Hang Glider Anatomy
Hang gliders and its accessories are pieces of equipment that many people know absolutely nothing about, because they have never gone for a glide themselves. Well, those people don’t know what they are missing, because it is an absolutely invigorating experience! Before trying this activity, however, you really should know the names and uses of each type of gear. This is one way to ensure that your glide will be safe and you will get the most out of your experience.
Glider
The actual hang glider has two parts. One is the frame and the other is the wing. The frame is made of aluminum tubes, various metal bars, and quite a few wires. While that doesn’t sound like much, the objects that come together to make the frame are extremely important pieces of hardware. Without them, you might as well just be riding on a kite and hope that you don’t slip! These materials keep the wing form stiff, which allows you to steer properly and then safely land the glider. The wing is the part that catches the air and really makes the glider soar through the sky.
Harness
The harness is one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment you can have when hang gliding. It attaches to both the glider and the pilot to make sure that there is no chance of the pilot falling off the glider. It is vital to have a strong harness in place before you attempt to go gliding. This tool keeps you steady while you are in the air, but it also gives you the freedom to move in any way that is necessary while you are launching and while you are up. There are several different types of harnesses that fit to the pilot in specific ways, depending upon what is most comfortable for each individual. Bearing in mind that as every person is different, so too should harnesses be. In the case of the harness, just as with gliders themselves, there’s no such thing as, “one size fits all.”
Helmet
A helmet is less of a technical necessity and more of a safety oriented one. There are many things that can cause an impact in the areas you will be gliding, and while you are in the air it is sometimes hard to avoid them. If a bird, bug, or branch (in the event you are flying too close to trees, which happens more often than not with new gliders) get in your way, you may accidentally bang into them. Given the speed you can achieve during gliding, this could cause some serious damage if you were not wearing a helmet. When you are landing, your helmet can be an asset as well. Even the most experienced gilders tumble upon landing. There’s experience and inertia, and the first you have control over, the second, yeah, good luck trying to defy the laws of physics!
Hang gliding is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and open sky. Be sure to have the right gear to make your glide both fun and safe. There are other pieces of equipment that can help you when you are in the air and after you have come down, so it is a good idea to do some research before you go. Hang gliding is an extremely fun sport, that once you’ve done everything to ensure your safety, you are free to soar and be the bird you often dream of being.
