Chapter Notes

Adventure Sports

Adventure sports are exciting and challenging activities for people who want to explore nature and experience a thrill. These sports, like rafting, surfing, mountaineering, and trekking, were born from a natural human curiosity to explore the world. Participating in these activities helps satisfy our desire for robust and adventurous experiences.

Adventure sports are generally grouped into three categories based on the environment where they take place:

• Adventure water sports (e.g., rafting, surfing)
• Adventure land sports (e.g., mountaineering, trekking)
• Adventure air sports (e.g., paragliding, jumping)

This chapter focuses on two of the most exciting and classic adventure sports: paragliding and surfing.

Paragliding

Paragliding is a recreational and competitive adventure sport that involves flying with a special parachute-like wing called a paraglider. It is an engine-free and motor-free sport that relies on wind and air currents. To participate in paragliding, a person needs to be courageous and decisive.

Historical Development of Paragliding

The idea and technology behind paragliding developed over several decades.

1. In 1954, Domina C. Jalbert invented advanced, steerable parachutes with multiple cells that allowed for lateral (sideways) glide. Later, in 1963, he patented the parafoil, an airfoil-shaped wing that inflates as air passes through it.
2. Walter Neumark, writing in Flight magazine, predicted that one day a pilot could launch a glider by simply running off a cliff or down a slope.
3. French engineer Pierre Lemoigne created better parachute designs, leading to the Para-commander.
4. In 1965, David Barish developed the 'sail wing', which was used for slope-soaring at ski resorts during the summer.
5. The term 'Paragliding' was officially created in 1985 when Canadian authors Patrick Gilligan and Bertrand Dubois from Switzerland wrote the first flight manual, titled The Paragliding Manual.

Classification of Paragliding

Paragliding can be classified into three types:

• Light-weight gliding
• Free flying glider
• Foot-launched glider: This type is like an aircraft but has no rigid main structure.

Sitting Position

The pilot sits in a harness that is suspended below a large fabric wing. This wing is made of many interconnected cells and gets its shape from the suspension lines and the air filling it. Even without an engine, a paraglider flight can last for many hours and cover hundreds of kilometers by skillfully using sources of lift, like warm air currents (thermals), to gain altitude. A typical flight lasts one to two hours and covers tens of kilometers.

Strength of Paraglider Structure

Paragliders are built to be both lightweight and incredibly strong.

• Lines: The suspension lines are usually made from spectra, a very strong material. A single line just 0.66 mm thick can have a breaking strength of 56 kg.
• Wing: The wing has an area of 20-35 square meters and a span of 8-12 meters. It weighs only 3-7 kg.
• Total Weight: The combined weight of the wing, harness, reserve parachute, instruments, and helmet is around 12-22 kg.

Speed of Paragliders

Paragliders typically fly at speeds ranging from 20 to 75 kilometers per hour (12-47 mph).

Carrying Capacity and Storage of Paragliders

The entire paragliding equipment is designed for portability. The wing is folded into a stuff-sack, which is then placed in a large backpack along with the harness. This makes it easy for the pilot to carry the equipment on their back, in a car, or on public transport.

Instruments

Pilots use several instruments to fly safely and effectively.

• Variometer: This is a crucial instrument that helps a pilot find and stay in the core of a thermal (rising air) to gain height. It indicates the rate of climb or descent using audio signals (beeps that get faster and higher in pitch when climbing) and a visual display. It also shows altitude.
• Radio: Radios are used for communication, especially during training or to coordinate with other pilots about landing plans. In some rare cases, they are used to communicate with air traffic control. Many pilots also carry a cell phone to call for a ride after landing.
• GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS is essential for competitive flying. It records the flight path, which can be analyzed later. It also helps pilots determine wind drift, avoid restricted airspace, and identify their location if they land in an unfamiliar area.

Flying Techniques

Launching and landing are always done into the wind. Unlike skydiving, paraglider pilots do not "jump." There are two main launching techniques used on high ground.

