Amongst the definitions of panoply are; a suit of armour and a protective covering.
Both of these could apply to the gear worn by para-gliders, although I’m not sure how strong the armour is, and how much protection it actually affords when they are hurling themselves off really high cliffs.
Launch successful. Image: Su Leslie, 2018
Zimmerbitch 
You’ve introduced me to a new word! With the way he was geared up, I suspect it was a little chilly 🙂
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It was quite a warm day, but I’m guessing it’s very cold at the altitudes they reach. The bluff they were launching off is 400 metres high. 😳
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I’ve heard about the sport of para-gliding, it looks exhilarating! Have you ever, or would you ever try it?
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It is amazing to watch. Part of me thinks it would be wonderful to do, but I think I’d chicken out of actually launching. I’m really scared of heights.
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I’ve watched people do this over the high dunes on Cape Cod, amazed at their bravery (or stupidity?), and also a bit envious of their ability to “fly.” But they are not dressed in such armor—usually just a wetsuit in case they land in the ocean. Have you seen kite-surfing? That is so beautiful to watch.
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It is quite mesmerising to watch. I have seen people launch off cliffs near the sea here, but they always seem to have the same kit, not just a wet-suit. The bluff in these photos is about 400 metres high, and a sheer rock face. I’d be absolutely terrified!
I love watching kite-surfing too. Stormy days in Auckland seem to really attract the kite-surfers out in huge numbers.
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That must be quite the thrill, Su.
Leslie
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I’m sure it is Leslie, but not one I’m brave enough to experience 😀
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me either…maybe as a youth….
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😀 I’ve always been afraid of heights.
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me too Su….
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I like the last photo best as it transmits the feeling this man must have in flight, like a bird soaring through the air in a fantastic landscape. Well done, Su!
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Thanks Peter. It was obviously a populate launching spot, on a day with good flying conditions, because there were so many para-gliders in the air!!
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Hmm, I can feel my stomach lurching as I scroll through this sequence! The second picture especially: that fankle would worry me, though i’m sure he knows exactly what he’s doing.
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😀😀 I know what you mean. One of the launches was aborted because the woman couldn’t get her gear untangled. It was a new sail apparently and the support people were encouraging her not to try it in that launch spot — at least until she had the wires straightened.
Haven’t heard rankle for sooooo long btw. I’ll have to work it into conversation somehow so I don’t forget it.
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… or even fankle!! I hate auto-correct.
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So cool! But I would never dare to do this myself. Better to stay on the ground and make pictures. 😉 xxxxx
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