Why I Gave Up Powered Paragliding | PPG Reality Discussion 

There are many people who might be thinking about getting into this sport based on what they see online. From an outside perspective, it might seem like you can just fly any time you want as if it’s like taking a boat out or something. It’s not that simple. If you have a lifestyle like mine or only have curious interests about the sport, this is the video you want to watch before you go out and spend all your money. Unless this is the only hobby you have, the only thing you look forward to or think about, this may not be fitting. People who have dreams of flying or obsess over it are the people this is fitting for. Optimally you want a local place to fly from and you either need to be retired or work a schedule that fits the circumstances of this sport. The video is about my experience and I may sound like I’m complaining, but it’s the frustration you hear. I really did like flying, but watching videos of others flying gives some illusions about it. It all depends on the type of person you are and how you want to spend your time. With something like this, it will always be on your mind about your next chance to fly. It can stress you out. I don’t see why so many people disliked this video. I’m not being negative towards anyone or trying to say I dislike the sport itself. It’s a discussion from my perspective and how it fits my personality and lifestyle. I’m am not unique and there are others out there who desire awareness wether they realize it or not. There is very poor resale value on the equipment so make sure this sport is something you truly want to do and stick with.

Thanks for your candor and honesty most people just don't think about the logistics involved, your point is well-taken thanks for posting.

For all the same reasons I sold my ultralight airplane. Had it for 8 years and averaged 10-12 hours per year of flying. Working full time and being at the mercy of weather and time. I decided that it was a retired man's sport. I would love to fly again once my days are my own and I can pick and choose what my day consists of. Videos show all the glory without the effort. Hardly ever see a video where the pilot spends an hour getting their gear ready, an hour driving to the field to be there by sunrise only to sit in the vehicle and go home because the conditions sucked.

I've trained a lot of students over the years and I know this sport is not for everyone. It's not even for everyone who thinks they want to do it. Of course I'm not in business to talk people out of their 'dream', but after some conversation with a prospect I can often figure out if he's a likely fit for PPG. This guys video regarding time available and launch option proximity is a good place to begin evaluating. Also PPG is a time consuming solo sport in which family participation is usually negligible. Spouse/kids will not participate in your PPG passion on a level compared to boating, camping, biking, etc. Anyone with zero mechanical skills (and little interest in acquiring them), is a poor match for PPG. As simple devices go, these machines are frustratingly maintenance heavy in terms of time and money. Passion, free time, money, maintenance, and a spot to launch..it takes all 5 to make it work.

TLDR; Work schedule is too busy; and you have to have good weather; all at the same time. Saved you 16mins

This has been an excellent reality check for me and makes a ton of sense. Really appreciate you making this video!

I took my father to the Air and Space Museum in DC this last year. This enormous complex was filled with contraptions ranging from lawnchair helicopters and homebuild jet packs, to spy planes and space shuttles. The museum is a monument to every fool who saw a bird flying and said, "If it kills me, I'm going to do that". I've been paramotoring for a year now, and I can say that for me the reward has been worth the risk. There was some early breakage (including my foot) but now I have over 130 flights in a row without any equipment damage. I still go out 2-3 times a week. I believe it's medicine. My wife says it's my therapy. For me, the 15k was money well spent. We live largely 2 dimensional lives. Gravity puts us on the ground, and there we stay... unless we learn to fly.

Thanks man, it's good to hear a measured opinion on the sport. I also appreciate the fact that you were not necessarily prescriptive about your decision but explicitly stated that this was a set of personal factors. Definitely helps round out what we see on youtube and helps those of us considering entering the sport develop an informed expectation. Cheers.

Thank you for posting this video. I appreciate your perspective. I’m still a relatively new pilot and I have been experiencing all the things you mentioned in this video. I will continue to pursue this dream, knowing all the challenges that come along with it as you described very well. Maybe things will change for you and you’ll get back into the sport. But if not, that’s OK too!

