Paragliding and parachuting are two completely different activities with distinct purposes and functionalities. Although they may seem similar, there are important differences to consider. Paragliding is designed for free and controlled flight, while parachuting is primarily used for jumping from airplanes or great heights. In paragliding, the pilot takes off from a slope by deploying the wing and starting a run without jumping into the void, whereas in parachuting, the jump occurs from an airplane and the canopy opens only during free fall. Additionally, paragliding features a larger wing and a significantly higher glide ratio (efficiency) compared to parachuting, as it is designed to prolong the flight and soar as long as possible. In summary, while a parachute is mainly used to bring the pilot back to the ground after free fall, a paraglider is designed for controlled and prolonged flight.
