They really only come into their own when you are flying in thermic conditions across country. You can probably pick up a second hand variometer (vario) and combined air-speed indicator / stall alarm for a reasonable price here in Ireland. In fact, they will only distract and confuse you until you become comfortable and proficient in the air.

Instruments - You do not need any instruments while you are training.

One make that has proved its worth time and again in competition and recreational flying is the Metamorfosi Conair.

There are many reserve parachutes available some for hand gliding and some for paragliding. It must be correctly sized to match your all-up flying weight (your weight + clothes + harness + glider) if it is to return you to Earth in one piece. Like your helmet, this is one item that you should buy NEW. Except when you are on the training slopes, NEVER fly without a reserve parachute.

Parachute - If you can fly high enough to throw your reserve parachute, you are flying high enough for it to save your life.Like the glider, your life depends on it. If you intend to buy a second hand harness, have your instructor or a senoir pilot thoroughly inspect it first. Harnesses are personal items and it is important that you get one that fits your particular body shape and is comfortable in flight. Harness - You can probably pick up a second hand harness in Ireland if you search around, but you would be just as well to look for one while you are abroad training.There are several manufacturers in the UK and Europe, but the cheapest appears to be Skywears in Pakistan! Dispite the distance, they have proved to be reliable and reasonably fast. Flying Suit - It gets cold up there in the air, so you may want to invest in a one piece thermal body suit to keep you warm.Check out the Green Dragons or Firebird UK shop. The Charley Insider full-face helmet is a good model, offering both comfort and protection.

Any damage may not be immediatly visible. You cannot say with certainty what treatment a second hand helmet has had. Don't be tempted to buy and fly a hot-ship before you have many hours of flying experience. Suitable gliders for novice pilots are the Airwave Calypso, the Aeros Target, the Icaro Relax and similar low performance gliders with easy handling characteristics.

Your life depends on the structural integrety of the glider, so have your instructor or a senior pilot inspect it before you hand over any cash. If you intend to buy a wing from abroad, make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the side wires have been replaced in the last 12 months. You will always be able to re-sell your first glider when you trade up to a higher performance wing. Contact the IHPA Training & Flight Safety Officer who can help you locate a suitable glider for you.

Glider - You will almost certainly be able to pick up a second hand beginner's glider here in Ireland for under €1000.

Initially, all the equipment you need will be provided by the training school you attend, but once you return home you will need to buy your own.

Personal hang glider