I WANNA LEARN ... PARAGLIDING

YOU are standing 250 metres above sea level and take a deep breath. Your feet begin to move forward, five, 10, 15 metres.A fresh breeze buoys you up and then you rise into the air - and have joined in the sport of paragliding.

Believe it or not, man can take off and fly like a bird in the air. Some Frenchmen began the sport when they tried to imitate skydiving from planes in 1978.

And paragliding is easier and safer than most people imagine. The equipment needed includes a safety-proved canopy or paraglider, a helmet and a pair of hiking shoes.

Also important is a sound knowledge of ground handling techniques, control in the air and landing.

The flight takes place on a hill that can range from 10 to 4,000 metres high.

To take off you sprint for a short distance down a gradual incline allowing the air to catch the sail,and before you know it, you are in the air! The 60 members of the Hongkong Paragliding Association teaches a 10-to 12-week weekends course at $4,900 for 16 year olds and above.