## How to Find a Thermal Paragliding
Thermal paragliding is a technique that allows paragliders to stay in the air for hours at a time by riding rising columns of warm air. These columns of air, called thermals, are created when the sun heats the ground unevenly. As the ground heats up, it warms the air above it, causing it to rise. This rising air can then be used by paragliders to gain altitude.
There are a few different ways to find thermals. One way is to look for visual clues, such as birds circling or dust devils. Another way is to use a variometer, which is an instrument that measures the rate of climb or descent. Variometers can be very helpful in finding thermals, but they can also be expensive.
If you are just starting out with thermal paragliding, it is a good idea to fly with an experienced pilot who can help you find thermals. Once you have some experience, you will be able to start finding thermals on your own.
Here are a few tips for finding thermals:
Look for visual clues. Birds circling or dust devils are often a sign of thermals.
Use a variometer. Variometers can be used to measure the rate of climb or descent. They can be very helpful in finding thermals, but they can also be expensive.
Fly with an experienced pilot. An experienced pilot can help you find thermals and teach you how to stay in them.
Practice. The best way to learn how to find thermals is to practice. The more you fly, the better you will become at finding them.
### Types of Thermals
There are two main types of thermals:
Bubble thermals are small, short-lived thermals that are typically found near the ground. They are often caused by small variations in the ground temperature.
Cloud thermals are larger, longer-lived thermals that are typically found higher in the sky. They are often associated with clouds.
Cloud thermals are typically stronger and more reliable than bubble thermals. However, they can also be more difficult to find.
### Staying in a Thermal
Once you have found a thermal, it is important to stay in it. To do this, you need to:
Circle the thermal. The best way to stay in a thermal is to circle it. This will help you to stay in the rising air.
Use your variometer. Your variometer can help you to stay in the strongest part of the thermal.
Be patient. It may take some time to find a thermal and stay in it. Don’t give up if you don’t find a thermal right away.
### Conclusion
Thermal paragliding is a great way to stay in the air for hours at a time. By following these tips, you can learn how to find thermals and stay in them. With practice, you will be able to soar for hours on end.