Sounds like you need a new job. Life is too short to work that much, we have to make time for fun. PPG is not so much a sport to me, but more of a way to be. It is the best therapy for PTSD that I have found. There is nothing that compares to the freedom of it. I think you will miss it, and I do think you would enjoy foot launching better. Take off from a soccer field and load it into your car. :)

Wanted to add a few more comments from my last post. Last year I ran into some resistance on my launch site (elementary school with a lacrosse field). The janitor at the school made every attempt to always kick me off. And for some reason he took it personal. He must of had the cameras linked to his home monitor, didn't matter what time of the day (early morning Saturday or early evening Sunday) he would show up. Always threaten to call the police (being polite, I would tell him just to wait, because the police usually park here and watch). In the end, I pleaded my case to the school board superintendent and got permission to use any of the school's fields as long as there's no classes or parent teacher conferences going on or the fields aren't being used. Today the janitor and I exchange smiles and waves. Also, I find video editing to be much more enjoyable with a collective movie that includes clips of flights throughout the year. Good luck in your future endeavors brother

I appreciate this video a ton! I've definitely gotten lost in Tucker Gott's videos, and I'm taking a long time to evaluate whether this is just another hyper-fixation hobby, or something I genuinely want to pursue. So thank you.

I've been flying PPG for 3 years and I have to say your video is on point! I like to tell people, for me to fly the stars have to align. I really enjoy the sport when conditions are safe. I live in michigan and during the short summer I fly maybe once every two weeks. To get more time in the sky I just go to the great lakes shore line with the best forecast and it can be an all day event. This helps to offset the bad forecast.

Damn Tucker lol, hes got me 15k deep into the sport and i still haven't left the ground. Stoked to be a few good days of ground training from ready to take my first flight! might still be next spring.

Flying for me is a passion. I know where you are coming from from a time perspective, I used to live away from home and trying to get the stars to align is not easy. I did stop flying for a little bit but for I couldn't stay away. I hope you want to come back at some point. Flying its self is passion. Thank you for sharing.

Honest opinion! I appreciate that. I completely understand and have experienced some of the same frustrations. This sport takes a commitment, and if you stick with it (for better or for worse) for better will always prevail. You have to accept that flight with a PPG is contingent on many factors, the beauty is when your experience guides you through those contingencies. It's a spiritual feeling when it happens.

Definately difficult when you have to drive an hour to launch site, I can understand that for sure. I am self employed and can often take a few hours if I want to go flying. Hope you get back into the sport later in life

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, have a great day, keep it up the outstanding job.

Great discussion...that could describe many of the activities we'd like to try. Besides all the time constraints mentioned, don't forget all of the other hobbies/sports that you are already into. They all compete for your time. As I tell my buddies who own multiple motorcycles, "You only have one butt, why do you need 5 bikes?". I'm taking PPG lessons right now & have considered many of the downsides you mentioned. However, I am retired, live near a small airport, and it won't be a financial concern. I'm still not certain I'll purchase the gear after my training. I'll need to find some retired PPG buddies for it to really be much fun to participate in.

Absolutely outstanding video. Thank you for sharing the reality of what you experienced. I have been considering getting into the hobby but you have given me some things to seriously think about before making the commitment. I appreciate it!

The air time I get, also came as a surprise. I finished my training last spring and I got maybe 12 hours of flying during the summer. When I first started getting into ppg, I thought I would be in the sky every day. Well, being a noob I always waited for calm weather and that didn't come too often and when it did many times there was something else to do. It sucks when you only get to fly 2-3 times a month or less. It's not fun and it also means your skills and confidence don't build up as fast so you might actually start losing interest.

I have a private pilots license and these are the exact reasons I quit that. I know exactly what you are saying. - Ideal weather is the only enjoyable weather. - planes are always broken. Something always needs to be fixed. - the whole point is to not die, my flights turned into forcing myself to fly and try to enjoy it. I was just surviving. - I was flying like once a month like you said. - If i had a $300,000 plane, maintained by a crew I would enjoy it...probably.

Be glad you didn't take up hang gliding like I did when I was young. It, too, is very much a fair-weather friend. I did it long before this era of towing, in a state with 350-500-foot hills, some with no road access to launch. On the rare days wind direction and speed were good (~15 weekends per year), I would spend hours per fly-day driving, lugging my 65-pound glider up the hill on my shoulder (GRUELING, even for a fit 20-year-old!) and assembling/disassembling my wing, all for 1-2 flights that (for me as a Novice flying small hills) lasted only 2-3-4 minutes, tops. Then there were the trips where I went through all the trouble and never flew because conditions changed during the day. In a whole year, I would be lucky to accumulate 20-40 MINUTES! The 50 or so flights I got in over 8 years? GLORIOUS! It will forever be a part of my fond memories of my youth. Thank you for your video highlighting the downside of flying small craft!

