Hang Gliding: Who’s In?

Ever since I jumped out of a plane, I’ve been an adrenaline junkie. To be honest, I was an adrenaline junkie long before that, but now I feel the need to experience the feeling again.

By Elizabeth

Should my wallet magically dispense to me $1800, I could go skydiving 9 times and then go through training that would allow me to go for just $20-$50 each time. But, until that fairy tale money arrives, I’ll have to spend each chunk of $200 and change with a bit more thought. So you know what I’m thinking?

HANG GLIDING. There is just something about soaring through the sky — like an EAGLE — that appeals to me. Am I nuts? YES…according to my friends. Apparently the fatality rate of hang gliders is high (yawn) and the injury rate is even higher…blah blah. I’m either fearless or an idiot. Or a fearless idiot. But, hey, whatever. If you’re a fearless idiot too, here are some things you should know about hang gliding.

A hang glider is a huge wing-like apparatus. (Sweet!)

In order to ‘fly’, you’ve gotta run down a slope until the wind lifts the glider. (Fun!)

Once the wind lifts you up, you soar. You can elevate yourself through hot air.

You keep yourself going based on how well you harness your own weight and the kind of air that is around you. Some people can glide for over 20 hours, it’s really insane.

The truth is this: hang gliding is not nearly as dangerous today as it used to be. You have to go tandem your first time, just like skydiving. You’re wearing a parachute, as well, just in case something malfunctions with the glider.

Is it totally safe? Well…no. But neither is driving a car.

So who wants to go this summer? Anyone with me?