[hgflyer]

[boarini2003]

I do not think that the disproportionate amount of men in the sport is due to the wings themselves or any other aspect related to equipment. Of course I am not a woman and can only see things from a male perspective, but women I think tend to be more risk-averse, something that is reflected in other extreme sports and even other areas such as investing.

[Mrsposer]

That's a good point boarini. But, I really am the quintessential PTO mom. When I tell people that I am learning to hang glide, they can hardly believe it. I don't really consider myself a risk taker at all. Sure, I ride motorcycles with Randy, I ride my own dirt bike, and I enjoy many other activities that have some inherent risks. But, to me, all of these things can be as safe as you make them. The key is education. And, not to knock any of you wonderful guys in any way, but, I think that women can become very good at any and all of the above activities. One reason, we tend to move at a little slower pace for the reason you mentioned. We are typically moms and approach new activities with a little more caution in many cases.

I do still see where equipment that is not made for a specific body size could hender the sport. Take motorcycling. There is hardly any gear made for someone my size. I always have the worst time trying to find leathers, etc. I could see where someone could easily become discouraged if materials aren't readily available. I've heard the argument forever that the market (motorcycle) doesn't exist as far as people my size go. I think that's crap. I think you have to make the products available and the market will grow. I understand the investment manufacturers make when it comes to designing and producing new gliders....or new motorcycle gear. But, it has to start some where.

Maybe, women don't take it up because as I said above....we are moms. In most situations, the mom is the one with the most responsibility for taking care of the children, as far as hauling them back and forth, cooking, school, etc. Maybe they feel they don't have the time it takes to devote to such a consuming hobby. BUT.....maybe they need a change. How can we make this sport appealing to a MOM??? I'm telling you guys....in a lot of situations, it would be easier on the men that want to participate in our sport, if their spouses had some interest, even as a support person of some kind.

[FormerFF]

MrsP - sorry, you're not typical. Most moms don't ride motorcycles, and don't want their children to.

I think part of the issue is strength. I used to windsurf, and the sex ratio for windsurfers is about the same for as for hangglider pilots. One thing that the sports have in common is that both involve a large, awkward to carry object. On the flip side, can you think of any sports that women make up half or nearly half of all participants? I can think of two - tennis and running. Note that both require very little equipment. It just seems that when a sport is equipment intensive, there are fewer women who want to get involved.

[Tom Benton]

It may also have something to do with the fact that women tend to have a better time when there are other women are involed , think if you had a training hill 6 guys and one woman , she would feel more out of place(especialy if they are strangers) as we guys like to talk about things like women .....it's a very short and easy bond ....Now on the other hand if i like to sew (I DO NOT) and were in a class room where the majority would be women , I would feel out of place too , plus i'd never get any sewing done

[hgflyer]

Hey FormerFF,

With all due respect, lets not forget Golf.

There are so many great female golfers who can spank my male butt up and down the course.

I know what you airjunkies are all thinking. "Golf is for wusses"

[FormerFF]

[boarini2003]

Also men are like children-- they see equipment as children see toys. Women are more "mature" in this aspect. A guy will tend to slobber more than a woman at the thought of a muscle car or a motorboat.

[hgflyer]

Very true FormerFF,

But once in motion all things become weightless to some degree. Its being aware of what becomes weightless.

I feel women have all of the qualities to do just that.

Damn, did I just quote David Carridean. From a bad episode of Kung Fu.

[gerg]

When I started learning to fly this summer, my girlfriend was very interested. After hanging around a bit, and seeing the types of people that fly: typically male, w/women that are flying/driving being much older than her (she's 26), she told me she wished there were more young women involved, and that if there were, she'd be more interested in learning.

That said, apparently there was a recent article about hang gliding in a recent edition of "Oprah" magazine. Well, it was more about weight-issues and self-esteem, but involved hang gliding none-the-less. She asked if we could go down to the Oregon coast and have her learn there maybe next year. So she's definately interested, but probably not driven for the need to fly like I am. More just something fun and outside to do. There's definately something about there being a social need. E.g. Being able to share the time on the ground w/other people our age.

She's done one tandem and loved it. About 15-20 minutes worth, so not long enough to really get a taste, and she wasn't piloting at any point, but still really enjoyed it. Hopefully she gets the bug once she's in command, it'll be easier to justify taking weekend days out to go flying. She's been really supportive, but it'd also be nice for her to get more enjoyment than just learning to drive lots of different trucks down mountains and playing with the dog (Eddie) in the park.

[Mrsposer]

TB....you make a really good point. When I first started my training, there weren't any women around to speak of. Now, all of a sudden there has been an explosion of them. I know I commented that I felt a little like a man at a tupperware party. But, really, I am a very social person and I get along very well with men, maybe, because I think a lot like them myself. I can see where a woman who is less social than me or that doesn't really know how to relate to men could be turned off.

