Hang Gliding

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Hang Gliding

The sport of flying in lightweight unpowered aircraft which can be carried by the pilot.

Get Involved

An Overview of Hang Gliding

Hang glider pilots are suspended from their gliders by a special harness, and launch from hills facing into wind. The objective is to stay airborne in lifting currents of air. Some pilots are content to soar the hill they launched from, whilst others prefer to search out rising pockets of air, known as thermals, and use these to undertake long cross country flights.

Benefits

  • Reduces stress
  • Improves mental alertness
  • Strengthens arm muscles
  • Able to see the landscape from a different perspective

Costs

A new top-of-the range competition hang glider can cost over £6,000, although sports machines with only slightly less performance are available for around £3,500 - £4,500. Suitable second hand intermediate hang gliders usually start in the region of £1,000 - £1,500, and club members and schools often have good quality second hand gliders for sale.

Involvement

Hang gliding schools and clubs can be found using the links below

Schools - https://www.bhpa.co.uk/schools/

Clubs - https://www.bhpa.co.uk/clubs/clubs.php?region=all

Adaptations and Equipment

You will need a hang glider, harness, helmet, flying suit, and boots. Later, as you become more experienced, you may also want to purchase additional items, such as an emergency parachute, and a GPS.

Facts

The UK record for distance currently stands at 338km, (210 miles), and was set by Carl Wallbank on a flight from SE Wales to Norfolk. The current UK record for altitude stands at an astonishing 16,000ft.

Find Hang Gliding Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.