NCERT Book: Adventure Sports | NCERT Books & Solutions for Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Adventure Sport S
11
Adventure sports are extraordinary activities performed by 
individuals who are in search of excitement, extra enthusiasm 
and have the desire to explore nature. These sports are 
invented out of adventurous interest of individuals who want 
to explore nature out of curiosity. During the exploration, 
different types of adventure sports were discovered, such as, 
rafting, surfing, mountaineering, trekking, etc. Participation 
in such sports also helps to fulfil the purpose of satisfying 
robust human behaviour. These sports are classified as—
1. Adventure water sports
2. Adventure land sports
3. Adventure air sports
Further, the adventure sports in all three categories 
are also divided separately for water (rafting, surfing, etc.), 
land (mountaineering, trekking, etc.) and air (paragliding, 
jumping, etc.). The camping has already been discussed in 
the Class IX book. Here, in this chapter, paragliding and 
surfing are explained for understanding as these are most 
exciting and classical adventure sports.
Fig. 11.1: Paragliding
Chap-11.indd   328 31-07-2020   15:46:36
2024-25
Page 2


Adventure Sport S
11
Adventure sports are extraordinary activities performed by 
individuals who are in search of excitement, extra enthusiasm 
and have the desire to explore nature. These sports are 
invented out of adventurous interest of individuals who want 
to explore nature out of curiosity. During the exploration, 
different types of adventure sports were discovered, such as, 
rafting, surfing, mountaineering, trekking, etc. Participation 
in such sports also helps to fulfil the purpose of satisfying 
robust human behaviour. These sports are classified as—
1. Adventure water sports
2. Adventure land sports
3. Adventure air sports
Further, the adventure sports in all three categories 
are also divided separately for water (rafting, surfing, etc.), 
land (mountaineering, trekking, etc.) and air (paragliding, 
jumping, etc.). The camping has already been discussed in 
the Class IX book. Here, in this chapter, paragliding and 
surfing are explained for understanding as these are most 
exciting and classical adventure sports.
Fig. 11.1: Paragliding
Chap-11.indd   328 31-07-2020   15:46:36
2024-25
Adventure Sports 329
Paragliding Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure 
sport for flying paragliders. Paragliding is engine less or 
motor free sport and practised by the adventurous people. 
This type of sports need courage and need to be decisive. 
Historical Development of Paragliding
Domina C. Jalbert, in 1954, invented advanced governable 
gliding parachutes with multi-cells and controls for lateral 
glide.
In one of the articles, in Flight magazine, Walter Neumark 
predicted that a glider pilot would be able to launch himself 
by running over the edge of a cliff or down a slope. French 
engineer Pierre Lemoigne produced improved parachute 
designs that led to the Para-commander. 
David Barish, during 1965, developed the ‘sail wing’ 
that was used to sail slope-soaring as a summer activity for  
ski resorts.
In the year 1985, Canadian authors Patrick Gilligan and 
Bertrand Dubois from Switzerland, wrote the first flight 
manual with the title ‘The Paragliding Manual’, officially 
coining the word ‘Paragliding’.
Classification of Paragliding
Paragliding is classified as—
 1. Light-weight gliding
 2. Free flying glider 
 3. Foot-launched glider: Foot launched glider is like an 
aircraft with no rigid primary structure. 
Sitting Position
The paraglider (pilot) sits in a harness, suspended below a 
fabric wing comprising a large number of interconnected 
baffled cells. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension 
lines. Despite not using an engine, paragliders, flight can last 
many hours and cover hundreds of kilometers. Though, the 
norms for flight of one to two hours that covers around some 
tens of kilometers are considered valid for gliding purposes. 
By skillful exploitation of sources on lift, the pilot may gain 
height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand meters.
First World Championship 1989
The first official Paragliding World Championship was held 
in Austria, in 1989. 
