Paragliding

Wow, I did it finally! I went for tandem para-gliding at Bukit Dangdut, Sendayan today, Sunday 22 April 2012. Thank you Isma Saring for putting this activity in facebook. Like everyone else, I have fear of height a little bit. Who doesn't when you don't know what to expect. But I have already decided some time back I wanted to do this. This kind of activity didn't exist when I was young, now it's open and I am not going to waste my time. Life is too short.

Tandem paragliding is going on paragliding with an experienced pilot. As a first timer, this is such a great experience. I felt so exhilarating floating on air, not high but good enough to see the Sendayan area below. It's beautiful but quite heart-breaking to see the greenery being cleared to make way for housing and leaving the land area like a bald-headed man.

Shafiq, a UniKL final year student in aircraft engineering piloted the paragliding and me as his tandem or passenger. I have a lot of confidence in him.  He is a qualified paragliding pilot and has been involved in this activity for some time. I promised him that I would want to do it again and I want him to be my instructor.
Because I trusted him, I had a smooth flight and able to take photos of the surrounding area. But I experienced a mild feeling of nausea but was OK after landing. Unfortunately, I wasn't really great at landing. Instead of landing on my feet, I landed on my bump! I want to perfect my landing- it's a skill that needs practice.

Shafiq helping me to get ready for tandem para-gliding on Sunday 22 April 2012.

Launching pad for para-gliders on Bukit Dangdut, Sendayan.

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It needs skill to land on the ground.

I am ready for tandem paragliding with Shafiq, an experienced pilot. Sunday 22 April 2012 at Bukut Dangdut, Sendayan.

Soaring birds on the air- the paragliders. 220412

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Solo Paragliding.

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Tandem paragliding - flying with a pilot.

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Bird's eye view of Sendayan.

I met a mother, Lena, whose 15 year old daughter is determined to take this sport and represent the country in SEA games. she is supportive and involved mother. I wish her Ila good luck and hope she will achieve what she aims for.

So far, according to Isma, I am the oldest participant in this activity in Malaysia. I believe other senior citizens could do it too if they are interested.

I hope my ex-students, friends, children and nephews and nieces would take up this sport and enjoy the beauty God has created for us.