Paragliding is a recreational and competitive adventure sport that involves flying paragliders, which are lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness or in a cocoon-like pod suspended below a fabric wing, which is usually what is known in engineering as a ram-air airfoil. The wing shape is maintained by the suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing, and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside. Paragliders are unique among human-carrying aircraft in being easily portable, as the complete equipment packs into a rucksack and can be carried easily on the pilots back, in a car, or on public transport.

Paragliders have several main parts that make them inflatable wings, including two layers of fabric that are connected to internal supporting material in such a way as to form a row of cells. By leaving most of the cells open only at the leading edge, incoming air keeps the wing inflated, thus maintaining its shape. The wings have leading edges allowing air inside, and vertical textile ribs cover the gap with cells, which trap air and lift the canopy to make it easier to glide.

There are three main forms of paraglider takeoff: the forward launch, reverse launch, and towed launch. The forward launch involves the pilots wing being spread out on the ground with the pilot running forward, while the reverse launch involves the pilot facing the wing and pulling it up into the air. A towed launch involves the pilot being towed into the air by a vehicle or winch. A skilled pilot can use lines and risers to control the wing, which can be useful for speeding up the approach to a landing, slowing down if the brakes fail, or for retaining control in sudden changes of wind.

Paragliders use thermals to extend the time in the air, and air speed, glide ratio, and flight distances are superior to the ones achieved by paragliders. Paragliding is a form of free flight that is highly popular around the world, with over 200,000 pilots worldwide.