Glad I listened to your story, thanks for posting. I am a CFI and have considered PPG, enjoyed your frank comments. I agree; you don't want a hobby that scares you sometimes, even a little. Kudos!

This is a very great video for me . It really made me think about paragliding in a more realistic way. And ti was an eye opener. Thank you.

When you have had your fill pushing on will just get you hurt. You have made a proper aviation decision. I didn't have a smooth flight after my first flight for months, and caught a late day thermal my 2nd flight, so I guess I got acclimated to turb pretty fast, mixed blessing :)

I enjoyed your video. Recreational flying is privilege lifestyle and definitely requires a lot of sacrifice and even before RU-vid came along there were some people really selling a lifestyle which border on religious. I met enough dealers and instructors to know that. I also knew that the pitchforks would be coming out after you in the comments section for what they see is challenging their passion or living. Everyone has to figure out whether the "price" (time, cost and risk) is for them and as you pointed out the majority of content on RU-vid is very pro. There is a business term "sunk costs fallacy" basically meaning once your invest in something there a pressure to keep doing so even if it feels like it was a bad investment. The sad reality is flying is not for everyone and more importantly not equally available to those who do want it for many complicated reasons. Few of us live in ideal locations and can afford to purse this activity at all cost. In general if a person finds that flying is not worth it for them that is ok and if they stay that is ok too. I think the reason a video like this strikes a raw nerve in the flying community is many of us have had doubts, frustrations and less than 100% enthusiasm all the time for the activity. Chasing the wind extracts a heavy toll on all of us. It is fun to share our experiences and sometimes attract new people to the activity but equally important to discuss honestly with new people why people leave too. Anyway thanks for your video.

Totally agree with you....and thank you for your honesty. You may have given it up now....you are still young, trust me....the passion will always be there, and when the time comes, maybe ten or twenty years time, circumstances will have changed and you will really want to get back in the air....Cheers

Thank you for your video. I've been hooked on Tucker's vids and researched and researched and so badly wanted to get involved. I was on the fence because of what I thought was questionable flying conditions in my area and a lack of good takeoff/landing areas anywhere near me. You hit these issues and a few others that gave me a more to think about, before investing a lot of money. Thank you for the video.

Very good talk. You've raised a few things I didn't consider. I'm not sure if it has changed my mind yet as I'm losing some weight to either try paramotoring or gliding. Great talk about the time aspect and a few details that most people don't consider such as aching arms.

If you work that many hours a day, it is hard to get into any hobby. Then I hope you are making a lot of money from your work. Maybe you need to strike a balance between work and life.

I very much appreciated this video. I was seriously thinking about taking this up and was really trying to weigh the pros and cons, Sure, the view is great up there, and being exposed to the elements that way would certainly be a big rush. But I can also see that once that initial rush wears off, it could get boring pretty fast. Flying low playing the terrain like an obstacle course would be fun for a while -- until I end up in the hospital. For a real rush, nothing could beat windsurfing in the ocean for me in years past. But trying to get down to the NJ shore from Philly was a major hassle and usually resulted in a total waste due to LACK of wind! I finally just gave it up for that reason. Just as well though because too many guys who were seriously into it were dying of skin cancer.

A few years ago, I gave up on trying to get my license to fly microlight airplanes for very similar reasons. The main issue was that the gap between lessons (because of waiting for the right conditions) was preventing me from making steady progress. I wanted a challenge but the whole thing started to turn into an disheartening slog - even though I loved it when I was in the air. Having become hooked on Tucker Gott's videos, I could tell that the old itch was sneaking up on me again but this gave me a reality check!

Ballsy video. I’ve gone through training and didn’t buy equipment for some of the gut feelings I had about the sport. You’ve touched on many of them. Thanks for the vid.

Thanks for making this video and offering your unvarnished remarks about your experience. It actually helps validate my reasoning for considering getting a powered parachute. I live in the country, have land I can keep clear for taking off and landing, and have space to store the thing. My schedule is flexible; I'm not retired but an empty nester with evenings free. And a PPC as opposed to a PPG is a better solution for me because I won't have to hold my rickety old arms up in the air to steer. However I totally get everything you said, including the p.s. at the end about it feeling like an obligation; when I've felt that way about hobbies in the past I knew it was time to move on. It's all good! Life is a journey; be mindful about where you are in that journey, stop and smell the roses, and keep going.

