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Paragliding in Porterville

Paragliding is an outdoor flying sport.  It is also a competitive sport with venues all over the world.

The paraglider is a free-flying "aircraft" that is foot-launched.  The pilot sits in a harness that is hanging from below a fabric wing.  The fabric wing shapes as the air pressure enters through vents in the front of the wing.  A typical paraglider has a wing span of 8-12 meters and weighs 3-7 kg.

Whereas parachutes are generally used for descending purposes, paragliders are categorized as ascending parachutes.

To keep a paraglider in the air, rising air is needed.

• Thermals are formed when the sun heats features on the ground and columns of hot air rises.
• Another source of rising air is called a ridge lift.  The wind encounters a ridge in the landscape and is forced upwards.

Therefore Porterville is an excellent place for paragliding.  Between November and March ground temperatures are well into the 30's with good thermal activity in the area.  During winter, thermals are more gentle and paragliders can enjoy a scenic flight (glide) over the Porterville valley.

For more information regarding Paragliding, visit www.flygirl.co.za

Or for info on Inter-club Events call Rob on 082 788 4398