, wind, lift, sink - these are all invisible and exploiting them to soar for a few minutes or hours requires understanding of physics, sensory acuity, and various types of reasoning. To claim that hang gliding is totally safe is deluding yourself. It gives a huge sense of freedom and independence … But, you will have to learn first! These are all things you can accept and measure in your brain while you make a conscious choice about participating. J Trauma. Over time this builds up the strength of arm muscles as they adapt to the demands of gliding. * This site is reasonably moderated. The dynamics of hang gliding require … The risk of dying associated with most sporting activities is surprisingly low, even with skydiving or hang gliding. And that is possible in the Netherlands. Has anyone done hang gliding? Figure 1: Risk of dying with various sporting activities. The pilot is concealed in a harness. Advances in pilot training and glider construction have led to a much improved safety record. Hang gliding is a type of air sport in which the rider flies a non-motorized aircraft which is called a hang glider. Most of the hang gliders now are made of aluminum alloy which is covered with sailcloth. People like this have "run off" the reasonable pilots from community web sites in the past. How safe is it, compared to other extreme sports? A person who has good motor skills and is careful can take up the sport with "reasonable" risk factors if they stick to the safety guidlines for flying conditions and equipment. But bird watching is far less hazardous than hang gliding and probably marginally safer than taking a stroll around the block and crossing the street once. Since its invention, hang gliding has been able to provide tens of thousands of people with an amazing experience. Every time you fly, you could die. Data sources Soreide et al. Hang gliding is a type of air sport in which the rider flies a non-motorized aircraft which is called a hang glider. It goes above and beyond the basic equipment and flight speeds. Unfortunately, the sport of hang gliding contains a very small but extremely vocal group of extremists who escalate and harass people at every turn. Gravity, wind, lift, sink - these are all invisible and exploiting them to soar for a few minutes or hours requires understanding of physics, sensory acuity, and various types of reasoning. For me, hang gliding is the ultimate in achieving union with the forces of nature, immersion within them. Risk Communication Tool (c) John Paling 2000 (www.riskcomm.com) Comment. Hang gliding; Hang gliding. Due to the poor safety record of early hang gliding pioneers, the sport has traditionally been considered unsafe. The answer is hang gliding has more deaths per the number of people doing it. When debating hang gliding vs. paragliding, there are a ton of factors to consider! The pilot can control the hang glider by shifting the body weight in opposition to a control frame. As of the comparison Hang Gliding is much safer as per the statistics alone. This will no longer be tolerated here. The pilot is concealed in a harness. For me, hang gliding is the ultimate in achieving union with the forces of nature, immersion within them. Strengthening arm muscles through hang gliding — Hang gliding clearly places a lot of stress on the arms, with the pilot holding onto the wing above him. The safety standards of aviation have been more helpful in reducing all sorts of fatalities due to any adventure sports. Foreign Language Hang Gliding Forums; Hang Gliding Resources on the Internet; Hang Gliding Safety Notifications; Hang Gliding Site Guide; How to become a hang gliding instructor; IPPI: Where is it accepted or required; CIVL Info: Where is the IPPI Card recognised and used? Most of these risks are far lower than might have been thought, even with skydiving or hang gliding. Most of the hang gliders now are made of aluminum alloy which is covered with sailcloth. I'm thinking about doing a tandem hang glide with Skytrek, a company that operates out of Queenstown.But I just read that, earlier this year, a pilot and a passenger died in the accident after jumping off the Remarkables, so now I'm worried and reconsidering.