 |
Paragliding
|
| Adrenalin: |  |
| Cost: |  |
| Fitness: |  |
|
|
Rhondda-born Brad Nicholas of Mynydd Llandygai, near Bangor, is the chief flying instructor for his own school, Snowdon Gliders, where he teaches paragliding - free flying with an unpowered parachute-like canopy.
How did you get started?
When I went to Cardiff University I joined the hang-gliding club and went for lessons at a hang-gliding school. I'd already been hang-gliding for seven years when paragliding came along.
Where did you go from there?
I started selling hang gliding spare parts to pay for my hobby. Then when paragliding came along I trained to become an instructor.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
If you're going to a school to use their equipment you just need outdoor clothes and footwear. If you want your own equipment you need a glider, harness, flight instruments and emergency parachute which will cost you about £3,000 in total.
What's your most memorable experience?
I was flying in Kerala in India along the sea cliffs. Inland there was a forest of palms stretching as far as the eye could see. On the other side the sun was setting over the sea, then I was joined by a black eagle which flew alongside me for five or six miles until the cliffs ended and I had to turn around. It was flying just five or six metres from me.
Have you got a favourite place?
Tryfan and the Glyders - it's quite spectacular, like a little Alps.
Who's your hero/heroine?
I admire the people who are the most enthusiastic about the sport.
Any other points?
People might not realise that paragliding is only as dangerous as horse riding and that when you see someone paragliding locally they might land as far away as the Welsh border - 60 or 70 miles away. You don't need to be that fit, just a moderately active person with reasonable co-ordination.
Where can I have a go?
My centre, Snowdon Gliders, is in Mynydd Llandygai. There's also the Snowdonia Sky Sports Club.
Useful websites:
www.xcweather.co.uk
www.petes-eats.co.uk
snowdoniaskysports.co.uk
www.bhpa.co.uk
www.snowdongliders.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
|
|
|
 |
|
History
Exploring Celts, Romans, wartime, working and more.
|
Your Say
A chance to share passions, speak out or tell your own story.
|
Entertainment
Find films and fame, games, competitions and music. |
|
|
|
Towns & Villages: Bethesda
|
|