Chap-11.indd   329 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Page 3


Adventure Sport S
11
Adventure sports are extraordinary activities performed by 
individuals who are in search of excitement, extra enthusiasm 
and have the desire to explore nature. These sports are 
invented out of adventurous interest of individuals who want 
to explore nature out of curiosity. During the exploration, 
different types of adventure sports were discovered, such as, 
rafting, surfing, mountaineering, trekking, etc. Participation 
in such sports also helps to fulfil the purpose of satisfying 
robust human behaviour. These sports are classified as—
1. Adventure water sports
2. Adventure land sports
3. Adventure air sports
Further, the adventure sports in all three categories 
are also divided separately for water (rafting, surfing, etc.), 
land (mountaineering, trekking, etc.) and air (paragliding, 
jumping, etc.). The camping has already been discussed in 
the Class IX book. Here, in this chapter, paragliding and 
surfing are explained for understanding as these are most 
exciting and classical adventure sports.
Fig. 11.1: Paragliding
Chap-11.indd   328 31-07-2020   15:46:36
2024-25
Adventure Sports 329
Paragliding Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure 
sport for flying paragliders. Paragliding is engine less or 
motor free sport and practised by the adventurous people. 
This type of sports need courage and need to be decisive. 
Historical Development of Paragliding
Domina C. Jalbert, in 1954, invented advanced governable 
gliding parachutes with multi-cells and controls for lateral 
glide.
In one of the articles, in Flight magazine, Walter Neumark 
predicted that a glider pilot would be able to launch himself 
by running over the edge of a cliff or down a slope. French 
engineer Pierre Lemoigne produced improved parachute 
designs that led to the Para-commander. 
David Barish, during 1965, developed the ‘sail wing’ 
that was used to sail slope-soaring as a summer activity for  
ski resorts.
In the year 1985, Canadian authors Patrick Gilligan and 
Bertrand Dubois from Switzerland, wrote the first flight 
manual with the title ‘The Paragliding Manual’, officially 
coining the word ‘Paragliding’.
Classification of Paragliding
Paragliding is classified as—
 1. Light-weight gliding
 2. Free flying glider 
 3. Foot-launched glider: Foot launched glider is like an 
aircraft with no rigid primary structure. 
Sitting Position
The paraglider (pilot) sits in a harness, suspended below a 
fabric wing comprising a large number of interconnected 
baffled cells. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension 
lines. Despite not using an engine, paragliders, flight can last 
many hours and cover hundreds of kilometers. Though, the 
norms for flight of one to two hours that covers around some 
tens of kilometers are considered valid for gliding purposes. 
By skillful exploitation of sources on lift, the pilot may gain 
height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand meters.
First World Championship 1989
The first official Paragliding World Championship was held 
in Austria, in 1989. 
Chap-11.indd   329 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 330
Strength of Paraglider Structure
Paraglider lines are usually made from spectra that are 
immensely strong. For example, a single 0.66 mm diameter 
line (about the thinnest used) can have a breaking strength 
of 56 kg.  Paraglider wings typically have an area of 20–35 
square meters (220–380 sq ft) with a span of 8–12 meters 
(26–39 ft) and weigh 3–7 kilograms (6.6–15.4 lb). Combined 
weight of wing, harness, reserve, instruments, helmet, etc., 
weigh around 12–22 kilograms (26–49 lb).
Speed of Paragliders
The speed range of paragliders is typically 20–75 kilometres 
per hour (12–47 mph).
Carrying Capacity and Storage of Paragliders
For storage and carrying, the wing is usually folded into a 
stuff-sack (bag), which can then be stowed in a large back-
pack along with the harness. The complete equipment packs 
into a rucksack that can be carried easily on the pilot’s back, 
in a car, or on public transport. 
Instruments
Instruments used in paragliding are—
 1. Variometer: The main purpose of a variometer is to 
help a pilot find and stay in the ‘core’ of a thermal 
to maximise height gain and, conversely, to indicate 
when a pilot is in sinking air and needs to find rising 
air. A variometer also indicates the climb rate or sink-
rate with short audio signals (beeps, which increase 
in pitch and tempo during ascent, and a droning 
sound, which gets deeper as the rate of descent 
increases) or a visual display. It also shows altitude 
— either above takeoff, above sea level or flight level at  
higher altitudes.
