Paragliding is a complicated sport that requires specific training to be safe.  Hang gliding and paragliding are self regulated sports.  Most paragliding instructors in the United States belong to the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA).  Rick Sharp and Ruth Masters are both advanced instructors rated by the USHPA.

Rick is a 53 years old attorney who teaches paragliding part time.  Ruth is Rick's wife.  They have two children, 14 and 16 years old.  Rick flew hang gliders from 1980 to 1989.  He took up paragliding in 1991 and became an instructor in 1993. Ruth has been teaching since 1993 as well.  Rick and Ruth own Cobble Hill in Milton, Vermont, which they have carefully groomed as a site to teach paragliding.  They have taught approximately 480 people to fly paragliders.

There are ratings for paraglider pilots and also ratings for gliders, with big differences in speed, performance and difficulty of use between gliders.  If you are new to the sport, or are not sure about different canopies, get advice from a qualified instructor on which glider is right for you.

RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

USHPA (United States Hang Gliding Association)

NEPC (New England Paragliding Club)

VHGA  (Vermont Hang Gliding Association)                                 

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Last modified: March 30, 2008