Powered Paragliding Truth

PPGTruth

by Jeff Goin

Powered Paragliding is the simplest form of flight ever devised. If only the Wright Brothers could see our stuff now!

But there is enormous misinformation out there. What some offer so convincingly can be terribly misleading. A few pronouncements that I've heard, given with religious fervor, are simply wrong. Be discerning, look around, ask around, and consider the wisdom of broad council.

Be especially wary of individuals with an extremely inflated self image, they probably have problems that render their advice suspect at best and dangerous at worst.

Like the world we live in, few aspects of paramotoring are black and white; those who see it as such have an inaccurate picture of reality. In fact, our sport is a colorful collection of options, with many choices both in equipment and methods of training.

What I offer is perspective. After 9 years of immersion in this sport, and lots of flying including nearly every paramotor brand out there, I'll give unbiased observations and recommendations. I've visited nearly every dealer and instructor of paramotor equipment in the U.S., and reviewed most of the gear. I've flown each suspension system type enough to describe its plusses and minuses and how it should be adjusted. I've listened intently to those who have been teaching for years; observing their results and adjusting my position of what works, what's safe, and what is unsafe.

It's a colorful world out there, don't ever let yourself be drawn into seeing it through grayscale glasses. Gather an accurate picture so you don't miss out on the incredible variety offered by our precious freedom.