Sky-high
Peak performance
Cruise at 60mph over the Peak District’s Derbyshire dales and absorb sights such as the White Peak from 100 metres up in a microlight aircraft (similar to both hang gliders and paragliders, except the aircraft is engine-powered).It is relatively easy to learn to fly – anyone from the age of eight can do it and a 30-minute briefing is all that’s required before you’re in the air. Taster courses last approximately an hour and are available for around £115. Your instructor will show you how to perform basic flight manoeuvers such as turning, climbing and descending, and you’ll also be able to try flying the aircraft yourself.
www.airways-airsports.com
Let’s go fly a kite
Imagine gripping a four-metre power kite while zooming along the uncrowded Scottish coast in a buggy, hitting speeds in excess of 30mph. Maybe you would prefer to reach amazing speeds on a land board, or catch some waves kitesurfing. The choice is yours and the fun is endless. Judith Williams, from tractionkiting.co.uk, says: ‘It takes three hours to teach someone how to fly a kite and, after a full day’s tuition, students can begin to get to grips with power-kiting using a buggy, land or surf board. Skate boarders or snow boarders tend to pick it up more quickly.’ Power kiting can be enjoyed as a family activity and is suitable for all ages. St Andrews in Fife and Stevenston in North Ayrshire are two of the most popular flying sites in Scotland. A full day’s course costs around £65.
www.tractionkiting.co.uk
Up, up and away
Where better to sample the thrills of hang gliding than over an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as the South Downs? Gain hundreds of metres as you soar over the chequered Sussex countryside. Closely related to paragliding, hang gliding uses a much simpler and less expensive craft. The pilot is mounted on a harness hanging from the wing frame ,and exercises control by shifting body weight. Prices are £140 for one day, or enjoy a second day for a total of £265.
www.sussexhgpg.co.uk
In the zone
For the ultimate rush, skydiving wins. Jumping 3,000 metres from a plane and freefalling at 120mph is the air sport for true adrenaline junkies. Escape from it all in North Wales and, if you’re a beginner, go for a tandem skydive for around £150 – the easiest and most hassle-free way to make your first jump. After a 30-minute training briefing, you’ll be ready for the experience of a lifetime. No need to worry about opening your parachute, as the instructor will take care of that at 1,500 metres, in which time you can enjoy the tranquil descent and have a go at steering.
www.paraquest.co.uk
City delights
For a more peaceful perspective of London why not take to the skies by paragliding? The paraglider consists of a parachute canopy, harnesses and ropes, and works by taking advantage of thermal air currents. In a tandem flight, the instructor will launch, steer and land the paraglider, costing £79. Under-18s will need parental consent, however the instructors at Green Dragons have experience with all ages.
www.greendragons.co.uk
Cruise at 60mph over the Peak District’s Derbyshire dales and absorb sights such as the White Peak from 100 metres up in a microlight aircraft (similar to both hang gliders and paragliders, except the aircraft is engine-powered).It is relatively easy to learn to fly – anyone from the age of eight can do it and a 30-minute briefing is all that’s required before you’re in the air. Taster courses last approximately an hour and are available for around £115. Your instructor will show you how to perform basic flight manoeuvers such as turning, climbing and descending, and you’ll also be able to try flying the aircraft yourself.
www.airways-airsports.com
Let’s go fly a kite
Imagine gripping a four-metre power kite while zooming along the uncrowded Scottish coast in a buggy, hitting speeds in excess of 30mph. Maybe you would prefer to reach amazing speeds on a land board, or catch some waves kitesurfing. The choice is yours and the fun is endless. Judith Williams, from tractionkiting.co.uk, says: ‘It takes three hours to teach someone how to fly a kite and, after a full day’s tuition, students can begin to get to grips with power-kiting using a buggy, land or surf board. Skate boarders or snow boarders tend to pick it up more quickly.’ Power kiting can be enjoyed as a family activity and is suitable for all ages. St Andrews in Fife and Stevenston in North Ayrshire are two of the most popular flying sites in Scotland. A full day’s course costs around £65.
www.tractionkiting.co.uk
Up, up and away
Where better to sample the thrills of hang gliding than over an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as the South Downs? Gain hundreds of metres as you soar over the chequered Sussex countryside. Closely related to paragliding, hang gliding uses a much simpler and less expensive craft. The pilot is mounted on a harness hanging from the wing frame ,and exercises control by shifting body weight. Prices are £140 for one day, or enjoy a second day for a total of £265.
www.sussexhgpg.co.uk
In the zone
For the ultimate rush, skydiving wins. Jumping 3,000 metres from a plane and freefalling at 120mph is the air sport for true adrenaline junkies. Escape from it all in North Wales and, if you’re a beginner, go for a tandem skydive for around £150 – the easiest and most hassle-free way to make your first jump. After a 30-minute training briefing, you’ll be ready for the experience of a lifetime. No need to worry about opening your parachute, as the instructor will take care of that at 1,500 metres, in which time you can enjoy the tranquil descent and have a go at steering.
www.paraquest.co.uk
City delights
For a more peaceful perspective of London why not take to the skies by paragliding? The paraglider consists of a parachute canopy, harnesses and ropes, and works by taking advantage of thermal air currents. In a tandem flight, the instructor will launch, steer and land the paraglider, costing £79. Under-18s will need parental consent, however the instructors at Green Dragons have experience with all ages.
www.greendragons.co.uk
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