Paragliding is a sport of assisted human flight. A paraglider is a motorless, inflatable wing, made of rip-stop nylon and fixed with Kevlar lines that secure a pilot's harness. The pilot sits in the harness and launches the vehicle by foot, running off inclines, hills or mountains. He or she steers the wing by weight shift and application of brakes that changes the shape of the rear edge of the wing.

The function of a paraglide is to soar on wind currents. The record for staying aloft is over 11 hours, and the distance record, 186 miles (300km). The average flight for the every day enthusiast is about 3 hours, with heights reaching 15,000 feet (4,500 meters).

One of the advantages of paragliding is that the entire wing and harness fold up into a 30 lb (13.6 kg) backpack. This makes it easy for a paraglider to hitch-hike back from a flight, or to transport his wing by checking it in as baggage on a bus or even an airline.

Paragliders range in cost but start at about $3,000 USD. If purchasing a paraglider make sure it bears certifications of quality, which the dealer should explain. Recommended additional equipment consists of a variometer or altimeter, which tells you how fast you are rising or falling, and a 2-way radio. For those who love the quiet peace of soaring bird-like through the inviting sky, the investment is worth every penny.

Courses in paragliding are essential for anyone taking up the sport. Basic techniques and a solo flight are achieved in a 2-day introductory course. Afterwards, if you want to continue with the sport, it's recommended you get certified through more advanced training.

When selecting a school for paragliding instruction in the US, look for instructors who are certified by the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA). You can contact the United State Hang Gliding Association for more information about reputable schools.

Paragliding and hang gliding are similar, but they do have a few key differences. A hang glider is heavier and must be transported on a roof rack. A hang glider also suspends the pilot in a prone position, rather than sitting, and hang gliders fly slightly faster and can fly higher than paragliders, up to 17,500 feet (5,334m).

Parasailing and parachuting are very different from paragliding or hang gliding. A parasail does not soar freely on the wind, but is pulled behind a motorized boat, while a parachutist jumps from a plane to free-fall to the ground, as do parajumpers who jump from fixed objects like bridges, mountains or buildings.