Paragliding safety

What can you do to make paragliding as safe as possible?

• Don't try and teach yourself how to paraglide, that can be extremely dangerous. Paragliding is a form of aviation and you'd never think about trying to teach yourself how to fly a jumbo jet…would you?
• Learn to fly from a fully qualified paragliding instructor.
• Join a registered club.
• If you are a beginner don't buy second hand equipment, unless it has been seen by your instructor and is deemed suitable.
• Paragliders are rated on performance. If you join a registered club you will be taught on a paraglider that has been rated for a beginner.
• Equipment you will need apart from a canopy is a harness, flight suit, boots and a helmet.
• More advanced pilots may also need navigation instruments and other accessories.
• Plan your flight beforehand.
• Take the weather into account before launching.
• You don't need a hill to paraglide. You can be launched on the flat by towing, using an engine driven winch. It's important however that you have been trained in the technique of taking off using a tow before attempting it. The tow operator must also have been fully trained.
• Use caution if you are attempting to fly in weather conditions you have never flown in before.
• Don't attempt a level of flight that is beyond your level of experience.
• Never attempt fixed rope towing or tethering, this is extremely dangerous.
• Use your common sense. Don't take unnecessary risks. Paragliding can be dangerous enough without making rash decisions or judgements.