­ Paragliding is an aerial gliding sport that uses rising air currents to gain altitude. Paragliders usually launch from mountain slopes but can be towed aloft by a winch. The wing is formed by a light-weight fabric canopy which has opening along the leading edge. The pilot is suspended on lines of about 8 metres in length, and sits in a comfortable harness. Movement through the air causes the cells to inflate using a Ram-Air principle. Flying speeds are between 24km/h and 50km/h, so the prevailing weather conditions have a large impact on safety. It is both a recreational and competitive flying sport.. Example sports are: endurance and height records, greatest distance ‘XCountry’ flying; completing a number of tasks such as flying around set waypoints; accuracy of landing; aero-acrobatic manoeuvres and stunt flying.