Take your trip to new heights with tandem paragliding

Key takeaways

• It’s not a scary experience. Unlike skydiving, there’s no terrifying plunge — just a gentle liftoff and peaceful glide. 
• It can be meditative. Once you’re up in the sky, the world goes quiet. There’s no engine noise, just the tranquil hum of the wind.
• You can be the passenger. In tandem paragliding, an expert handles the controls while you enjoy the view.
• Zero experience required. If you can run a few steps during takeoff, then you can go from signing the waiver to flying in under an hour.

Glide into adventure

Paragliding might look intimidating from the ground, but the reality is that tandem paragliding is surprisingly accessible. It’s an easy, entry-level way to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can brag about to all your friends. You’ll lift off while sitting in front of a trained professional who does almost all the work for you. That means you don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie or an experienced flyer to enjoy it. All you need is a sense of adventure.

What tandem paragliding is like

With someone else piloting, tandem paragliding is a chance to let your mind drift and find the calm that comes with being so far from the everyday hustle and bustle. It’s like looking through the small window of an airplane as you take off except that’s your entire 360-degree view, where buildings are like toys you could pick up off the ground and the horizon looks like it’s been ripped out of an art museum. 

You know that stomach-drop feeling you get on a rollercoaster? Well, you won’t find much of it here. When it comes to thrill level, paragliding sits nicely in the middle between skydiving and ziplining. Sudden drops are rare, and the only time you might feel something is during a sharp turn, which your pilot should clear with you first. They’ll likely ask if you want to do any more intense maneuvers before the flight, which can bump the thrill level up a few notches.

It’s natural for heights to be intimidating, and for many the thrill can come just from that. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to feeling like a bird gliding through the air — if that excites you, give it a shot.

How tandem paragliding works

It’s common to feel butterflies in your stomach before your first flight. But getting a full understanding of the experience before you take off can help you feel more confident when the day arrives. Here’s what to expect.

• You’ll fly about 3,000 feet high. That may sound really high, but to put it in perspective, skydiving starts anywhere between 8,000 and 14,000 feet up. Paragliding offers the perfect height to see the world from a new perspective without jumping out of a plane. Have a fear of heights but still want an exhilarating experience on your trip? You might try rafting instead.
• You’ll fly between 15 and 35 mph. Think of it like coasting down a hill on your bike. It’s enough speed to feel the wind on your face without feeling out of control.
• You’ll fly for about 15 to 30 minutes. If you’re afraid of heights, that’s long enough to soak in the view, but short enough to keep your adrenaline in check. Enjoy the experience while it lasts because it’ll be over before you know it.
• Takeoff is simple. Your pilot will give you a full rundown on the takeoff process — all you have to do is follow their lead. Your pilot’s team will unfold the wing, then you’ll run down a gentle slope together to generate the air current that inflates it. As the wing gains airspeed, you’ll gracefully start to float as the ground falls away.  
• It’s more exhilarating than scary. Since you’ll be with a skilled pilot, they’ll take care of all the controls. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the view. You can expect a smooth flight that’s more meditative than heart-pounding, especially with the right view.
• Landing is the simplest part. Because of the angle of the harness, you literally don’t have to do anything during landing. Your pilot will slowly cruise down to the ground and extend their legs so they can land standing up, and you’ll get to stay seated. All the impact is on them, so your joints shouldn’t feel a thing.  
• It’s safe. Certified companies do these flights multiple times a day without incident. It’s about as “risky” as anything else you might do outdoors, like hiking or biking. And the gear you’ll be using is highly tested and regulated, following strict safety standards.  
• If the weather’s bad, you won’t go. Simple as that. These tandem paragliding companies don’t take risks. So if you’re cleared for takeoff, you can rest assured they’re confident in the flight’s success.

Beginner-friendly paragliding destinations

You can find tandem paragliding experiences in many destinations across the world, but these are some of the most popular spots, known for their steady air currents, easy takeoffs and, of course, breathtaking views. Another plus: Pilots in tourist hotspots are more practiced at giving first-time flyers a comfortable experience.

• Interlaken, Switzerland: Start from the grassy hillside of the Swiss Alps, where rows of mountains crowd the horizon. You’ll fly above the picturesque village nestled between the lake and get up close and personal with the very mountains you saw in the distance before takeoff.
• Ölüdeniz, Turkey: You’ll launch from the dusty mountainside and get a bird’s-eye view of the Blue Lagoon, extending as far as you can see. Its rich, striking color looks even more vibrant against the more muted beige of the town and beach below.   
• Lima, Peru: This coastal capital offers a blend of nature and city. You’ll pass by skyscrapers and apartment buildings where you might get the chance to wave to onlookers on their balconies. Plus, in a city known for its bumper-to-bumper traffic, it’s one of the easier ways to see the views.
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming: During the summer, this ski resort lets you catch the air currents above the mountain pass. Stay on the lookout for wildlife like bison and elk. 
• Santa Barbara, California: Instead of surfing the waves, you can surf the sky in SoCal and glide over the churning Pacific Ocean.

Things to consider before you paraglide

As you get closer to your big day of paragliding, there are a few things you should keep in mind while you’re still on the ground. To make sure you have the best experience possible, pay attention to:

• The weather: High winds, rainstorms and dense fog can throw a wrench in your paragliding plans. Wind speeds typically pick up as the day goes on and temperatures rise, so an early morning booking can help you avoid a delay.  
• Safety requirements: Check the rules of the specific paragliding experiences you’re looking at. Typically, you’ll need to be in reasonable physical shape so you can jog and keep up with the pilot for takeoff.
• Potential savings: Many paragliding companies offer lower prices for midweek flights, and even lower prices during the off season. If you’re staying at a resort hotel, it may have a partnership with a local paragliding experience where you can book directly with the hotel and get a discount.
• Motion sickness: If you’re someone who gets carsick, consider taking nondrowsy medication beforehand so you don’t get too queasy. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and focus on the horizon.
• Your clothes: You’ll want to equip yourself with layers of durable, flexible clothing so the wind doesn’t feel sharp. That includes nice gloves and sturdy shoes. Consider sunglasses with a strap so you spend less time squinting and more time taking in the view. And whatever you do, skip the skinny jeans — or any clothing that heavily restricts your movement.  
• Your gear: The last thing you want is to watch in disbelief as your phone or wallet slides out of your pocket and falls thousands of feet to the ground below. If you’re hoping to document your experience, consider a phone lanyard or a GoPro that can connect to your wrist or chest. Instead of testing gravity, leave everything else on the ground.   

Plan your next adventure with Citi Travel

After the rush of paragliding, what you really need is a soft place to land for the night. When you book through Citi Travel, you’ll be able to earn points on your bookings and use those points on travel rewards. Become a Citi^® cardmember today or log in to your account to find your next adventure. 

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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