Paragliding is an adventurous aerial sport where participants soar through the air using a lightweight, foot-launched glider resembling a large, inflatable wing or canopy made of fabric. Pilots wear a harness connected to the paraglider, which is inflated by wind to create lift, allowing them to take off from hillsides or mountains without an engine. Once airborne, skilled flyers harness thermal updrafts, ridge lift, and wind currents to stay aloft for hours, covering distances that can span miles. Originating in the 1980s as an evolution of skydiving and hang gliding, it requires training in meteorology, aerodynamics, and safety protocols to mitigate risks like turbulence or improper landings. Enthusiasts often describe the experience as liberating, offering breathtaking views and a sense of freedom, but it demands physical fitness, proper equipment like helmets and reserve parachutes, and adherence to local regulations for safe practice.