Stormy's Paragliding Experience

Let me share my paragliding story. Before that, a brief about paragliding.

What is Paragliding?

    Paragliding is an adventure sport where a lightweight, non-motorized glider is launched by running off a hill or being towed by a vehicle equipped with a winch. Pilots use a harness to strap themselves with the glider and use brakes connected to the wing to control their direction and altitude. It's essential to undergo proper training, understand the meteorological conditions and use the correct gear for a safe paragliding experience.

Types of Paragliding?

There are several types of paragliding such as:

1. Free Flight: The most common form, where pilots launch from a high ground like a hill, using natural air currents for lift.

2. Winch Towing: It involves being towed by a ground-based winch system, providing a faster ascent to higher altitudes.

3. Powered Paragliding (PPG): In this variant, a motorized backpack propels the paraglider, allowing for takeoff from flat ground.

4. Speed Riding: Combines paragliding with skiing, enabling descent down snow-covered slopes.

5. Acro Paragliding: Focuses on aerobatic maneuvers, showcasing skill and agility.

Each type offers a unique experience, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

      I opted for winch paragliding course, which is likely more dangerous but also more adventurous. With Diwali vacation approaching, I decided to embark on an adventurous journey and chose paragliding. After conducting detailed research, I finally found a suitable place to start my paragliding experience – a location in Rajasthan.

          During the first day, I was incredibly excited, feeling like I was on a mission. Surrounded by people from different regions, in a new place and learning something entirely new. Initially, we focused on ground handling, which seemed easy at first but turned out to be challenging. One had to use full physical power to lean down and handle and control the glider with the brakes. It was tiring, and by the end of the day, black marks appeared on my hands due to the stress and strain of handling.

           Sometimes, the winds would change its direction in the middle of the ground handling. There were moments when I couldn't run properly and at times, I would forget to lean down and look straight while handling the glider. Occasionally, the wind was so strong that it dragged both me and the glider. These moments were quite frustrating. Several times, I was dragged by strong winds and on few occasions, my instructor was also dragged along with me. Fortunately, we remained safe with only minor scratches and injuries. 

            After five days of ground handling, the hopping flights on the winch began. The Paraglider was tethered to the jeep with a rope, and pre-flight checks were conducted numerous times. The Paraglider pilot and the person on the winch vehicle, after exchanging signals, would initiate the hopping flights. For the first time in my life, I was going to experience a flight – and it felt magical.

                Everything was going smoothly when suddenly, I received a call from home informing me that my mom has been hospitalized. This news was a great shock for me, especially when I was so close to completing my P2 syllabus. Initially torn between going back to my mom and continuing the course, I questioned if this opportunity would come back again. With a heavy heart, I decided to stay and finish what I had started as my brother was there to take care of my mother. I persevered through a challenging time to focus on completing my P2 certification.

         In the flight, we had to showcase what we had learned on the ground i.e. the various steps to fly- fill, guide, release, damp and brakes. It was my first long flight and I was both nervous and excited. After completing pre-flight checks, I signaled to start the first high flight. Everything went smoothly—the running, filling, releasing, damping, guiding. I was in the sky and suddenly, everything became a blur; my instructor ordered me to release myself from the winch rope. I tried but it didn't release. The instructor did the release from his end. Now, in a free flight, I had no control over my glider and I landed hard on the ground. I couldn't pull the brakes fully and everyone gathered around me. They were all visibly worried and concerned. My instructor asked me what happened? I was confused and unable to comprehend what had just occurred. I was in a shock. After a full check-up, I found myself okay with only some minor injuries and my instructor suggested that I take some rest.

         I was deeply disappointed with myself—how could I make such a silly mistake at the final stage? I had performed well during ground handling and the hopping flights, so why this error now? Amidst this turmoil, I found myself battling multiple challenges simultaneously. It was frustrating.

          For two days, I did nothing. I simply went to the training field, helped with the gliders of my other course mates. I was fighting numerous thoughts and doing my best to conquer each one. I'm not afraid of flying; I'm just worried about the possibility of the same mistake happening again.

       In the meantime, almost everyone finished both their P1 and P2 syllabus. My instructor gave me hope that I can do it. Be safe and focus on what you learned on ground. I told myself that I can't give up so easily, especially after coming so close to the goal and enduring so much hardship. I convinced myself that I have to do it not only for me but also for my mother, my little angel Betu, my students, my Sweta Maa and especially for all those who have no such opportunities, to give them hope that all is achievable.

       Slowly and surely, collecting my inner strength, and going through my last few days of ground handling classes, I flew all my flights smoothly and safely and completed the P2 syllabus. Upon completing my last flight, I simply told my instructor, "Sir, I did it!" He was happy, and I regained my pride. I shed a few tears, but they were tears of happiness.

Through all this, I learned few valuable life lessons. Once you decide to do something, just go for it. There will come a time, when you will feel everything is pulling you down. It is upto you to pull yourself up. You are not a failure until you yourself give up. Never give up. Life will continue to shine on those Bravehearts.