Hang Gliding and SCI

Hello,

My name is Ryan Wood, and I am a hang gliding instructor that is working on developing hang gliding as an adaptive sport in the Southern Ontario area (based out of Guelph). I am trying to put the word out to find people with SCIs who are passionate about flying, and might be interested in FREE hang gliding lessons in exchange for advising and helping with developing this training program.

Why is Hang Gliding an ideal adaptive sport?

1. Hang Gliding is a wonderful opportunity for persons with a SCI/paralysis to interact with his/her environment in new and exhilarating ways. Flight is a three dimensional and extremely mobile activity. It requires the pilot to think in spatial terms that are often underchallenged by persons with SCIs.
2. The social, emotional and recreational benefits of bringing hang gliding opportunities to persons with a SCI are expected to be great.
3. Hang Gliding in 100% upper body controlled, and take-offs and landings can be done completely off of wheels (we get towed up in Ontario). Once in the air, a pilot with a SCI can participate on equal footing with all other pilots. This represents an opportunity rarely seen in other adaptive sports or recreational activities and provides a life-changing, confidence-inspiring experience that can’t be matched by any other activity.

Why Hang Glide?

1. It is one of the most exhilarating and ethereal experiences on earth, and is the purest and most vivid form of flight. You cannot get any closer to feeling like a bird or like Superman!
2. It is a sensible and easily learned method of aviation that is well within the abilities and cost of everyday people from all walks of life, unlike other forms of flying that are very expensive and regulated.
3. It is an utterly engaging life passion, with new challenges awaiting a pilot of any level. It is incredibly enjoyable, from your first flight which has you being "scooter towed" softly only a few feet above the ground, to when you are done training and learning to "surf", unpowered, the atmosphere's currents for long soaring flights of great heights and distances.

If you are interested in this, or would like to know more, please email me at ryan@hangON.ca. Any suggestions on other forums or ways to get word out about this unique opportunity would also be appreciated!

Sincere Regards,

Ryan Wood
ryan@hangON.ca