 2. Radio: Radio communications are used in training 
to communicate with other pilots, or to report where 
and when they intend to land. These radios normally 
operate on a range of frequencies in different 
locations. In rare cases, pilots use radios to talk 
to airport control towers or air traffic controllers. 
Many pilots carry a cell phone so they can call for 
pickup if they land away from their intended point of 
destination.
 3. GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS is a necessary 
accessory while flying in competitions. The recorded 
Do You Know?
Canadian Domina Jalbert 
invented and patented (in 1963) 
parafoil in an aerofoil shape; 
an open leading edge and a 
closed trailing edge, inflated by 
passage through the air.
Chap-11.indd   330 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Page 4


Adventure Sport S
11
Adventure sports are extraordinary activities performed by 
individuals who are in search of excitement, extra enthusiasm 
and have the desire to explore nature. These sports are 
invented out of adventurous interest of individuals who want 
to explore nature out of curiosity. During the exploration, 
different types of adventure sports were discovered, such as, 
rafting, surfing, mountaineering, trekking, etc. Participation 
in such sports also helps to fulfil the purpose of satisfying 
robust human behaviour. These sports are classified as—
1. Adventure water sports
2. Adventure land sports
3. Adventure air sports
Further, the adventure sports in all three categories 
are also divided separately for water (rafting, surfing, etc.), 
land (mountaineering, trekking, etc.) and air (paragliding, 
jumping, etc.). The camping has already been discussed in 
the Class IX book. Here, in this chapter, paragliding and 
surfing are explained for understanding as these are most 
exciting and classical adventure sports.
Fig. 11.1: Paragliding
Chap-11.indd   328 31-07-2020   15:46:36
2024-25
Adventure Sports 329
Paragliding Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure 
sport for flying paragliders. Paragliding is engine less or 
motor free sport and practised by the adventurous people. 
This type of sports need courage and need to be decisive. 
Historical Development of Paragliding
Domina C. Jalbert, in 1954, invented advanced governable 
gliding parachutes with multi-cells and controls for lateral 
glide.
In one of the articles, in Flight magazine, Walter Neumark 
predicted that a glider pilot would be able to launch himself 
by running over the edge of a cliff or down a slope. French 
engineer Pierre Lemoigne produced improved parachute 
designs that led to the Para-commander. 
David Barish, during 1965, developed the ‘sail wing’ 
that was used to sail slope-soaring as a summer activity for  
ski resorts.
In the year 1985, Canadian authors Patrick Gilligan and 
Bertrand Dubois from Switzerland, wrote the first flight 
manual with the title ‘The Paragliding Manual’, officially 
coining the word ‘Paragliding’.
Classification of Paragliding
Paragliding is classified as—
 1. Light-weight gliding
 2. Free flying glider 
 3. Foot-launched glider: Foot launched glider is like an 
aircraft with no rigid primary structure. 
Sitting Position
The paraglider (pilot) sits in a harness, suspended below a 
fabric wing comprising a large number of interconnected 
baffled cells. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension 
lines. Despite not using an engine, paragliders, flight can last 
many hours and cover hundreds of kilometers. Though, the 
norms for flight of one to two hours that covers around some 
tens of kilometers are considered valid for gliding purposes. 
By skillful exploitation of sources on lift, the pilot may gain 
height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand meters.
First World Championship 1989
The first official Paragliding World Championship was held 
in Austria, in 1989. 
Chap-11.indd   329 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 330
Strength of Paraglider Structure
Paraglider lines are usually made from spectra that are 
immensely strong. For example, a single 0.66 mm diameter 
line (about the thinnest used) can have a breaking strength 
of 56 kg.  Paraglider wings typically have an area of 20–35 
square meters (220–380 sq ft) with a span of 8–12 meters 
(26–39 ft) and weigh 3–7 kilograms (6.6–15.4 lb). Combined 
weight of wing, harness, reserve, instruments, helmet, etc., 
weigh around 12–22 kilograms (26–49 lb).
