Oludeniz, a beautiful coastal town in southwestern Turkey, is a popular destination for paragliders from all over the world. With its stunning beaches, clear blue skies, and warm Mediterranean climate, Oludeniz is the perfect place to experience the thrill of flying. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try paragliding for the first time or an experienced pilot seeking new challenges, Oludeniz has something to offer.
If you are visiting Oludeniz and want to try paragliding, there are several companies that offer tandem paragliding flights. These flights allow you to fly with an experienced instructor who will take care of all the technical aspects of the flight, leaving you free to enjoy the breathtaking views and the feeling of freedom that comes with soaring through the air.
Beginners – Tandem Paragliding & Paragliding Schools in Oludeniz
If you’re new to paragliding, Oludeniz is a great place to learn. There are several paragliding schools in the area that offer tandem flights and lessons for beginners. Tandem flights are a great way to experience the thrill of paragliding without the commitment of learning to fly on your own. You’ll be attached to an experienced pilot who will do all the work while you enjoy the ride.
For those looking to learn to paraglide on their own, there are several schools in Oludeniz that offer comprehensive training programs. These programs typically involve a combination of ground school, supervised solo flights, and cross country training. Most schools also offer equipment rentals and can help you find accommodations in the area.
Intermediate & Advanced Paragliding in Oludeniz
After taking off, you will find lift above the mountain peaks and in a thermal located to the right of the 1,700 meter launch. There is also often lift to the left of the launch. There may be bumpy inversion layers, but if you can pass through them, you may be able to climb to over 3,000 meters. To make large cross-country flights, you will need at least 3,000 meters of altitude above Babadag.
The best months for these flights are May, June, and October. The most common route is to fly to the northeast of Babadag, across the Kemer Valley. Another option is to fly over Mendos, the mountain north of Babadag, to the northeast, or to head east towards Akdag, a peak with an altitude of 3,000 meters on the east side of the Kemer Valley. If you follow the ridge to the north, you can reach the higher plateau and fly to Denizli (northeast) or over the mountain range towards Antalya to the east.
As an alternative, you can fly southeast across the valley to Palamutköy village (watch out for the greenhouses) and then drift to Dumanli Dag. From there, head east in the sea breeze convergence to the port of Kaş. Landing in Kaş can be tricky, as it is located along the harbor.
Locations for Thermalling
For intermediate and advanced pilots, Oludeniz offers excellent thermalling conditions. Thermalling is a technique used by paragliders to gain altitude by flying in circles around rising columns of warm air, also known as thermals. Oludeniz’s location on the Mediterranean coast means that it is often blessed with strong thermals, making it an ideal spot for intermediate and advanced pilots to practice their skills.
One popular location for thermalling in Oludeniz is Babadag Mountain, which stands at an elevation of over 1,900 meters. From the top of Babadag, pilots can take off and soar over the breathtaking landscape, searching for thermals to help them gain altitude. Another popular location for thermalling in Oludeniz is the lagoon, which is located just south of the town center. The lagoon is a great place to practice thermalling in a more controlled environment, as the water provides a clear boundary for pilots to fly within.
Some of the take-off areas have been graded, but be careful of your wing as the surfaces are rough and can damage it if you drag it around. The terrain around the launches is rocky and steep, so pilots must make confident and positive take-off runs. Keep an eye on the streamers as the wind can change direction and come from both sides at once. The most frequently used and largest take-off area is at 1,700 meters, where the vans stop first and there are toilets and a cafe. The 1,800 meter take-off is smaller and steeper, and faces in the opposite direction. The 1,900 meter take-off has launches in two directions and toilets. There is also a new 1,200 meter take-off area, which is useful in stronger conditions or when the top clouds over. The main landing area is along the promenade in Olu. Keep an eye on pedestrians and tandems coming down the main street.
Locations for Cross Country
For intermediate and advanced pilots looking to take their flying to the next level, Oludeniz is also a great place for cross country flying. Cross country flying involves flying long distances over varied terrain, often covering hundreds of kilometers in a single flight. Oludeniz’s location on the Mediterranean coast means that it is well positioned for cross country flights, with plenty of open terrain to explore.
One popular location for cross country flying in Oludeniz is the Akdag Mountains, which are located to the east of the town. The Akdag Mountains offer a wide range of terrain, including open fields, forests, and rugged peaks, making them a great place for intermediate and advanced pilots to test their skills. Another popular location for cross country flying in Oludeniz is the region around Fethiye, which is located to the south of the town. The region around Fethiye offers a mix of coastal and mountainous terrain, making it an ideal spot for cross country flying.
