This tip is from Fred Wilson in Canada and is about water landing in a hang glider
In the drink
If you have to land on water then treat the surface of the water like the ground. Land into wind unzipped and as “out” of your harness as you can manage in the air.
The glider will float for quite a while due to the plugged tubes so you’ve got time to unhook then get out of your harness.
There’s more room to escape from under the glider at the trailing edge than the front so head that way.
Your harness will float due to the closed cell foam that’s used, plus it may have Styrofoam in the boot.
If your helmet is certified it will also have a Styrofoam liner and will therefore float quite well.
What you do after you get out depends on how far from shore you are. If you’re “at sea” stay with your glider as long as you can so you can be seen.
If you’re close to shore and are confident of your swimming ability then ditch your shoes, use your “floaty bits” and head for land.
Read the full thread on the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada’s forum
Watch: Underwater hang glider
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