Enjoy paragliding in Miyako Island!
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's fly in the sky in Miyako Island!
- 2 What is paragliding in Miyako Island?
- 3 Difference from parasailing in Miyako Island
- 4 How high can you fly?
- 5 What should I wear and bring when paragliding in Miyako Island?
- 5.1 What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (1) Long sleeves, long pants
- 5.2 What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (2) Trekking shoes
- 5.3 What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (3) Gloves
- 5.4 Miyako Island paragliding belongings (4) Helmet
- 5.5 What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (5) Change of clothes, towel
- 5.6 Paragliding equipment for Miyako Island (6) Sunscreen
- 5.7 Miyako Island paragliding belongings (7) Hat
- 5.8 What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (8) Lunch and snacks
- 6 Flow of paragliding experience in Miyako Island
- 7 summary
- 8 Started handling rental cars!
Let's fly in the sky in Miyako Island!
Have you ever wanted to fly in the sky just once?
However, there are many people who feel "I don't know where I can do such an activity" or "I want to fly, but I am afraid because I don't know if it is really safe. We recommend paragliding, a very popular activity on Miyako Island.
In this issue, we would like to explain paragliding, an activity that fulfills everyone's desire to fly.
What is paragliding in Miyako Island?
Paragliding is a very popular sky sport in which you glide from a mountain or hill with a parachute on your back. The parachute, developed for the sport, is opened on the ground, and the glider takes off into the sky using the slope.
It has no engine, motor, or other power source, but it can catch the updrafts and glide freely like a bird by manipulating its parachute with the control cables in both hands. It is one of the lightest of the sky sports, and is well known for its large number of female players.
Difference from parasailing in Miyako Island
One sport often confused with paragliding is parasailing. What are the differences between the two? We will explain in several points.
What is parasailing in Miyako Island?
Parasailing is a type of marine sport that has become popular on Miyako Island in recent years. A person equipped with a parachute and a motorboat are connected by a rope, and by pulling the rope, the person can float in the air. From the sky above, you can see the blue sea and distant islands, and feel as if you are swimming in the sky rather than flying.
Parasailing can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, and because it is so popular, many travel agencies offer tours and package tours that include parasailing experiences.
Paragliding in Miyako Island allows you to fly freely.
In paragliding, you hold the control cables in both hands to steer the parachute, allowing you to fly freely. Parasailing, on the other hand, is pulled in the air by a boat, so you are not free to decide where you want to go.
It does not require any technology at all, but since you cannot decide where you want to go, it may be insufficient for those who want to fly around freely.
Shape of parachute
The shape of the parachute is very different between paragliding and parasailing. Parachutes for parasailing are circular in shape, while paragliders use rectangular parachutes.
Most paragliding parachutes are made of light and thin material, and many are convenient for storage and can be carried by one person. Also, the equipment is very simple, so setting up is not that difficult.
Location
Parasailing and paragliding are performed in different locations. Parasailing is a marine sport, so it is mainly performed in the ocean.
In contrast, paragliding is often done in mountains, hills, and valleys. Many people enjoy flying paragliders down from the top of a mountain after arriving at the summit.
Paragliding is popular on Miyako Island, but you can also enjoy paragliding outside of Miyako Island in Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Kyoto.
technology
To enjoy paragliding, a certain amount of skill is required. To glide with a paraglider, it is necessary to use the updraft. Therefore, you must first acquire the skills to ride the updraft.
In addition, paragliding requires the ability to judge the situation and control the parachute with both hands' control cables. However, even small children can participate in the tours, as they will be flying with a guide.
In contrast, parasailing requires no special skills or operations, so anyone can enjoy it easily. Even beginners can fly to higher altitudes as they become accustomed to it.
How high can you fly?
Paragliding allows you to fly higher than parasailing. A beginner with no skills can fly a few meters. Experienced and skilled pilots can glide at altitudes of over 2,000 meters and travel distances of up to 100 kilometers. Paragliding is a sport that is quite capable despite the simplicity of its equipment.
What should I wear and bring when paragliding in Miyako Island?
In this section, we have compiled a list of things you should bring with you to make your paragliding experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Some tours may have individual instructions on what to bring, so please follow those instructions first.
What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (1) Long sleeves, long pants
It is advisable to wear long sleeves and long pants as paragliding is done in nature, such as in the mountains and hills. Also, it is recommended that you bring your own paragliding gear to prevent injury, as the paragliding line may slip or you may fall down. Depending on the flight location, rough clothing may be acceptable, so it would be better to inquire in advance to be sure.
What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (2) Trekking shoes
These are also essential when doing this in the mountains. Since there will be a lot of walking, be sure to choose shoes that will not tire you out. Do not wear heels or sandals as they may cause injury.
What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (3) Gloves
They are needed to prevent injury and to prevent friction on the lines. Gloves specifically designed for paragliding are of course available, but work gloves or mountain bike gloves will also work. If those are not available, military gloves will also work.
Miyako Island paragliding belongings (4) Helmet
Helmets should always be worn for safety. Helmets can often be rented from tour companies, so there is no need to buy one.
What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (5) Change of clothes, towel
It is advisable to bring a jacket because of the temperature difference between the ground and the sky. Depending on the season and location, it may be hot, so you should also bring a towel to wipe your sweat.
Paragliding equipment for Miyako Island (6) Sunscreen
It is not required, but if you are concerned about sunburn, you should bring it. If you are going to be on Miyako Island, it is wise to bring your own sunscreen, as the ultraviolet rays are several times more intense than those on the mainland.
Miyako Island paragliding belongings (7) Hat
This is also useful to bring as sun protection. It is also ideal for covering up a messy hairstyle after paragliding.
What to bring for paragliding in Miyako Island (8) Lunch and snacks
Since paragliding is often done in the mountains, there are usually no convenience stores or cafeterias around. Bring your own lunch and snacks.
Flow of paragliding experience in Miyako Island
In this chapter, we will explain the process of experiencing paragliding. Let's take a look at a day at a paragliding school as a reference.
reception (desk)
Reservations are required to experience paragliding. Be sure to arrive on time for your reserved tour. After registration and payment, the paragliding tour will begin.
prior learning
You will receive training on the minimum knowledge required to paraglide. Without this learning, you will not be able to paraglide successfully, so be sure to listen carefully.
basic training
After the preliminary study, time is taken for basic practice. Students will practice using the equipment and putting wind into the parachute.
levitation
After all this, it is time to start paragliding. You will be taken to a hill where the flight point is located, and from there you will glide into the air. You will feel the sensation of your feet in the air and be impressed by the view from the sky.
end
Once you have landed safely, your paragliding experience is over. Return to the reception area to return your equipment. If there is a hot spring or spa on your way back, you will be exhausted and have good memories of your trip.
summary
So far we have summarized paragliding. In recent years, paragliding has become very popular on Miyako Island, and the number of travel agencies that include paragliding in their tours is increasing. Why not try paragliding and experience flying freely in the sky?
For more information on paragliding in Miyako Island, click here↓.
Started handling rental cars!
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