paragliding, n.
Brit. /ˈparəˌglʌɪdɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈpɛrəˌglaɪdɪŋ/
[‹ para- comb. form + gliding n., after paraglider n.]
The action or sport of using a paraglider: (a) = parasailing n.; (b) the sport of using a wide parachute-like canopy to glide on thermal air currents, from a high launching point to the ground.
| 1978 Times 5 Apr. 8/5 Beau Vallon is the island's most visited beach... Enthusiasts use it for sail-boarding, water-skiing, para-gliding, diving and goggling. 1980 J. A. Cuddon Macmillan Dict. Sports & Games 591/3 In para-gliding a performer has several special parachutes, the manipulation of which enables him to glide considerable distances. 1994 Independent on Sunday 6 Feb. 3/1 The Queen..must have been thankful she was not at home to receive the visit of..a 30-year-old American paragliding fanatic, who..is famous for his flying escapades. 2001 Press (Canterbury, N.Z.) (Electronic ed.) 16 May Paragliding, which involves ‘flying’ a controllable parachute, has a chequered safety record in New Zealand. |