This is very common for other sports involving weather like windsurfing, surfing, snow sports. You spend a lot, travel a lot and give up time to sit on a windless beach, or screeching down frozen mountainside with no powder. The videos of the pros don’t look like that since they spend 24/7 looking for perfect conditions around the globe. Great video.

I have had a very similar experience, I have owned my motor for a year and only have 20 hours on it. It’s hard to get out and fly with work and young kids, I wonder if training had anything to do with being so uncomfortable in the air? I feel like I rushed myself into the air and it makes it harder for me to feel comfortable in the air I have heard of people having 20 flights with their instructor I had like 3....it was definitely me pushing to be on my own. Good topic for a video sorry to hear about your experience.

Yes..I get stoked by Tuckers vids, but I realised I only enjoy his very low flying. I have bought an ebike and can tear around the mountains, pretty well any weather and get that buzz on the ground.

Thank you so very, very, Very Much for this video! You helped save me a lot of time, effort and money and Thus pain and aggravation! I've been watching other videos that talk about the problems and difficulties people have run into, that I was not aware of... I'm so glad I took the time to find these videos!!! Additional because I am on a fixed income!

good video. I'm currently learning to hang glide which is also an expensive sport and subject to the weather. I have spent many days driving to the launch site only to get little to no flying time in because the winds are to high. Luckily as I progress I will be moving to truck tow and flying in the afternoons so wind will not be so much of a consideration as it is for me now as a newbie. One good thing about hang gliding is you can rent your gear if you want instead of buying. That helps keep costs down short term but will cost you more long term than just buying your own glider. Also, there are plenty of used/great condition gliders available because so many pilots transitioned to Para gliding or got out of flying completely. I hope you get to fly again its a shame to do all that learning and not be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Good Luck!

I'm just now getting into paramotors, and I just saw your video. I'm so glad to hear the reasons. Thank you for the video. Luckily I'm in the situation where I work from home and have all time available and can take off nearby.

Good video. I am a private pilot and rated for single engine and tail dragger. Much of what you say here is true. If you don’t fly often it can rattle you in bumpy weather. Especially flying in the south with the thermals caused from the warm environment. I appreciate your open and honest review. You are right, we don’t see the hard times on RU-vid very often. Al the best!

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective.

Yup been there. Can totally relate. but I just cant stop wanting to fly again. Great video and very honest and true. Thank you.

Yes , just went through it all. I'm 70 yrs old and lived in Alaska 30 yrs, retired from the army , started watching tucker gott on youtube , my wife wanted to live near her family in spokane and bribed me to take the class in spokane. Well i did a dumb thing and let blackhawk talk me into a quad 4 stroke with a 40 meter wing.😱 insted of a foot launch. It Ended up costing , with the class and hotels ,helmet, radio ect ect about 18,000 . Refied my house and made the class , eventually got the new quad from blackhawk some time later after the class . I was lucky and one of 3 people that actually got to solo before the instructor had to leave . Weather was not very good for the 6 day class but was able to get my solo. Did some ground handling after that and got about an hour airtime before my $5,000 wing started developing tears in leading edge of the huge wing . I then heard the other two people tbat soloed started having engine problems while in flight. I got smart real fast after this and traded my rig for a new sxs from my instructor in training. Quite an experience and was able to check off that box on bucket list 😊. thanks for your honesty, it really struck home👍. Take the class before you buy !!!!

I did a PPG course in Florida , but we never got to solo flight due to conditions and a questionable instructor. Never bought equipment and glad about that. You definitely work too much. Hard to enjoy any extracurriculars with that schedule. I would just be too busy enjoying not being at work to tackle an energy intensive hobby like PPG during my limited time off. Still, your video reminded me of my half-hearted attempt to learn surfing. Not my thing... then I got into kitesurfing and I live in the right place to do it. The money and time become inconsequential when you can do it a lot and enjoy the hell out of it. I would say keep looking for that right hobby, but I think first things first, find a job that doesn't rob you of life.

Thank you for sharing. Appreciate your honesty. Helped me make the right decision. Thank you

I just looked at the rest of your channels videos and can tell that plant growing is obviously your main passion. Follow your passion and do what makes you feel alive. For some people it's paramotoring, for others it's plant growing. Just do what makes you happy people 😊

Now we don't have to worry about you getting hurt out there. On to other adventures!

I really want wingsuiting in my life but I'm 51 now and think maybe it's best I just sit that one out. lol

i kmow exactly what you mean as well.i had so many first flights doubtin it but before long i realised its the most beautiful..magic thing ever.. but each to their own..best of luck mate whatever you pursue.

