Customer Reviews

Paragliding: The Complete Guide

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Since I'm going to learn how to paraglide this spring, I decided to buy a book to help initiate me. Mr. Whittall obviously knows his sport and knows how to dumb it down a bit for us beginners. He tells you what you can expect your first times launching and landing, the importance of a serious attitude toward this specialized aviation, and all sorts of tidbits about weather and finding lift. Although the book as a whole could have used better organization and proofing before publication, it is nevertheless an enjoyable and informative read.

Noel Whittall has written an excellent introduction to the art of paragliding. An experienced hang- and paraglider pilot, Whittall knows his subject well. The book is geared towards the novice, and experienced pilots won't benefit that much from the book. It is very well illustrated, with lots of colorful photographs. The book deals with all aspects of flying, from rules and regulations to meteorology, while stressing the importance of professional instruction. If you are thinking of starting paragliding or if you are a novice pilot, this is definately a must-have. If you have logged a few hours of air time, you already know most of what is covered here

From reading this book one can understand the passion the author has for his subject.I have just started on my own paragliding journey and already my copy has proven to be an invaluable source of information on all aspects on the sport especially on meteorology ,canopy collapses and cross country.

The book is well written , easily understood,and typicall of an Englishman -with a sense of humour!

On a critic's note , I feel that maybe an addendum should soon be included due to technological advances that have been made , some areas are slightly outdated . I also feel that he could have included a section on maybe a few overseas countries ,flying sites , conditions to be expected and dangers to look out for etc.

All in all , a fantastic buy and one I thoroughly enjoyed and still learning from.

The book did not include powered paragliding, unfortunately. It was very informative about the handling of paragliders and the manouvers necessary to learn this sport safely.

This was exactly what I was looking for, a detailed, well-illustrated introduction to the sport of paragliding to help me assess the safety and decide whether or not this is something I want to pursue. I particularly liked the photos of common dangers and the detailed explanations on how to avoid such mishaps. While some of the advice crosses the line of too obvious to mention, such as not flying while drunk or high, or avoiding restricted airspace such as military firing ranges and nuclear power plants, there was plenty of new information for me, even as an experienced hang gliding pilot. This is somewhat dated (revised in 1995,) although most of the recent equipment and technical information is best learned from a certified instructor, not an intro book such as this one. I took one star off for the date and for the international focus (heavy on Japan). While most of the flying basics are universal, I would like to see a stronger emphasis on USA sites and community in the next edition.

Try to cover too much, without much substance. I might help you get an overall idea of the sport, but not much more than common sense.

I am a beginner, but not a starter and was looking for a book of which I can learn and apply from.

Noel Whittall's Paragliding: The Complete Guide has been revised and updated to include the latest details on equipment, safety and rules for would-be paragliders.From launch to landing, this provides details on options and safety.

I enjoyed the book and its pictures whcihc make understanding the conceepts easier.

This book has all the information that a beginner should know! its a great book! :D so read and LETS FLY!!

It mentions what you need to know in an organized fashion; a good book to have around while you are taking lessons. Read it once when you start, once while you're training, and once after you've trained. Each time you'll glean more from it. Does it say it all? Of course not but no book could. I suggest also watching some of the videos out there (I've worn out my copy of "The art of kiting"). And if you've read the 2-star review well all I can say is that there is no such thing as common sense, especially when your life is on the line. Another book to start out with is Tom Bradbury's "Metrology and Flight". Good luck and happy landings!