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"Hang gliding is the simplest form of flight. Our wings are light and maneuverable. Micrometeorology holds great meaning to us. We challenge the wind to games of skill. When we win, our rewards are airtime, distance and tremendous exhilaration. We desire the serenity of the sky. We are a breed apart. " And I think that says it all Rick
Schooner captains love to be "blown off shore". Why? Because they know their craft is sturdy, and it will hold up to the strongest of wind and sea. Hang gliders are of that "cloth", and know their craft, but rarely put themselves in "un flyable" conditions, as collapsible wing pilots will do all to often, to the detriment of their sport. Flying a collapsible wing in mountain air is like sailing a dinghy in 25' swells.
I see from "afar" that motorized flight, and paragliding are drawing people away from hang gliding, (nothing to be done about that) but to my eye, there is an elegance and historical element to "Hang Gliders" that will always be passed down. I was so lucky to see and be a very small part of the incredible evolution of the hang glider, and their pilots, from tow kite, to the bamboo bomber, to the standard Rogallo, to the flex wing, From watching chandell turns, off of a 13,000' mountain top, to 90 mph full loops with smoke, right over my house, all within 9 years. The core of the hang gliders seems as strong as ever, even with some "debatable issues" about "politics", and "personalitys", but strong "craft" and stronger pilots will prevail.
This "view" from an old surfing bum, and knees banged up skier, to a new US HAWK. And a big thank you for sharing with me.
