Have you always been a bit curious about paragliding? Or are you keen to try something new and exciting while on holiday? Tandem paragliding is a great way to get a taste of paragliding, have some fun, without undertaking extensive training or spending lots of money of gear.
Here are some answers to the most common questions we are asked about tandem paragliding. Enjoy!
What is Tandem Paragliding?
Tandem paragliding involves two people, usually a novice and an instructor, flying in the air with a parachute-like wing. The paraglider is similar to a regular paraglider however the harness is designed for two people, with the passenger positioned at the front. The instructor sits at the rear and navigates the paraglider. The passenger is only required to aid in the launch by running in unison with the pilot.
As no licence or prior training is required, tandem paragliding is a great way for the average person to try paragliding. You’ll often see paragliding offered at mountain or beachside holiday destinations where people are looking to try something new and exciting.
Is Tandem Paragliding Scary?
When it’s your first time trying something, it’s not uncommon to feel a bit scared. However, in comparison to other extreme pursuits such as skydiving or bungee jumping, tandem paragliding isn’t very scary. Once you’ve left the ground it won’t take you long to feel safe and comfortable. Many people actually find it very relaxing and enjoy taking in the view.
One common misconception is that paragliding involves jumping off a cliff. This is what makes other bungee jumping or diving from heights scary. The reality is that only experienced pilots jump off cliffs. In tandem paragliding you’ll be launching on a hill where you and the pilot will perform a short run until you achieve lift.
Most tandem paragliding flights are short in duration (15 minutes to 1 hour), enough to give you a taste and a hunger for more. If you have a severe phobia of heights, you may be scared of tandem paragliding. If not, come on and give it a try! If you find that once you’re in the air that you feel scared and wish to discontinue the flight, tell your pilot and they will land as soon as it’s safe to.
Are There Any Good Places for Tandem Paragliding Near Me?
There are many good places for tandem paragliding all over the world. Popular locations include:
- Bright, Australia – tandem paragliding in the mountainous regions of Bright in Victoria
- Grouse Mountain, Vancouver – tandem paragliding from the popular ski resorts
- Bali, Indonesia – beautiful beach and sea views
- Arizona, USA – dry mountain ranges at the edge of the desert
- Tirol, Austria – luscious fjord-like mountains with opportunities to tandem paraglide during the summer and snowy winters
In the larger tourist areas it’s not hard to find a tourism operator who provides tandem paragliding. In less touristy areas, you may be able to arrange tandem paragliding by contacting the local paragliding club.
How Much Does Tandem Paragliding Cost?
Tandem paragliding has an average cost of $200 USD, depending on the country. This cost helps the operators to purchase and maintain paragliding and safety equipment, pay insurance and staff, manage marketing of their business. Some operators will include pickup and dropoff from your hotel to the launch and landing zones.
Is Tandem Paragliding Safe?
Yes tandem paragliding is very safe. It’s not much more dangerous than crossing the road! Instructors must have a significant level of experience across various meteorological conditions. Many tandem pilots gain their qualifications from the Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors (APPI).
To achieve the Pro Tandem Qualification, pilots must possess:
- APPI 5 Advanced Pilots Qualification (or proof of similar skills such as 200 flights across different sites and conditions)
- Qualification as an APPI non-commercial tandem pilot for at least one year
- First aid training
The Pro Tandem qualification involves rigorous theory, practical and inflight testing, to ensure the highest standard of tandem paragliding pilot emerges.
What is the Weight Limit for Tandem Paragliding?
The maximum weight for most tandem paragliders is about 220-240 kilograms (485 – 529 pounds). This takes into consideration the weight of both the pilot and passenger. For simplicity, most paragliding providers set a maximum passenger weight of about 110-120 kilograms (242 – 264 kilograms), however if the pilot is very light they may be able to accommodate someone in a slightly higher weight range.
One variable which can affect the tandem paragliding weight limit is wind. If there is little wind, a pilot may not feel comfortable flying close to the weight limit, particularly during launch. On days with higher winds and stronger thermals they are likely to be more comfortable about flying close to the weight limit.
What’s the Minimum Age for Tandem Paragliding?
The minimum age for tandem paragliding differs greatly between country and the operator. The youngest we’ve seen is four years old, however some have a minimum age of 14. One commonality is that the child has their parents written permission.
Some operators set a minimum weight instead of age. This is usually around the 35 – 40 kilograms (77 – 88 pounds).
How to Launch When Tandem Paragliding?
Most tandem paragliding flights will commence with the pilot strapped to the back of you. The pilot and yourself will both jog together with the pilot ensuring the wing makes its way into the air without getting tangled and fills full of air.
There’s not too much room for you to make an error. The best piece of advice is to listen to your pilot during the pre-flight briefs and run in time with the pilot when taking off. Fortunately checking the wing, one of the hardest parts of taking off, is performed solely by the pilot.
How to Prepare for Tandem Paragliding?
It’s recommended that you don’t eat or drink for two hours before your flight. This will help to avoid sickness and avoid having the need for using the toilet from ruining your flight.
One important tip for your preparation is to wear the right clothes when tandem paragliding. Mistakes can easily be made when people in summer beach locations wear shorts and a t-shirt and fail to consider the cooler temperatures and winds at higher altitudes. Always be prepared for wind and remember sunglasses to protect you from both sun and wind. Wind-proof jackets and hiking boots are good clothes to wear.
Travel Insurance for Tandem Paragliding?
There’s many travel insurance providers out there and there is significant difference in what they do and don’t cover. As a general rule of thumb, the cheaper policies and big name financial institutions generally don’t cover tandem paragliding and many other adventure/extreme sports.
We recommend selecting a shortlist of insurance companies who cover a number of adventure/extreme sports in the country you wish to tandem paraglide in and call them. Ask specifically about ‘tandem paragliding’, don’t just say “paragliding”. Also make sure that they will provide this cover in the correct country.
Will the Instructor Do Some Tricks?
Pilots are keen to give you a good time and give you a great first impression of paragliding. They’re often die-hard paragliding fans who gain great satisfaction from sharing the experience of paragliding with new people.
As long as the weather conditions are suitable, most pilots are happy to do some of the more basic acrobatic paragliding tricks and tight turns. On the other hand, if you would prefer a slow and smooth flight so you can admire the scenery, they’re also happy to do this. Let your pilot know what you’d like to do and how you’re feeling when you’re in the air and they’ll look after you.
Conclusion
So what do you think? Keen to give tandem paragliding a go? If your answer is yes, take a look at our paragliding location guides to learn more about the different places you can try this great pastime.
