Study Buddy (Explorer): A paragliding adventure in Hong Kong’s New Territories
Each week, this page presents a light article with questions to test your comprehension
Tandem paragliding in Hong Kong offers unparalleled views of its natural environment. Photo: Emil KaminskiContent provided by British Council
Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below:
[1] Ever wondered what it would feel like to glide freely through the air like a bird? An opportunity for me to do so came knocking in the form of an email from Emil Kaminski. He is the chief pilot at Hong Kong Hike ‘N’ Fly, a tandem paragliding operator in Hong Kong, and he asked whether I would be interested in a session in the city’s New Territories.
[2] Paragliding first appeared in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. It quickly attracted a community of pilots, the Hong Kong China Paragliding Association said. In paragliding, a pilot wears a harness attached to a wide “wing”. As the pilot drifts through the air, they manipulate their direction by pulling on two control lines and shifting their body weight.
[3] The take-off point for my flight was the Ngong Ping plateau in Ma On Shan, shortly after 2pm. It took about 30 minutes to hike up to the take-off spot. Paragliding requires a lot of flexibility and patience, Kaminski said. The exact timing of a flight cannot be guaranteed as it is often dictated by wind conditions. There can be a lot of waiting around at the site, so Kaminski advised bringing lunch, snacks and water. The autumn and winter months in Hong Kong are considered the best time to take part in the sport.
[4] Once we were in the air, I was mesmerised by the unparalleled view of Hong Kong. It was a cloudless day, and I could see a beach in Sai Kung, skyscrapers in Tseung Kwan O and even all the way to Sha Tin. The view changed depending on where the wind took us. I had expected an adrenaline rush, but to my surprise, the flight was deeply relaxing and peaceful, thanks to Kaminski’s reassuring expertise.
[5] Tandem paragliding is when two people, a pilot and a passenger, fly under the same wing. For those wanting to try it, finding professionals with the right credentials and experience is essential. There are five permit holders in Hong Kong authorised by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to carry out paragliding services.
[6] Hong Kong Hike ‘N’ Fly was the first commercial tandem paragliding operator authorised by the CAD in 2015. It is also licensed and registered with the Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors, an international non-profit founded in 2009 in Switzerland that offers training and certification for paragliders. Other Hong Kong operators include X Fly Paragliding and Phoenix Paragliding.
[7] The Ngong Ping plateau in Ma On Shan is one of eight sites in Hong Kong authorised by the government to carry out paragliding activities. The other sites are Long Ke Wan, Pak Tam Au and Pat Sin in the New Territories; Sai Wan and Shek O (Dragon’s Back) on Hong Kong Island; and South Lantau East and West on Lantau Island.
Source: South China Morning Post, November 6
Questions
1. According to paragraph 1, the writer did a tandem paraglide because ...
A. they paid for the experience.
B. their friend invited them to try it.
C. they lost a bet.
D. none of the above
2. When did paragliding start in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2?
3. Decide whether the following statements based on paragraph 3 are True, False or the Information is Not Given. Fill in ONE circle only for each statement. (4 marks)
(i) The harnesses pilots wear are made of a special material similar to that used in
aeroplanes.
(ii) Autumn and winter are the ideal seasons for paragliding in Hong Kong.
(iii) Paragliders control their direction by stepping on pedals attached to the parachute.
(iv) The best times for paragliding are between 1pm and 4pm.
4. Based on your understanding of paragraph 3, paragliders need to be patient because
they …
A. have to hike for hours into the mountains to get to a take-off spot.
B. often need to wait for the right wind conditions before flying.
C. have to be physically fit to carry the equipment.
D. must have a lot of experience before flying solo.
5. According to paragraph 4, what was the weather like during the writer’s paragliding
flight?
6. Based on paragraph 4, which of the following best describes how the writer felt
about the experience?
A. They enjoyed it.
B. They felt disappointed.
C. They were fearful.
D. They were frustrated.
7. Find a word in paragraph 5 that has the same meaning as “qualifications”.
8. How many permit holders are authorised to carry out paragliding services in Hong Kong according to paragraph 5?
9. Paragraph 7 lists out …
A. popular paragliding spots around the world.
B. government-approved places for paragliding in Hong Kong.
C. the cost of paragliding lessons.
D. the safety guidelines for paragliding.
Answers
1. D
2.in the early 1990s
3. (i) NG; (ii) T; (iii) F; (iv) NG
4. B
5. It was cloudless.
6. A
7. credentials
8. five
9. B