Chapter Notes: Adventure Sports

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

11.1 Meaning and Concept of Adventure Sports
11.2 Types of Adventure Sports
11.3 Paragliding - History, Techniques and Safety
11.4 Surfing - Types, Dangers and Safety
11.5 Safety and Security Measures in Adventure Sports

Meaning and Concept of Adventure Sports

Adventure sports are extraordinary physical activities performed by individuals who seek excitement, thrill, enthusiasm and a desire to explore nature. These sports originate from human curiosity and adventurous interest to discover new places and natural environments. During such explorations, many adventure activities were developed such as rafting, surfing, mountaineering, trekking, paragliding and others.

Participation in adventure sports satisfies robust human behaviour, builds courage, confidence, risk-taking ability and helps individuals connect with nature. These sports are generally challenging and involve calculated risks, therefore they require proper training, safety awareness and physical fitness.

Types of Adventure Sports

Adventure sports are mainly classified into three categories:

1. Adventure Water Sports - Activities performed on or in water such as rafting, surfing, scuba diving, water skiing etc.

2. Adventure Land Sports - Activities performed on land like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, camping etc.

3. Adventure Air Sports - Activities performed in the air such as paragliding, skydiving, hang gliding, bungee jumping etc.

Each category includes several specific sports based on the environment in which they are performed.

Paragliding

Paragliding is a recreational as well as competitive adventure air sport in which individuals fly using a lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft without a rigid primary structure. It is an engine-less sport that requires courage, decision-making ability and technical skill.

Historical Development of Paragliding

• In 1954, Domina C. Jalbert invented advanced governable gliding parachutes with multi-cells and controls.

• Walter Neumark predicted that glider pilots could launch themselves by running off slopes or cliffs.

• French engineer Pierre Lemoigne improved parachute designs leading to Para-commander.

• In 1965, David Barish developed the "Sail Wing" for slope soaring.

• In 1985, Patrick Gilligan and Bertrand Dubois wrote The Paragliding Manual, officially coining the term Paragliding.

• The first Paragliding World Championship was held in Austria in 1989.

Classification of Paragliding

1. Light-weight Gliding

2. Free Flying Glider

3. Foot-Launched Glider

Sitting Position and Structure

The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing made of interconnected baffled cells. The wing shape is maintained by suspension lines. Flights can last from one to two hours or even several hours depending on skill and thermal lift.

Strength and Speed of Paragliders

• Lines are made of strong materials like spectra.

• Wing area usually ranges 20-35 sq. meters.

• Span is 8-12 meters.

• Weight ranges 3-7 kg.

• Speed typically ranges 20-75 km/h.

Carrying Capacity and Storage

Paragliders are folded into a stuff-sack and packed into a backpack, making them easy to carry in vehicles or public transport.

Instruments Used in Paragliding

1. Variometer - Helps in detecting rising or sinking air and shows climb or sink rate with sound or visual signals.

2. Radio - Used for communication during training and emergencies.

3. GPS (Global Positioning System) - Records flight track, provides position, wind drift information and helps in navigation.

Flying Techniques in Paragliding

1. Forward Launch - Used in low wind; pilot runs forward to inflate the wing.

2. Reverse Launch - Used in high wind; pilot faces the wing, inflates it, then turns and runs.

Landing Technique

Pilots usually lose height by flying in a figure-of-eight pattern and align into the wind. At about one meter above ground, the glider is stalled for safe landing.

Control through Speed Bar Mechanism

Control brakes and accelerators are used to adjust the speed and direction of the glider.

Types of Paragliding Competitions

1. Cross-Country Flying - Classical competition at club to international levels.

2. Aerobatic Competitions - Perform manoeuvres individually or in pairs.

3. Bivouac Flying - Route-based competition lasting several days.

Surfing

Surfing is a surface water adventure sport where a surfer rides moving ocean waves towards the shore using a board or sometimes without a board. It is also included in Olympic sports. Artificial wave pools and boat-generated waves are also used for surfing.

Historical Development of Surfing

Surfing was a central part of ancient Polynesian culture. It was first observed by British explorers in Tahiti in 1767. George Freeth is known as the "Father of Modern Surfing."

Governing Body of Surfing

The International Surfing Association (ISA) is the highest governing body. Professional contests began in 1975, and Margo Oberg became the first female professional surfer.

Types of Surfing

1. Stand-Up Surfing - Riding waves while standing on a surfboard; includes longboarding and shortboarding.

2. Body Surfing / Body Boarding - Riding waves lying on a body board or using the body only.

3. Surf Matting - Surfing on inflatable mats.

4. Tow-Surfing - Surfer is towed into large waves using a motorised water vehicle.

Types of Surfboards

• Long Boards (10 ft) - Slower but good for beginners due to balance.

• Short Boards (6 ft) - Faster and suitable for experienced surfers needing control and manoeuvrability.

Dangers During Surfing

Seabed:
Shallow seabeds and reefs can cause severe injuries when surfers fall.

Rip Currents:
Strong water channels flowing away from shore can carry surfers far into the sea. Paddling parallel to shore helps escape.

Surfing-Related Sports

Paddle boarding, sea kayaking, kite surfing, wind surfing and boat wave surfing are related water sports.

Safety and Security in Adventure Sports

Safety is extremely important due to high risk involved in paragliding and surfing.

1. Paraglider should be certified and skilled.

2. Safety instruments like Variometer, GPS and Radio must be carried.

3. Protective gear such as helmet, knee and chest guards must be worn.

4. Gliding should not be done without licensed assistance.

5. Surfers must understand wave currents and deep wave faces.

6. Practice in artificial waves before entering deep sea.

7. Regular inspection of brakes and lines in paragliding.

8. Adequate practice before long-distance gliding.

9. Maintain physical and mental fitness for quick decision-making.