The first hang gliders were used by water skiers to liven up their water ski shows by going over jumps and then, using a wing, to glide ever longer distances. Australians John Dickinson, Bill Bennett and Bill Moyes were instrumental in the development and the popularity of the new sport after Moyes first soared in a hang glider in 1969. The pilot picks up the 30kg glider, faces into the wind and runs a short distance until the hang glider lifts. Once airborne, the pilot holds the base bar and controls the glider by moving his or her body weight relative to the glider. Moving to the left initiates a left hand turn and vice-versa.
Speed is varied by pulling the pilot's weight forwards to go faster and backwards to slow down.
Like paragliding and gliding in sailplanes, the hang glider pilot can pootle around in ridge lift on a hill, take the occasional thermal to gain height or leave the hill and fly cross-country. A hang glider's speed and performance allow many hours of air time and big distances to be flown. On completion of your training you might want to purchase a hang glider, harness, helmet and emergency reserve parachute. Gliders come in different shapes and sizes and, of course, with varying performances. Speak to your instructor, read the mags and generally chat with more experienced pilots to get advice.