Thank you for this video. It's easy to get caught up in all the sexy gopro footage but these are important things to consider before investing time, money, and health into the sport.

Dude, You started with the wrong gear. I trained with a light foot launch unit, And flu in all kinds of weather. I never minded turbulence, and flew over 100 hours on my tach in three month’s. Literally I flew almost every single day. That big heavy trike of yours, is Strictly a Fairweather machine. A lot of inertia in that thing, and it feels sketchy as hell. Getting tossed all around twisted back-and-forth, I know because I also have one of those. Your first mistake was training With the wrong people, and buying the wrong gear.

Thanks for your honesty and not “glossing” over like many in this hobby do. Due to the costs many are in denial about this hobby’s negative aspects. Your choice.👍👍👍

Very interesting video. I've been thinking about it but this video gives some honest perspective that I needed. Thank you.

Very solid and sensible video - brings it into perspective... well done for bringing balance to the hype.

PPG Reality (average casual pilot): 1. Cost - Initial and spare parts (fragile, expensive, and wait for overseas shipping). 2. Time - Hard to fit into a normal/working/family schedule. Not a family event. 3. Frequency - Only during low/steady wind (

I guess the difference is work to live or live to work. I hope you love your job, because giving up something you enjoy because all your time is spent working I believe is a soul killer. This video makes me feel extremely lucky to have the time and resources to fly when the conditions are right. One note, winter flying is great, but requires some extra gear. I think heated gloves and socks are a must, a face mask with goggles also helps immensely. Finally, a heated vest under a snowmobile suit, and it all keeps you toasty warm for up to 2 hours. Yes, there is a little extra weight, but frozen lakes give flying access to thick wooded areas you could never fly when it’s warm. I hope when you get older and work less you find something you love to do.

Oh how I love the long drawn out explanations. The word count is so important. I never have enough frustrations in my life but this video certainly helps.

Thank you for sharing your experience, I'm thinking to try this sport but really I like your point of view. the content on the internet mostly doesn't talking about these things. I think if anyone lives in countryside this may make this sport easy. but as you mentioned it depends on many factors.

I can relate to everything you have said I am in the same position with work , have a 20 mile run to the airfield and live in the UK where the weather is always bad. I bought all the gear and have been training for the last 6 months with just 2 flights in up to now, I get very despondent with the actual time it's taking between availability and weather conditions.

I’m retired, I can fly any day morning or evening, I fly allot, love it, most of his reasons here don’t apply to me.

Great video! Appreciate your honesty. I have been wanting to do it but at my age, 85, I’m kidding myself. I’m in decent shape but even if I was younger and in perfect shape, there is so much more to consider, cost, damage, time, weather, family obligations etc., as you have pointed out. I think I am finally getting over the urge which I think may be a good thing.

Thanks for that info. Definitely influencing me. I can relate to all of your points, having flown a ppg trike once. Didn't care for the turbulence at all.

I can relate to everything really. Work is fine for me but family commitments take its place. There is also the guilt of having a young family and doing a sport that is not family inclusive and potentially dangerous. That said, Monday looks flyable.... Woohoo. Best of luck to you

It sounds like you made the right choice for you. (>* It's a tough call sometimes. Good for you.👍👍

I'm glad that I happened across your video. All the things that u spoke of are concerns of mine. I do watch all of Tuckers vids and he makes it seem like it's the greatest thing in the world. So I'm glad to hear the "other side." My biggest thing was do I want to spend all the money to get into the sport only to find that it's not all its cracked up to be. Thanks for the info. And I will use it in my final decision.

I feel your pain man. I believed your thought from watching videos that every flight was going to be perfect that’s not always the case that’s part of the sport you love. I love driving 1/5 th scale gas car I don’t have the time sometimes but I make time and always trying to find places to run. I be damn if I sell it because I crashed it are don’t have anywhere to run it are don’t have time. I think you got into it for the wrong reasons and found excuses to get out of it.

My first reaction to your story is #1 fear was plaguing you, #2 if this sport isn’t clearly the most awesome thing you’ve ever done, then I must lead a very sheltered life. To me there isn’t a close comparison.Sorry to hear this story really ,but I get it.

