Dave_SW

Again thanks for the replies. Well I thought I'd be clever and book myself onto a paragliding experience day yesterday for some early ground handling training (it was between paramotoring and paragliding). Wind was lightish but kept changing direction slightly. Was doing ok with the forward launches and running down a slight hill controlling the wing. Next stage, further up the hill on a steeper slope it was time to run and 'hop' a meter or so above ground. Running like mad, wind must've picked up suddenly and I found myself what felt like 30ft up in the air fast approaching a barbed wire fence/hedge and road in behind, I panicked, managed to turn to avoid the hedge and as I was approaching the ground I didn't pull enough flare as I'd forgotten everything by that point and landed HARD on my right leg and rolled over 3 times. The pain in my leg was so intense I thought I'd broken it but luckily eventually managed to hobble back up the hill. somehow managed a 2nd go which I just missed colliding with a huge hawthorn hedge but landed on my feet. 3rd time was near perfect. Now suffering from a badly sprained leg, probably off work for a few days unpaid (job is very physical) I've come to the conclusion this sport isn't for me I'm afraid. I can't afford the risk of injury thus not being able to pay the mortgage! I can't imagine what its like landing badly with 30kgs strapped to your back! Stay safe guys

How you getting on with the training? Easy enough? Had any flights yet?

Hi Mark - What an excellent post! Enjoyed reading that thank you I'm pleased to say I've booked for a days trial on a course in a few weeks time. Weather does worry me though, like this evening for example, decided to head up to one of the tors on Dartmoor for a stroll and thought to myself 'cor would be perfect to take off from here right now'... ten minutes later I could hardly see my hand in front of me due to low cloud that rolled in. Just shows how dangerous it can be and how quickly the weather can change. One part of me screams yes do it, another part noooo wtf are you thinking! We'll see how the trial day goes

Thanks for the replies This is definitely something I want to get into - The thought of flying is just immense and I know full well if I don't push myself I'll regret it later on. I've been doing loads of research regarding weather, no fly zones etc and will obviously get the training done. I live fairly close to Exmoor and Dartmoor - there's no reason why I couldn't find an empty suitable space one early morning or late evening right (it's pretty much all open land)? I do know someone who has a few acres of land not too far from Dartmoor which will be handy if he agrees although I don't want to be restricted to one area to fly. There seems to be plenty of paragliding airfields but they seem to dislike paramotors. I'll admit, running and finding myself 1000ft up in strong thermals does scare the crap out of me! Do you guys fly all year round when weather allows or mainly just the warmer summer months? Thanks.

Living in Devon surrounded by thousands of privately owned fields, national parks, breathtaking beaches... is the UK really suitable for paramotoring? It's a dream of mine to take up paramotoring and I'm so close to booking a full training course, however why is it you hardly ever see anyone paramotoring? Aren't we too restricted to where we can take off and land? I'm surrounded by perfectly suitable fields to take off and land, but guess what? I can't, because the farmer says no. You know, its got an engine, chucks out fumes and makes a racket and scares the sheep. Before I throw 8-10k away, what's your opinions? Have you taken it up only to discover you can't use it enough? Sorry for the rant, but I can't help but think I might regret my decision.. P.S - Anyone around East Devon with land I can use? lol.