Statistically, paragliding is as safe as driving your car across the country. Not in terms of per kilometer, but in terms of per year exposure. If you drive ten thousand kilometers (about 6500 miles) per year, you are almost certain to get into an accident. Paragliding is probably less dangerous if you factor paraglide technology and pilot skill into your overall exposure. 

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Paragliding is not safe in the sense that it does occasionally kill people, but it’s just another form of transportation. It has its own risks and rewards, like everything else. I personally think that if you want to get into paragliding then the only way you can live with yourself is knowing that there are risks and that you are very prepared to minimize those risks.

In the past, accidents have been few and far between in paragliding when viewed from a statistical perspective. In order for this to change, there has to be a shift in how much participation there is in our sport. All sports can suffer from too many participants not being properly educated in the necessary skills and safety precautions. This is not to say that all pilots are irresponsible because they’re not. Paragliding has gone through a period of technological advances in equipment and effectiveness in teaching, and for this I’m grateful. The sport’s relatively safe already if you know what you’re doing.

But we still have a problem with a lack of respect for the sport and its dangers. I see paragliding as a privilege, not a right. So if you choose to partake in this activity, it is your responsibility to have the attitude of being respectful towards yourself and others while you learn how to be appropriately safe. 

Take advantage of all the opportunities around you to learn from other pilots and schools. And always keep in mind that you are responsible for yourself, your wallet, and your family’s happiness. We all have a part to play in making this sport as safe as possible. If we don’t, someone else will take our place.