So I was talking to one of my relatives about holiday plans - whenever I visit them, we usually go cable hang gliding. My family tell me that where we used to go, has now closed down and the business is not there anymore. Oh no!......facepalm.....say it isn't so!! I have been several times - the hang glider frame is attached to a cable and your harness is attached to the glider frame. The harness has 12 hooks or clasps (not sure what to call them but they are safety thing-a-ma-jigs that make sure that the harness doesn't come away from the glider frame.) The idea of having 12 hooks is that if 1 breaks, you won't get hurt as the other 11 hooks will keep you attached to the glider frame. The hooks have to be replaced after a certain amount of time and depending on how much use, even if they look as if they are in good condition. The harness is then checked to see that it is attached properly and that the hooks are secure and tight enough. The attendant always asked me if I wanted to step off the platform by myself or if I preferred him to give me a slight push to get started. Although I have done this many times, I could never bring myself to step of the platform by myself and "fly" (though I know in my head that I am "hooked up" and cannot fall off.) Must be a psychological thing. To go faster, the triangular shaped frame needs to be pushed out straight ahead. It does make you feel as if you are "Supergirl" as you "fly" over the tops of trees while going downhill. Wallflower
Once you've faced death directly in the face 12 times hangin' from a few braided ropes loses its fascination. and jumpin' out an airplane even less , bungee jumpin' isn't even an topic we'll ever cover except in discussion and if there's miles of water , air , or ground or fire , please allow me to leave it to the dare devils ...I don't walk on water or coals , float in the air , dive deeply even in my beloved coral reefs ...I barely walk on dirt well ..but I would come take pictures of you directing the flight with the blue sky behind you ...and remember your climb on a chair had more damage than jumpin' off a cliff with manmade wings ..oh by the way hope you are well beyond happy pills and pain from being so close to the ground you could feel it ..Love Mic
Hi POP Goodness me! Faced death directly 12 times......you have courage sister. I'm glad you are still with us. Yeah, cable hang gliding would not be everyone's "cup of tea" (everyone's choice.) I will never take part in what I call the "freefall" activities. I feel confident with the cable hang gliding as I know exactly where the "flight path" is and it's not going to move so steering the glider isn't an issue. I do like to be able to control the speed of the glider and always make sure that I "brake" (pull the frame towards you) before stopping. I reckon cable gliding has the same principles as riding a rollercoaster.......harnessed in - fixed track. But that's just my take on it. Good point about the chair Have never had any injuries from cable gliding - hook on, "fly" and unhook when you're done. But if I have to climb on to a chair....... Anyway, yes I'm feeling better and the doctor has cleared me to go back to work. Wallflower