Hang Gliding and Paragliding Volume 44 / Issue 12:December 2014 | Page 46

Hanging in Laragne by F riendly banter often occurs among hang glider and paraglider pilots on the Laragne launch in the French Southern Alps. But on the day I’m there, it’s silenced once and for all by a comment from an English bi-wingual pilot who simply says, “Paragliding is better in every way,” adding a mischievous pause before 46 HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE A N DY PA G concluding, “except the flying.” Laragne appeals to paraglider pilots, but its history and big draw actually are linked to hang gliders, with good reason. It has been home to that sport’s early pioneers, who, since the 1960s, have been launching from this hill. In those days, they sank straight out on the 3:1 glide to the landing cut out