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Lovers of thrills, do you want to take a paragliding flight? Excellent idea ! This outdoor sport is the perfect way to admire the beauty of the landscapes from an aerial point of view while enjoying a great adrenaline rush. It also allows you to release all your tensions and relax. But to take full advantage of this activity and practice it in complete safety, the ideal is to choose a suitable site such as the Dune du Pilat. Discover in this article everything you need to know about paragliding at the Dune du Pilat.
Paragliding: a very exciting activity
Paragliding is an aerial sport that is practiced with a flexible and ultralight glider similar to a parachute. It consists of making use of rising air currents to gain height or glide by piloting a kind of flying wing.
The advantages of paragliding
Make a paragliding baptism near Arcachon is particularly advantageous. First of all, this activity provides many mental and physical health benefits. For example, it strengthens the muscles of the body for better balance, reduces stress and increases strength throughout the upper body. In addition, it improves concentration, increases self-confidence, helps to face fears and burn calories.
Then, paragliding is a sport accessible to all. You don’t need to be an accomplished athlete or have expensive equipment to practice it. In addition, the flight makes the pilot’s intellect work, because to fly safely, the latter must integrate certain notions. Finally, by practicing paragliding, you feel free and enjoy the fresh air, nature and natural light.
Tools needed for paragliding
To go paragliding (sports activity), you need to get a paraglider (equipment). This aircraft is made up of an extremely light wing whose structure makes it easy to catch the wind. During the flight, this sail opposes the wind, which slows down the speed of descent and allows the paraglider to navigate. The equipment also includes a harness. It is a fabric seat on which the pilot and the passenger can sit during the flight. This part of the paraglider is attached to the previous one by lines.
For the control of the device, the paraglider has at his disposal controls or brakes connected to the lines which ensure the control of the direction and the speed. Likewise, for acceleration and better maneuvering when the wind is strong, it has the accelerator which looks like a joystick.
The course of a paragliding baptism
A paragliding baptism takes place in three stages: take-off – flight – landing. For the first phase, you must first get into take-off position facing the slope you are going to take and check the weather and the wind. Second, you run to pick up speed and inflate the sail. After a few meters of running, you can leave the ground once the lift is sufficient.
The 2e stage is where you will strive to maintain your balance as you head towards your destination. To succeed, you will use the controls to orient the glider according to the prevailing winds.
The final step is to gently land once you have reached your destination. To do this, you must first choose a flat surface where you can place your sail without problems. Then you descend gently while keeping control of your balance.
The Dune du Pilat, the ideal site for a paragliding flight
Located at the gates of the Arcachon basin in the town of La Teste-de-Buch, the Dune du Pilat extends over approximately 60 million m3 of sand facing the tip of Cap-Ferret. It impresses both with its wild beauty and its incredible dimensions. Designated as the highest dune on the European continent, it has a length of almost 3 km, a width of 616 m and a height of 100 to 115 m high depending on the year.
In addition to these exceptional dimensions, the Dune du Pilat offers a magnificent landscape dotted with plants with unsuspected adaptability such as beachgrass or gourbet and couch grass. This makes it one of the most beautiful sites in France.
To explore this true jewel of nature, you can do various activities there, such as hiking or cycling on the Vélodyssée, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc. However, the best way to admire all the magnificence of the Dune du Pilat is to take a paragliding flight there. The site has favorable wind conditions for the practice of this activity. Besides that, during the flight, you will be able to contemplate the breathtaking landscapes of the Arcachon basin.
Paragliding at the Dune du Pilat
The Dune du Pilat is an ideal site for paragliding, whether you are a regular or a novice. If you have no experience in this discipline, you will find experienced instructors on site, such as those on the site dune-parapente.com who will accompany you for your first paragliding flight. These professionals have the necessary equipment and know-how to guarantee you an unforgettable flight experience.
To enjoy the paragliding flight at the Dune du Pilat, you must make sure to choose a good instructor if you want to be accompanied. After that, you will have to select the flight formula that suits you according to your level. You can opt for the discovery flight or the baptism which is done in tandem with a state-certified instructor. With this option, you will discover paragliding and enjoy the view that is offered to you in complete safety.
You still have the possibility of choosing the sensation flight which is also done in pairs. But the difference with the baptism is that the instructor guarantees you thrills by performing technical and sudden maneuvers from time to time with various acrobatics.
If you have experience, you can try your hand at solo flight. In this case, you must be autonomous and have a perfect command of the rules to be respected during the practice of this activity. In general, it is essential to do an internship before venturing into solo flight.
Whichever formula you choose, you will benefit from an incredible view of the Arcachon basin. You discover the whole region from another angle.
