2: Background

“Imagine soaring like a hawk thousands of feet above ground. Although the air is somewhat chilly, the view is tremendous and the solitude is relaxing. You search for updrafts so you can enjoy this feeling for hours. This is the experience of hang gliding.”

“Imagine a day at the beach. You are sitting on your board. You look behind you and spot an upcoming wave. Your eyes and brain have learned to judge the timing so you can catch that wave and ride it. You paddle hard, then feel the acceleration as the onrushing mass of water boosts you to its speed. Then you stand in balance on the board and savor the forces you feel as you crank off some turns. When you decide to end your ride, you step back on your board to drop the tail into the water, putting on the brakes. Ahh just another day at the beach!”