Air sports are considered dangerous but extremely exhilarating. The adrenaline associated with soaring high above the ground while tracing out circles in the air is what makes such adventurers take up flying. Of the ten different types of air sports, paragliding is the closest feeling to a bird you would ever experience.
Photo: Hunter Marrian
It is a more relaxed way to fly. One only needs to foot launch themselves and is propagated by air currents and body motion. Many have found a way to make this sport a lot more fun and purposeful. Photographer Bobby Neptune takes photos of disappearing landscapes from a paraglider in an effort to document and champion for conservation.
A paraglider consists of a wing which is elliptical rather than round like a parachute, a harness where you can comfortably sit, a reserve parachute for safety as well as a speed bar, lines and risers. A pilot is required to wear protective gear such as a helmet as well as thermal wear.
There aren’t many people enjoying this sport as much as it is one of the easiest air sports to learn. Kenya offers some of the best paragliding spots in the world which sees many foreign pilots coming to the Kerio Valley to paraglide. The sport is open to tandem flyers who act as passengers of the paraglider.
Awesome locations to paraglide in Kenya
A Great sport for out-door adventure lovers, here are a few tips on how to get started on paragliding.
Curious about Paragliding? Tips to get you started
Hunter Marrian, Kenya’s only Fédération Aéronautique Internationale record-holder is a remarkable paragliding pilot. He advises one to take it slow since paragliding can also get nasty despite it being extremely good fun and addictive. Emphasis on getting good safety kits and proper training is paramount.
Catch his full interview with Nomad
Hunter Marrian runs Paraglide Kenya, which offers tandem jumps on the Borana Conservancy on the slopes of Mt Kenya. To book a jump, visit www. borana.co.ke
