If you’ve never been paragliding before, you probably have a few questions: Do you need any experience? What will you have to do during takeoff? And what happens once you’re in the air?
For a tandem paragliding flight, you don’t need to know how to fly or have any previous experience. Before takeoff, your pilot will explain what you need to do. Once you’re airborne, the pilot handles the paraglider. Your role is much simpler than you might expect.
You Don’t Need to Know How to Fly
A tandem flight is for two people: a professional pilot and a passenger. The pilot controls the paraglider throughout the flight and handles all the flying. The pilot also takes care of the photos and video during your Adventure Ride experience, so you won’t need to pull out your phone or try to record while you’re in the air.
Your participation is mostly limited to takeoff.
Before Takeoff: A Few Simple Instructions
Just before the flight, your pilot will explain how takeoff works and what you need to do. There’s no technique to learn. The important thing is to listen to the pilot’s instructions and move forward decisively when it’s time, without stopping until the paraglider lifts both of you off the ground.
Your pilot will give you specific instructions on site based on the conditions that day. Once you’re airborne, everything changes: there’s no more running and no maneuver you need to perform.
What Happens Once You’re in the Air?
Once airborne, you’ll be seated and supported by your harness while the pilot flies the paraglider. You don’t need to hold a complicated position or control the flight.
From above, you can see the mountains around El Cerrito, the vegetation, sugarcane fields, and the broad expanse of Valle del Cauca. The view changes as the flight progresses, and when conditions allow, you may even see birds sharing the same air currents.
During those minutes in the air, your only job is to enjoy the view.
What If I’m Afraid of Heights?
Being afraid of heights doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll feel the same way while paragliding. The Adventure Ride pilot team regularly flies with passengers who arrive concerned about heights but are able to enjoy the flight once they’re airborne.
The sensation is also different from standing near the edge of a high place. During the flight, you’re seated and supported by the harness, with no ground beneath your feet and an open landscape around you.
Everyone reacts differently, so there’s no guarantee that your nerves will disappear. What our team often sees, however, is passengers arriving somewhat nervous before takeoff and later saying that the experience was easier than they expected.
Who Can Take a Tandem Paragliding Flight?
You don’t need any specific preparation. At Adventure Ride, the minimum age is 12 and the maximum weight is 110 kg (243 lb).
Weight affects both the equipment used and the conditions required for takeoff, so if you have any questions about this, it’s best to ask before booking.
Adventure Ride also has specialized equipment for flights with wheelchair users.
How Long Does the Experience Take?
The flight itself lasts between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on the conditions that day. The complete activity takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and includes preparation, the pre-flight briefing, and the flight itself.
If you’re planning your day, allow for the full activity time rather than only the minutes you’ll spend in the air.
Weather Determines When We Can Fly
Paragliding depends directly on weather conditions. Wind and air currents affect takeoff, the flight itself, and how long you can stay airborne.
Having a reservation doesn’t mean the flight will take place regardless of the weather. The pilot evaluates the conditions, and flights take place when conditions are suitable for flying safely.
Your First Paragliding Flight in Piedechinche
Adventure Ride offers tandem paragliding flights in Piedechinche, Santa Elena, in Valle del Cauca, with certified professional pilots. The activity includes a pre-flight briefing, equipment, medical insurance, the flight, and HD photos and video.
All you need is enough time for the activity, comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes.
If you’re thinking about trying it for the first time, you can find all the details about our [tandem paragliding flight in Piedechinche], what’s included, and what you need to know before you come.