Oh yes , I was interested to hear your story, very honest and very true. I fly ppg here in Uk and believe me we have same issues, Ive watched tucker flying in his shorts with sneakers on and a T shirt with no gloves, and thought jeeez I must move to America wher every day looks perfect the grass is always cut nice, and poeple fly to mcdonalds. ....But of course, its fake, really for most of us is exactly what you say. .....good weather on a day off, and then no equipment issues is a rare thing. But we manage. when it goes good it makes up for it........"to appreciate a sunny day, you need a few rainy ones" ......when you have more time, youll be back.

Dude, I totally get what you're saying; thanks for sharing, and thanks for the candor. I have flown lite planes; sailed boats; I currently ride motorcycles. Everything you have said applies (at some level) to these three sports as well. I think it really comes down to passion. For me, I had to wait till my house was paid off, my kids were raised and on their own, and I had the free capital. The way around the scheduling is that your passion MUST exceed your druthers. We do what we have to do, so that we can do what we want to do. I am retired. That ends the scheduling conflict. I drive a school bus part time; when a good day comes up, I'm outa here! Flight is one of those things (like sailing) where 'bumpy' is not really scary. That's just experience, training, and practice. Turbulence is part of flying. Hanging from a collapsible wing on strings is interesting when it comes to turbulence. One of the things that is counter-intuitive is that trikes and quads are NOT the way to go; always foot launch. Its easier, more stable, and safer, especially when it comes to overloading and oscillating. Flying in large high pressure zones is good; geographically large high pressure zones are bad for sailing, and excellent for paramotoring. NO WIND. You may have thermals (bumpy) but you won't have wind related turbulence; landing and taking off will be smooth. AND, you can fly all day (or as long as the high pressure zone is stationary in your local area. Obviously, you need to be a weather-person. If you're passionate about flight, passionate about experimental aviation, passionate about being airborne, then you'll find a way. For the reasons you mentioned, and maybe some others too, it sounds like you lost your passion for personal aviation and experimental human flight. I understand. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts. marcus

Hey great video, and I'm sure everybody getting into the sports thinks about the things that you went over, sounds like two main things to me made your decision, just how many days you have available to fly, and then the last thing you mentioned was just being nervous in the air 70% of the time, and myself not even getting in the air yet, just looking into this for, consider that same thing. I guess like anything just repetition of being in the air, we'll get more comfortable and more comfortable, but again on your first note if you don't have time to fly a lot then I can see why you quit.

You should donate all your equipment to a disabled, retired vet... um, that I know.

You speak the truth. I'm a former skydiver and current PPG pilot. If I ever leave the sport it will be due to the same reasons you mention. 100% spot on in your assessment.

I see your point. The time in the air is amazing. But, the time spent getting there is maybe ten hours of work and waiting to one actually flying! It is still an amazing experience! Of course, if you have a huge yard and a garage full of tools, it more than helps! And unless you are working in the business, don't expect to be as good as someone who's days are filled with flying. Still glad I have had the opportunity to fly these amazing machines.

I am a private pilot. Weather downs me me too. Your work situation would pose an obstacle to flying fixed wing aircraft as well. Since I’m thinking about getting into the sport, I value your input.

It's not for everyone, but it is absolutely amazing if you take the time and effort to grow your skills and buy the right equipment. I work five days a week 7am-5pm and still fly an average of three to four days a week for over an hour each flight. You have to be resourceful at times to find LZ's and plan different routes, but that is all part of the fun. Find others in your area to fly with and your skills improve faster. There is nothing out there that compares to it and I think my videos translate that very well. Life is too short to not experience something like PPG. At least you tried it. Take some time off and maybe come back in a year or more and give foot launching a shot. Thanks for sharing!

Wow, listening to you and your experience sounds awful. I live in Michigan, flew 120 day's my first year and arguably we have some of the worst weather in the country. I never once complained about bringing out my gear... I used it, cleaned it, tuned it, learned about it. When Para waiting for the right time, I would Kite my wing, never once thinking poorly of whether I would fly that day. Bottom line, I commend you for making the decision to move on. Your message shouted that you did not fall in love with PPG and that's ok, it's not for everyone. I think you should listen to all the excuses, complaints and negative remarks you stated in the video.. then be honest with yourself and ask, is what you said the reality of the sport or was it you?

