History
Starting in 1978, the founders of hang-gliding have continuously
been taking steps towards gaining popularity and safety. From a
wild and entertaining practice, it has developed into an authentic
sport, practiced around the world, with a variety of techniques
and newer possibilities that allow for a truer, freer flight (ascending
flight and longer distances).
In the Alps, some parachutists believed they could do something
more than jumping from a plane with a parachute, slightly modifying
their plans with the intent of flying unattached, and by their own
means from the steepest peaks of Miessuy.
It began in the 1980's with an athletic combination of scaling
and descending in a hang-glider. Cristopher Profit set a record
for his uninterrupted feat of scaling the most significant peaks
of the Alps with flights down to the foot of the following wall
and continuing that process down the mountains.
In another field of progress, in the 1990's there were records
in the form of distance traveled, where they measured the ability
of the pilot and his physical resistance or talent in the field.
Who would have thought that the ideas that originated in the 1970's
would come so far and develop into such a popular sport around the
globe, where one can fly in the air for hours, crossing over mountains
and bodies of water.
Today, the paraglider has evolved into an ultralight, flexible
glider. You can define it as a glider because it flies without the
need for a motor; ultralight because it weighs less than the pilot,
and flexible because its manufactured with a material that cannot
form a rigid structure. Its flight obeys to aerodynamic forces that
are the result of the movements of the glider in the air.
The two-person flight is the best opportunity to explore the passion
for flying. It consists of a paraglider with special dimensions
that can support 2 people, enjoying the comfort of sitting in two
seats (harnesses) where the instructor and the passenger will sit.
It is advisable for your first flight to be a 2 person flight,
especially in places where learning the practice takes place in
dynamic winds. (Cachagua Region V).
This sport is categorized as an adventure sport, and is backed
by the Chilean Association of Free Flight and the Aerial Federation
of Chile.
The passenger does not have to have previous knowledge about paragliding,
and should only relax and enjoy the amazing experience.
The pilot takes off, flies and lands with total control. If the
conditions during the flight permit, and the pilot believes it is
appropriate, the passenger can take control and fly the paraglider,
supervised the entire time by the pilot.
The average estimated flight time is approximately 30 minutes,
and if the passenger wishes, a video can be filmed to capture the
memories of this unforgettable experience.
Paragliding in Chile
Flight areas in our country are considered some of
the best in the world for all pilots from beginner to expert. It
is ideal to learn on the coasts of Region V. But the most sought
after location by pilots is in Iquique and Santiago in order to
make flights of the longest distances (cross country).
Chile clearly provides a wide variety of possibilities
for practicing the sport. You can find places from Region I, all
the way to Region VIII, having all types of winds and climates in
that span. From the tranquil coast of Cachagua Region V, to the
diverse mountain range of the central Andes.
DESTINATIONS:
When and where |
Among the places most well known for paragliding in Chile are:
|
Northern Zone
- Alto Molle: Iquique Region I.
- Antofagasta: Antofagasta Region II.
- Tambillos: La Serena Region IV.
- Cerro Grande: La Serena Region IV.
Southern Zone
- Chancon: Region VI.
- Lo miranda: Region VI.
- Machalí: Region VI.
- El guindal: Region VI.
- Termas de Chillan: Region VII.
- Lebu: Region VIII.
- Lanalhue: Region VIII.
- Pucón: Region IX.
- San Ignacio: Region X.
- Antillanca: Region X.
- Cucao: Region X.
|
Metropolitan Zone
- Batuco: North of Santiago, enter by Route 5 Northe.
- Colina.
- Vizcachas.
- Cachagua: Region V. Above the E-30-F highway to km . 70
of Valparaiso towards the north. Nimbus school of paragliding
Cachagua.
- Maitencillo: Region V Valparaiso.
- Algarrobo: Region V, south of Valparaiso.
|
Some suggestions for sites can be
found in our Destinations of Chile
section.
Security
- Choose a type of place to fly recognized by the A.CH.V.L. (Chilean
Association of Free Flight).
- If you do not know the flight zone, be sure to go with an instructor
or recognized school.
- Always use appropriate equipment, never ignoring all possible
safety measures.
- The flight should be based on the weather. The weather should
be known ahead of time.
- Always fly with others.
- Always have a designated emergency landing area. Always know
procedures of rescues and in each zone.
Equipment for paragliding includes the following:
|
Dynamic flight on the beach
- Paraglider
- Harness with rear protection
- Helmet
- Radio with zone frequency
|
Thermic Distance Flight
- Paraglider
- Harness with rear protection
- Helmet
- Emergency parachute
- Adequate shoes
- Radio with zone frequency
- Paragliding License
|
Paragliding Schools
Nimbus
Cachagua
Los Clarines M55 S1, La Laguna, Zapallar
(56-32) 771387 or (56-9) 550 2116
Sky
Adventure Chile
Email: skyadv@rdc.cl
Tel/Fax (56-2) 219 2115 or (56-9) 888 2371
Santiago, Chile
Parapente.cl
Cel: (56-9) 233 0349
Paragliding School Aire Libre
Carretera F 30 s/n - casilla 61, Puchuncavi.
(56-32)
971260
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