Speed of Paragliders
The speed range of paragliders is typically 20–75 kilometres 
per hour (12–47 mph).
Carrying Capacity and Storage of Paragliders
For storage and carrying, the wing is usually folded into a 
stuff-sack (bag), which can then be stowed in a large back-
pack along with the harness. The complete equipment packs 
into a rucksack that can be carried easily on the pilot’s back, 
in a car, or on public transport. 
Instruments
Instruments used in paragliding are—
 1. Variometer: The main purpose of a variometer is to 
help a pilot find and stay in the ‘core’ of a thermal 
to maximise height gain and, conversely, to indicate 
when a pilot is in sinking air and needs to find rising 
air. A variometer also indicates the climb rate or sink-
rate with short audio signals (beeps, which increase 
in pitch and tempo during ascent, and a droning 
sound, which gets deeper as the rate of descent 
increases) or a visual display. It also shows altitude 
— either above takeoff, above sea level or flight level at  
higher altitudes.
 2. Radio: Radio communications are used in training 
to communicate with other pilots, or to report where 
and when they intend to land. These radios normally 
operate on a range of frequencies in different 
locations. In rare cases, pilots use radios to talk 
to airport control towers or air traffic controllers. 
Many pilots carry a cell phone so they can call for 
pickup if they land away from their intended point of 
destination.
 3. GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS is a necessary 
accessory while flying in competitions. The recorded 
Do You Know?
Canadian Domina Jalbert 
invented and patented (in 1963) 
parafoil in an aerofoil shape; 
an open leading edge and a 
closed trailing edge, inflated by 
passage through the air.
Chap-11.indd   330 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Adventure Sports 331
GPS track of a flight can be used to analyse the flying 
technique or can be shared with other pilots. GPS 
is also used to determine drift due to the prevailing 
wind when flying at altitude, providing position 
information to allow restricted airspace to be avoided 
and identifying one’s location to aid the retrieval 
teams after landing out in unfamiliar territory. 
Flying Techniques
There are different ways of flying as with all the aircrafts, 
launching and landing are done into wind. Paragliders, like 
hang gliders do not ‘jump’ at any time. There is one assisted 
launch technique used in flatland areas and two launching 
techniques used on the higher ground.
 1. Forward launch: In low winds, the wing is inflated with 
a forward launch, where the pilot runs forward with 
the wing behind so that the air pressure generated by 
the forward movement inflates the wing.
 2. Reverse launch: In higher winds, a reverse launch is 
used, with the pilot facing the wing to bring it up into 
a flying position, then turning around under the wing 
and running to complete the launch. Reverse launches 
have a number of advantages over the forward launch. 
Landing
Landing a paraglider, as with all unpowered aircrafts which 
cannot abort a landing, involves some specific techniques 
and traffic patterns. Paragliding pilots most commonly lose 
their height by flying a figure of 8 in over landing zone until 
the correct height is achieved, then line up into the wind and 
give the glider full speed. Once the correct height (about a 
meter above ground) is achieved the pilot will ‘stall’ (pause) 
the glider in order to land.
Control through Speed Bar Mechanism
Paraglider can be controlled with the help of breaks and 
accelerator attached with the paraglider. These are the speed 
bar mechanism called control breaks, which are held in 
pilot’s hand. Breaks are used to adjust the speed of the glider.
Types of Competitions
 1. Cross-country flying is the classical form of paragliding 
competitions with championships in club, regional, 
national and international levels.
Chap-11.indd   331 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Page 5


Adventure Sport S
11
Adventure sports are extraordinary activities performed by 
individuals who are in search of excitement, extra enthusiasm 
and have the desire to explore nature. These sports are 
invented out of adventurous interest of individuals who want 
to explore nature out of curiosity. During the exploration, 
different types of adventure sports were discovered, such as, 
rafting, surfing, mountaineering, trekking, etc. Participation 
in such sports also helps to fulfil the purpose of satisfying 
robust human behaviour. These sports are classified as—
1. Adventure water sports
2. Adventure land sports
3. Adventure air sports
Further, the adventure sports in all three categories 
are also divided separately for water (rafting, surfing, etc.), 
land (mountaineering, trekking, etc.) and air (paragliding, 
jumping, etc.). The camping has already been discussed in 
the Class IX book. Here, in this chapter, paragliding and 
surfing are explained for understanding as these are most 
exciting and classical adventure sports.