I feel you :D I've had my pilot license (necessary in my country) and own gear for over 2 years and in that time I have alltogether some 4 hours flight time. I've had days when I unpacked everything and the engine wouldn't start. I've had days that seemed perfect but 30 m higher was such a Mordor I was willing to plant it in the woods as long as I get back to ground in one piece and yeah.. sometimes I take of and I'm like... ooookk.. coool... now what? and I just kinda fly around and look down at villages, which start looking similar after while. After all you just sit there with your hands up, doing nothing.. So unless you want to start pushing your luck and doing some tricks to kill the time and make it more challangeng or you're the type of person, who enjoys driving car or riding motorbike just for the ride alone with no real destination or purpose this might not be a sport for you. I'm not a dare devil (my stomack hurts every time I look at the sky and decide its good time to fly) and I use my motorbike just for transportation. So every time I'm getting ready to fly, I'm asking myself, why on Earth would I even do that.

WOW! What job is so rewarding? You are the exception to St. Peter & the pearly gate question. "Do you wish you had spent more time at your JOB? Choices are the human desires. Thanks for your additions to my searching of perspectives.

I got into the sport awhile ago, the time and hassle were a huge negative. I had to drive 30 min to my launch site and then depending on my equipment, (I have had many broken pull starters on my corsair black devil motor) or the weather wouldnt be very good. Anyway half the time I couldn't fly. 5 years after getting into the sport I needed a new wing because of age and hours, I also needed a better motor tired of corsair starter breaking. I ended up getting out of the sport. I hope to get back into it when I have enough money for new equipment, and when I can take off from the backyard of a new place if residents.

sounds like you are just burned out. Too much on your plate.

Even without the motor, us Paragliding Guys can totally relate! The para-waiting can be brutal, but we fly year-round here in Arizona. However, those early winter sunsets sure do bite! Luckily, our local Paragliding community has several locations throughout Arizona for flying and we even have a couple of local tow-rigs out and about regularly too! Forego the motor and learn to Paraglide first! My last motor-less flight was 55 minutes and I chose to land due to non-stop lift! (I could have kept going, but was not geared-up for cross-country flying!) Great discussion! Thanks for sharing!

Can I ask what wing you were flying with? Might a more stable wing have helped your experience?

Fresh breeze is a dated, extremely heavy motor. It’s durable and reliable, but bulky and annoying to start. When you add the trike it’s way too much prep work. I too started the sport with a fresh breeze trike. It was extremely time consuming and difficult, and the high hook in point was difficult to kite. I bought a lighter motor and it was much easier, but still it was annoying to setup the cage and tighten the prop and mix the fuel and calibrate the carburetor and blah blah blah... i now just do freeflight and it is a lot more fun, challenging, and rewarding, and much easier to set up too. The beauty of paragliding is the simplicity. Focus on that. When you add the motor it’s just too much complexity and too much can go wrong. I live an hour from two different sites, one that is good for ocean ridge soaring and one for mountain thermaling, and I also just found a site really close to home that is excellent for kiting and on occasion soarable. You should look into just pure paragliding for a more simple and rewarding experience. Also, a lot depends on where you live. If you live in a bad area for paragliding it isn’t worth it. This is definitely something every prospective pilot should consider.

Wow, appreciate your insight and honesty. I gave ppg a try and here's what I found. Had a lifelong friend that works for a highly respected school. Had the opportunity to take his class for free, did some work for him so he offered this in return. Also used his equipment as he personally owned 4 motors. Made around 15 flights and got fairly competent at flying. Even did a reverse foot launch. My take...I got bored super quick. Yes, it's a quick thrill. But flying over open land...not very thrilling. And I absolutely know there are a lot of people in this sport that stay with it because they're upset at the amount of time and money invested. They're bored too. Even if you fly different areas, if you observe the rules you're still flying over the same basic landscapes. I just didn't see the thrill in it and came to that conclusion super early. Thank God I didn't drop 15 or 20k into this.

You've made some very valid points for someone like me considering getting into the sport that I haven't really thought of. I've been researching it a lot and I'm sure it would be fun but working full-time and not having a convenient area to launch and land from is a perspective I initially failed to consider. So that does really limit the amount I'd even utilize the investment especially when weather and conditions are so pivotal. It is a lot of money for something you can't expect to do everyday or even every weekend if you're lucky enough to have suitable conditions. Thanks for sharing your insight

I really appreciate your honesty.

I started paragliding 6 years ago and did it for two year did 150 hours then started ppg foot launch i have 500 hours air time , if you wanted to fly you would find time and you would learn to predict weather better over time .

