Paragliding

This is an extreme aerial practice of free flight using a paraglider—a lightweight, frameless aircraft launched by foot from mountain slopes or hills. Modern paragliding originated in France in 1978 when mountaineers Jean-Claude Bétemps, André Bohn, and Gérard Bosson successfully launched from the mountain of Mieussy using modified parachute wings to descend after climbs. This experiment marked the beginning of a new sport that quickly spread across Europe and the world. In 1979, the first paragliding club, "Les Choucas," was established, and in 1985, Swiss designer Laurent de Kalbermatten began producing specialized paragliders, contributing to the sport's popularity and equipment standardization. Paragliding combines elements of aviation, sport, and art, allowing pilots to utilize rising air currents for extended flights, maneuvers, and aerobatics. Today, the practice encompasses various disciplines: cross-country, acro flights, tandem flights, and competitions such as world championships and record-setting journeys. Paragliding demands high concentration, physical fitness, and a deep understanding of meteorological conditions, yet remains accessible to a broad range of enthusiasts due to the relative simplicity of the equipment and the availability of training.