Fig. 11.1: Paragliding
Chap-11.indd   328 31-07-2020   15:46:36
2024-25
Adventure Sports 329
Paragliding Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure 
sport for flying paragliders. Paragliding is engine less or 
motor free sport and practised by the adventurous people. 
This type of sports need courage and need to be decisive. 
Historical Development of Paragliding
Domina C. Jalbert, in 1954, invented advanced governable 
gliding parachutes with multi-cells and controls for lateral 
glide.
In one of the articles, in Flight magazine, Walter Neumark 
predicted that a glider pilot would be able to launch himself 
by running over the edge of a cliff or down a slope. French 
engineer Pierre Lemoigne produced improved parachute 
designs that led to the Para-commander. 
David Barish, during 1965, developed the ‘sail wing’ 
that was used to sail slope-soaring as a summer activity for  
ski resorts.
In the year 1985, Canadian authors Patrick Gilligan and 
Bertrand Dubois from Switzerland, wrote the first flight 
manual with the title ‘The Paragliding Manual’, officially 
coining the word ‘Paragliding’.
Classification of Paragliding
Paragliding is classified as—
 1. Light-weight gliding
 2. Free flying glider 
 3. Foot-launched glider: Foot launched glider is like an 
aircraft with no rigid primary structure. 
Sitting Position
The paraglider (pilot) sits in a harness, suspended below a 
fabric wing comprising a large number of interconnected 
baffled cells. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension 
lines. Despite not using an engine, paragliders, flight can last 
many hours and cover hundreds of kilometers. Though, the 
norms for flight of one to two hours that covers around some 
tens of kilometers are considered valid for gliding purposes. 
By skillful exploitation of sources on lift, the pilot may gain 
height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand meters.
First World Championship 1989
The first official Paragliding World Championship was held 
in Austria, in 1989. 
Chap-11.indd   329 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 330
Strength of Paraglider Structure
Paraglider lines are usually made from spectra that are 
immensely strong. For example, a single 0.66 mm diameter 
line (about the thinnest used) can have a breaking strength 
of 56 kg.  Paraglider wings typically have an area of 20–35 
square meters (220–380 sq ft) with a span of 8–12 meters 
(26–39 ft) and weigh 3–7 kilograms (6.6–15.4 lb). Combined 
weight of wing, harness, reserve, instruments, helmet, etc., 
weigh around 12–22 kilograms (26–49 lb).
Speed of Paragliders
The speed range of paragliders is typically 20–75 kilometres 
per hour (12–47 mph).
Carrying Capacity and Storage of Paragliders
For storage and carrying, the wing is usually folded into a 
stuff-sack (bag), which can then be stowed in a large back-
pack along with the harness. The complete equipment packs 
into a rucksack that can be carried easily on the pilot’s back, 
in a car, or on public transport. 
Instruments
Instruments used in paragliding are—
 1. Variometer: The main purpose of a variometer is to 
help a pilot find and stay in the ‘core’ of a thermal 
to maximise height gain and, conversely, to indicate 
when a pilot is in sinking air and needs to find rising 
air. A variometer also indicates the climb rate or sink-
rate with short audio signals (beeps, which increase 
in pitch and tempo during ascent, and a droning 
sound, which gets deeper as the rate of descent 
increases) or a visual display. It also shows altitude 
— either above takeoff, above sea level or flight level at  
higher altitudes.
 2. Radio: Radio communications are used in training 
to communicate with other pilots, or to report where 
and when they intend to land. These radios normally 
operate on a range of frequencies in different 
locations. In rare cases, pilots use radios to talk 
to airport control towers or air traffic controllers. 