If it flies, floats or f***ks, it is cheaper to rent- Hagadone

We all appreciate your time honesty in making this. Where did you get trained? Not trying to pass judgement on you or your training, but I agree with others if it’s for you then you’ll make sacrifices to do it. I’m a big believer in the concept of we shouldn’t have to “learn” to like something... Maybe it’s not the right time, or it’s just not for you. I’ve got 10 flights in during training and anxious for more. But winter is here and I didn’t want to buy gear until after training. I figured in 10 flights I’d be able to make a personal and “educated decision”. I’ve tried several hobbies and even those that I spent thousands of dollars on, but didn’t work out, at least now I KNOW for sure. Interest in drifting, did lots of research, bought a mustang, built it into a drift car, learned how to drive it, now know I want more. I wanted a motorcycle with a side car, did lots of research and ended up buying a URAL, kept it about a year, decided it wasn’t for me, sold it and never looked back. I have an interested in fun “sporty” cars so I did lots of research and test drove a car for about 15 minutes and still have that miata today, almost 10 years later. No plans on getting rid of it anytime soon. There is only way to experience some sports / hobbies, and that is by doing. Almost all of my friends dislike the miata, but as with anything you value, it has to tick YOUR individual boxes.

This is really true for most any hobby where there is a significant investment in time and money. Sometimes before you go all in, it helps to think about how you're going to enjoy your hobby time practically while still maintaining your career or family obligations. Even when that works out when you start, sometimes life happens somewhere down the road, and it suddenly becomes unaffordable.

I taught myself in a months time of training an hour every evening after work when weather permitted. In 5 months time I’ve got 14 hours+ of flight time and I work a lot. If you foot launch you can launch from almost anywhere, I’ve launched out of parking lots. The more you fly the less turbulence will bother you. At first the smallest bumps seem sketchy but in reality they’re not. If anybody has questions about getting into the sport from someone who just got into it themselves feel free to contact me. Don’t fall for the captain kurt fresh breeze or super dell crap either. A lot of other machines out there that are just as good and better. I got into this sport for 5 grand and my equipment is still going strong.

We ALL watch the vids and live our lives vicariously to a greater or lesser degree. However......... You don't have to do the same. I go to a lot of music gigs and a boat load of people spend the whole gig filming on their phones....... why? I go to get "hot, sweaty and have fun and listen to the band" Enjoy life don't film it. Sorry it wasn't for you. 👍🇬🇧

I can understand where you are coming from... I am a shift worker, I am constantly swapping from Day shift to Night shift, with just a few days in-between... and more times than most, I get scheduled to work overtime. The last time I was able to fly was 4 months ago, until this past Sunday. That one day reminded me why I like this sport!!! I will miss watching the videos that you post. Take care, my friend... Hub Adams

Well said man thanks for saying what you said i appreciated your thoughts, When your new to the sport all you want to do is fly, It's not like pulling the bike out the shed and go, Avoid peer pressure if you join a club take your time to proggress at your level. Find the truth, Safety first and be true to your self tell your self the truth. Most of all enjoy life you work to live and don't live to work. Be Kewl

This is a great counter to the whilly-nillly person getting into this. Before you commit. Check into where you are. Find places you can do it. Find out about how often you can fly. Really think about how often you can make it work to see if it's worth it to you. These are very valid points.

For a lot of hobbies, which look awesome watching others’ videos, one of the biggest factors is where those people live. Being able to readily and consistently enjoy the hobby from one’s property or with an appropriate field/track/lake/mountain/forest/etc. can make that hobby ideal for some and not others. Similarly, it also matters whether there are others in your local community to share the hobby with. A hobby is that much better when there are others nearby that share the passion, experience, camaraderie, or competition.

What a good and honest video and excellent points. I'd recommend to everybody thinking of starting paramotoring. Each person needs to judge pros and cons before committing so much money for sure. I'm a beginning flyer with a kit and I can say that I recognise all the issues he talks about. Do not get to this sport or at least don't spend silly amounts of money if you are not sure what you are doing. If not sure don't do it but rather keep on watching Tucker Gott's excellent videos and why not some speed paragliding ones and fly suit crazy things etc. (Worth watching imho) However, for me flying few timer per year is still worth it because I like it so much.

Hey thanks for your video. Yes PPG's are always breaking something and are susceptible to any kind of wind. There are better choices for aircraft (in my opinion) then the PPG but all the things you said apply to all aircraft and the sport.