Editing Paragliding (section)

=== Harness ===
[[File:Gurtzeug (Gleitschirm).jpg|thumb|upright|A pilot with harness (light blue), performing a reverse launch]]

The pilot is loosely and comfortably buckled into a harness, which offers support in both the standing and sitting positions. Most harnesses have protectors made out of foam or other materials underneath the seat and behind the back to reduce the impact on failed launches or landings. Modern harnesses are designed to be as comfortable as a lounge chair in the sitting or reclining position. Many harnesses even have an adjustable [[lumbar]] support. A reserve [[parachute]] is also typically connected to a paragliding harness.

Harnesses also vary according to the need of the pilot, and thereby come in a range of designs, mostly:
* open harnesses, ranging from training harness for beginners to all-round harnesses
* pod harnesses for long-distance cross-country flights
* competition harnesses, which are pod harnesses with the capacity to carry two reserve parachutes
* acro harnesses, a type of open harness, designed for acrobatic paragliding, with the capacity for two or three reserve parachutes
* hike&fly harnesses, which are designed to be lightweight and compact when folded away for hiking
* harnesses for tandem pilots and passengers
* kids tandem harnesses are also now available with special child-proof locks

Harnesses have a substantial influence on the flying characteristics; for instance, acro harnesses lead to more agile handling, which is desirable for flying acrobatics, but may be unsuitable for beginners or XC pilots looking for more stability in flight. While pod harnesses offer more stability and aerodynamic properties, they increase the risk of riser twist, and are hence not suitable for beginners. The standard harness is an open harness, which features a sitting, slightly reclined body position.