Many pilots carry a cell phone so they can call for 
pickup if they land away from their intended point of 
destination.
 3. GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS is a necessary 
accessory while flying in competitions. The recorded 
Do You Know?
Canadian Domina Jalbert 
invented and patented (in 1963) 
parafoil in an aerofoil shape; 
an open leading edge and a 
closed trailing edge, inflated by 
passage through the air.
Chap-11.indd   330 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Adventure Sports 331
GPS track of a flight can be used to analyse the flying 
technique or can be shared with other pilots. GPS 
is also used to determine drift due to the prevailing 
wind when flying at altitude, providing position 
information to allow restricted airspace to be avoided 
and identifying one’s location to aid the retrieval 
teams after landing out in unfamiliar territory. 
Flying Techniques
There are different ways of flying as with all the aircrafts, 
launching and landing are done into wind. Paragliders, like 
hang gliders do not ‘jump’ at any time. There is one assisted 
launch technique used in flatland areas and two launching 
techniques used on the higher ground.
 1. Forward launch: In low winds, the wing is inflated with 
a forward launch, where the pilot runs forward with 
the wing behind so that the air pressure generated by 
the forward movement inflates the wing.
 2. Reverse launch: In higher winds, a reverse launch is 
used, with the pilot facing the wing to bring it up into 
a flying position, then turning around under the wing 
and running to complete the launch. Reverse launches 
have a number of advantages over the forward launch. 
Landing
Landing a paraglider, as with all unpowered aircrafts which 
cannot abort a landing, involves some specific techniques 
and traffic patterns. Paragliding pilots most commonly lose 
their height by flying a figure of 8 in over landing zone until 
the correct height is achieved, then line up into the wind and 
give the glider full speed. Once the correct height (about a 
meter above ground) is achieved the pilot will ‘stall’ (pause) 
the glider in order to land.
Control through Speed Bar Mechanism
Paraglider can be controlled with the help of breaks and 
accelerator attached with the paraglider. These are the speed 
bar mechanism called control breaks, which are held in 
pilot’s hand. Breaks are used to adjust the speed of the glider.
Types of Competitions
 1. Cross-country flying is the classical form of paragliding 
competitions with championships in club, regional, 
national and international levels.
Chap-11.indd   331 31-07-2020   15:46:37
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 332
 2. Aerobatic competitions demand the participants to 
perform certain manoeuvres. Competitions are held 
for individual pilots as well as for pairs that show 
synchronous performances. This form is the most 
spectacular for spectators on the ground to watch.
 3. In Bivouac flying competitions, a certain route has to be 
flown or hiked, which may take over several days.
Sky Parachutes have the maximum resemblance with 
paragliders but the sports are very different. Whereas with 
sky-diving, the parachute is ‘only’ a tool to safely return to 
earth after free fall, the paraglider allows longer flights and the 
use of thermals.
Surfing The term surfing refers to the act of riding a wave, regardless 
of whether the wave is ridden with a board or without a board, 
and regardless of the stance used. Surfing is an event to be 
inducted in the Olympic Games from the year 2020. Surfing 
is a surface water sport in which the wave rider, referred to as 
a surfer, rides on the forward or deep face of a moving wave, 
which carries the surfer towards the shore. Waves suitable 
for surfing are primarily found in the ocean, but waves can 
also be found in lakes or rivers in the form of standing wave 
or tidal bore. However, surfers can also utilise artificial waves 
such as those from boat and the waves created in artificial 
wave pools.
Fig. 11.2: Surfing-1
Historical Development of Surfing
For centuries, surfing was a central part of ancient Polynesian 
culture. Surfing may have first been observed by the British 
explorers at Tahiti in 1767. 
Do You Know?
George Freeth (8 November 
1883–7 April 1919) is often 
credited as being the ‘Father of 
Modern Surfing’ . He is thought 
to have been the first modern 
surfer.
Chap-11.indd   332 31-07-2020   15:46:38
2024-25