FormerFF.....So, I'm not "typical"??? Wow...that could be an insult. I know a lot of women who participate in motorcycling,etc. I understand what you are saying....but I do think there are other women out there like me. And I think they have been on the small hill. I just don't understand the reasoning behind them not pursuing it further. I should point out that the average age I've seen for men on the small hill has been somewhere around late 30's or early 40's. And the average age for the women seems to be late 20's to early 30's. If a 40 year old man can take up a hobby like this, why doesn't a 30 yr. old woman??? I've seen the same women from the small hill go on their tandem flight and come away with a big grin. I would think that surely that would seal the deal unless there is another underlying reason why they don't take it further. Also, I should point out.....the reason why I was wondering about the glider size initially is because, not only did I have trouble with it falling off of my shoulders, etc., I have also heard other women complain about it. So, naturally, it made me think that it could possibly be a bit more of a challenge for someone that is really short and thin. I mean, when you pick it up, and the wheels are almost touching the ground and it's slipping off your shoulders, doesn't that make one feel uncomfortable? For me, it does. And since, the training process is designed to make you feel comfortable under the wing, I see a glider that is too large as counterproductive. I'll admit, I'm still nervous about my weight in relationship to the 145. I keep hearing people tell me that I'll be fine....yada, yada, yada....but, I have not actually met or heard of anyone as small as me doing it. I also keep hearing that I am just going to have to be more aware of the conditions I fly in. But, the conditions can change quickly and it will really suck if it happens while I am in the air, which is very likely. I have also been reading a lot about the debate between wings when a person is trying to decide between a smaller one and a larger one. If someone is right on the fence as far as weight goes....they either have less control or more altitude, etc. depending on the wing they choose. Why should you have to sacrifice either??? It seems that I will be on top of the heap for sure, once I start flying....but, is that worth not having the control that I could have if there was something designed for smaller people??

All of this is just observations on my part. They are just things that interest me and since Randy accuses me of being too analytical (which he is too )....I have to be true to form.

I really am just an "average" female. i am actually a big scaredy cat!! I am terrified to fly on an airplane. I've done it....and I hate it. I am the kinda person that it sitting there thinking about all the things that are gonna go wrong. Lightening will strike it, I'm being infected with tuberculosis, the pilot's on crack.... I am a very cautious person.

I saw on another thread where HGXC, I think it was, said his wife tried hang gliding a long time ago and once she did it, she said she didn't want to do it again. I am curious though....did she give you a reason????

Also....I am curious....are there very many female PG pilots or is it about the same as HGing. And if there are more female PGers , then WHY??? And, which equipment would be easier for a short, thin female to handle???

[curly_cue]

For me, strength was one of the main problems. If my husband didn't help me, then I probably wouldn't have started doing this. Just think about loading the glider up on to the top of a car. It's no problem for most of the guys, but it would be really tough for me to do by myself. So I really don't think most single women would want to even try.

[hgflyer]

High everyone,

I would like to have skyhighwomen (carm) help us with this subjet.
I know she is a very accomplished pilot in my area (northern, ca). Also, if there are any other female pilots learning or accomplished. Maybe they can help shead more light in regards to this topic.

I'll PM Carm. I have also put a shout out to some paraglider friends. To find out
what the ratio is, (male/ female pilots).

[Skyhighwoman]

[hgflyer]

Well Hello Carm,

How you doin?

I just rated a mom of 3 boys. She earned her hang 1 with tenacity, desire, determination, dedication, and enthusiasm. Her husband is also a new hang 1 just starting his hang 2 training. She was very helpfull, in sharing her flying concerns with me. I will never forget how much she taught me.

She also let me know, that she would luv to have her boys learn to fly.
Now that would be very unique for our sport. A family of hg pilots (literally).

I'd luv to be at the dinner table, if one of the boys announced. "Mom, Dad, I want to fly paragliders..................................." just kidding.

On a serious note. I deeply know how very important it is for the hg community, to take care of this family. I've always known how important good instruction is.
But I've never really understood until I had my own kids. When I was learning how to teach hg. I took it for granted being single and all.

I've invited the family to join us here on the org. I mentioned forums to Father.
Maybe he is at the oz chimming in on stimulating conversation.

[Skyhighwoman]

Hey HGflyer

Looks like I was replying as you were trying to pm me.

I am not a typical female I am not a small person. Never had been. So it is hard for me to answer your question on the size of glider and is this why there aren't more females.

I forgot about another female pilot we have moved up from So Cal who is a H-4 and been flying for about 7yrs. A small person maybe I'll see about getting her on board. She certainly has a hard time carrying the glider. She is flying a small Aero Discus and a pulse. Due to lack of flying she gone back to her pulse.

Carm

[hgflyer]

[Mrsposer]

curly_cue and Carm....Thanks for adding a little more female perspective and thanks to all the guys for their replies as well....


This is a very interesting topic to me. Everyone that knows me understands how small I am and how difficult it must be to learn to fly. I feel like I have acheived a lot.....it has taken longer.....but I have done it. But, for other women my size, a too big glider could be a source of disenchantment for the sport. Luckily, I am hard-headed as hell and made the decision that I can do this.

I know what you mean about carrying the glider curly_cue. I am not in it for a back injury. I think I am a pretty strong for a person my size. Randy has me carrying 40 pound bags of dirt around the yard every spring and fall when we are planting. I know that I won't be able to get my glider on and off the car without some assistance.

[Sky_Walker]

One thing I've noticed with a great deal of frustration , is that all the women I know in the sport are married.

I'm not really going to hazard a guess as to why, just an observation. As a single guy I think a great way to grow the sport is to offer large discounts on training for single women (or maybe discounts for couples).

Get enough attractive single women flying and the men will show up and hey if they don't at least I'll be happier.

[Sky_Walker]

By the way ladies its a real pain for me to load a glider on a vehicle by myself.