• Forward launch: Used in low winds. The pilot runs forward with the wing behind them, and the forward motion inflates the wing.
• Reverse launch: Used in higher winds. The pilot faces the wing to inflate it, then turns around under it and runs to launch. This method offers more control than a forward launch.

Landing

Landing an unpowered aircraft requires specific techniques. The pilot typically flies in a figure-of-eight pattern over the landing zone to lose altitude. When they reach the correct height (about a meter above the ground), they line up into the wind and then 'stall' the glider by pulling the brakes, which slows it down for a soft landing.

Control through Speed Bar Mechanism

A pilot controls the paraglider using a speed bar mechanism. This includes control breaks held in the pilot's hands and an accelerator. The breaks are used to adjust speed and steer the glider.

Types of Competitions

• Cross-country flying: This is the classic form of competition where pilots compete to fly the longest distance or complete a set course.
• Aerobatic competitions: Pilots perform specific maneuvers, either individually or in pairs. This is a very spectacular form of competition for spectators.
• Bivouac flying: A multi-day competition where pilots must fly or hike along a specific route.

Surfing

Surfing is the act of riding a wave, with or without a board. A surfer rides on the forward face of a moving wave, which carries them toward the shore. While most surfing happens in the ocean, it can also be done on standing waves in rivers or on artificial waves in pools. Surfing was set to be included in the Olympic Games starting in 2020.

Historical Development of Surfing

Surfing has a rich history as a central part of ancient Polynesian culture for centuries. British explorers may have first seen surfing in Tahiti in 1767. George Freeth is often called the "Father of Modern Surfing."

Governing Body

The highest governing body for the sport is the International Surfing Association. Professional surfing contests began in 1975, and that same year, Margo Oberg became the first female professional surfer.

Types of Surfing

• Stand-up Surfing: This is what most people think of as surfing, where a surfer stands on a surfboard. It includes longboarding and shortboarding, which differ in board design, riding style, and the type of wave ridden.
• Body Surfing or Body Boarding: A surfer rides a wave on a bodyboard, either lying on their belly or in a "drop knee" stance. The purest form is surfing without any board at all, using only one's body.
• Surf Matting: This involves riding waves on inflatable mats.
• Tow-surfing: Used for big wave surfing. A motorized watercraft, like a jet ski, tows the surfer into a large, fast-moving wave that would be too difficult to catch by paddling alone.

Types of Surfboard

• Long board (around 10 feet): These boards are slower due to more friction with the water but are more stable, making them ideal for beginners who need help with balance.
• Short board (around 6 feet): These boards are faster and offer more control and maneuverability, making them suitable for experienced surfers.

Dangers during Surfing

Seabed

The ocean floor can be a significant danger. When a surfer falls, the wave can toss them downwards. In areas with reefs or shallow beach breaks, especially at low tide, a violent collision with the seabed can cause serious injury or even death.

Rip currents

Rip currents are channels of water that flow away from the shore. They can be dangerous for all surfers, regardless of experience. [!example] Imagine you are at the beach and see a calm-looking patch of water between the breaking waves. This might actually be a rip current. If a tired surfer enters it, they can be quickly pulled out to sea. To escape, a surfer should not panic but paddle parallel to the shore until they are out of the current.

Surfing related Sports

Other sports related to surfing include paddle boarding and sea kayaking, which don't require waves. Kite surfing and wind-surfing use wind for power but can also be used to ride waves.

Safety and Security in Paragliding and Surfing

Because adventure sports involve high risk, safety is extremely important. All participants must follow strict safety measures.

Key Safety Measures for Paragliding:

• A pilot must be certified and highly skilled before flying.
• Always use essential safety instruments: a Variometer, GPS, and Radio.
• Wear proper protective equipment during practice, including a helmet, knee guards, and chest guards.
• Never go gliding without the assistance of licensed personnel.
• Regularly inspect the paraglider's breaks and lines.
• Get plenty of practice before attempting long-distance flights.

Key Safety Measures for Surfing:

• Learn to recognize wave currents to stay in a safe zone.
• Be able to identify the deep, powerful face of a moving wave, which can be dangerous.
• Practice surfing skills on artificially created waves before heading into the deep sea.