15 Ultimate Tandem Paragliding Tips for an Epic Adventure

Tandem paragliding and other extreme sports such as mountain biking, skydiving and river rafting are often epic adventures that top the bucket lists of adventure seekers around the world. While the thought of such activities makes many travelers cringe, being able to say, “I did that!” is quite an accomplishment.

Sometimes the hardest part is actually signing up for your chosen epic adventure. I’m here to be your cheerleader.

Come on. Take the plunge (pun intended). You can do it!

15 Ultimate Tandem Paragliding Tips

What do you need to prepare as a first time paraglider? Let’s dive in and find out! 

1. The First Time Paraglider Should be Mentally Prepared

A couple of months before our 25th anniversary trip to Italy and Switzerland, I happened to mention to Chris that I might possibly, would maybe consider paragliding with him from Mount Pilatus above Lucerne, Switzerland.

Chris ran with the idea and promptly began to research and find a reputable tandem paragliding company. He made reservations for the both of us before I had a chance to change my mind!

My mental preparation meant that I did not allow myself time to think or be nervous about being a first time paraglider… at all.

On the morning of our epic adventure, Chris and I met up with Marcel and Werner, our tandem paragliding guides. For me, NOT dwelling on the idea of running toward the edge of a mountain and jumping off was my best mental preparation.

Have you ever seen this great quote from Benjamin Mee from We Bought A Zoo? Perhaps it should become your mantra as you prepare!

“You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery, and I promise you something great will come of it.”

Turns out, there was nothing to worry about and my flight with Marcel was awesome. I even got to steer the glider!

2. Check Your Insurance to Ensure You Are Covered for Extreme Sports

You will want to explore travel insurance supplements to your conventional travel insurance as many travel insurance plans exclude hazardous sports such as paragliding. Tandem paragliding travel insurance is a necessity for anyone who will be participating in a paragliding adventure when they travel. You can purchase a travel insurance plan that covers extreme sports.

3. Choose a Reputable Company

“The FREEMINDS Paraglide crew is a group of professional tandem pilots who all have completed extensive training according to the guidelines of the Swiss Hang Gliding Association and the Federal Office for Civil Aviation. We all fly only with current, certified annually and professionally tested material and are insured by the Swiss Hang Gliding Association. Our Team can rely on the experience of several thousand tandem flights with happy passengers.”

As with any adventure, excursion or vacation rental DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE!

• Ask for recommendations
• Conduct research online
• Read through online reviews.

Your safety always comes first.

4. Plan a Tandem Paragliding Experience

There are many destinations that offer tandem paragliding adventures around the world. Not sure if paragliding is offered where you will be visiting? Do a little research. You can always search for paragliding excursions on Viator to see if there is an epic adventure offered.

5. Trust and Listen to Your Paragliding Tandem Guide

If you are a first time paraglider, you may be wondering, “Is paragliding safe?”

Yes. Do your research and select a reputable company with many positive online reviews. Don’t simply rely on the advice of others. Check the certification and training requirements. If you work with a reputable company, you can trust that your tandem guide has had many hours of training.

Listen carefully to your tandem guide. You should be able to watch them lay out and set up the paraglider. Once they are ready, they will instruct you on:

• How to take off, ie., when they say “RUN” you run.
• Landing procedures.
• How to maneuver the paraglider.

Pay attention and again, ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.

6. Your Guide Will Bring All of the Necessary Paragliding Equipment

Your guide will come prepared with all of the paragliding equipment that you will need:

• A paragliding canopy or wing
• A harness
• A reserve parachute
• A helmet
• A radio
• A pair of gloves
• A variometer device for indicating an aircraft’s rate of climb or descent
• They may also bring an extra jacket or two
• A GoPro to take pictures and record portions of your flight

7. Wear Sunglasses

As with any outdoor experience, sunglasses are essential.

8. Wear Closed Toed Shoes

This is primarily a safety issue and secondly a warmth issue. Your guide will not want your birkenstocks impeding your run off the mountain or causing you to fumble your future landing. Also, sandals and flip flops would have a much greater chance of falling off mid-flight. Sandals are a safety hazard for you and the people on the ground.

9. Wear Pants and Long Sleeves

Even on the most beautiful day, remember that temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes and you will feel the wind! In your epic adventure, you will soar above the earth… all this thanks to the wind needed for paragliding!

Even on a warm summer day, pants are recommend. Being prepared will help you to enjoy your tandem paragliding the most.

10. Wear a Warm Jacket

Dress appropriately for the weather. You don’t want to freeze during your flight. Even if the weather seems warm on the ground, you will be much cooler soaring through the sky. Layers are your friend here.

Chris and I didn’t bring puffy jackets for this end of summer trip, but would have appreciated the warmth while paragliding. We were grateful that our guides provided extra jackets as another layer.

11. Make Sure Your Weight Meets the Minimum Standards for Paragliding

As with many epic adventures, weight limits exist for paragliding. In fact, they are critical to a safe takeoff, flight and landing as weight affects your guide’s ability to control the paraglider and offer a safe flight.

You will be asked to share your weight.

The tandem paragliding weight limit for the passenger ranges between 242 – 264 pounds (110-120 kilograms). This allows for a combined maximum limit of 485 – 529 pounds (220-240 kilograms) for the pilot, the passenger, and any equipment being carried.

12. Do Not Take Drugs or Drink Before Your Flight

Drugs and alcohol are not a good mix with paragliding.

Drugs and alcohol will impair your judgment, dull your reflexes, and have a significant impact on your coordination. Even as a tandem rider, you have responsibilities during your flight. When you are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, your ability to respond appropriately to the instructions of your tandem instructor are diminished. You are substantially increasing the risk to you and your tandem guide. 

13. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Experience

Take a deep breath, run fast to soar off the mountain, and enjoy the ride! Will you be nervous as a first time paraglider? Maybe. That’s okay.

Remember that paragliding is safe and exhilarating when done correctly. These paragliding tips are aimed to help you embrace the adventure. You’ll experience stunning views, feel the wind, see nature, and enjoy the freedom of flying like a bird.

14. Legs Out Straight on the Landing

If you notice the tandem pack in the picture above, the equipment comes with substantial padding to soften your landing. That being said, when you are landing, your guide will most likely ask you to put your feet out straight for the landing.

15. Be Flexible—Your Flight is Dependent on the Weather

Be aware that your flight is dependent on the weather conditions. Your guide will monitor the wind and weather conditions prior to your take off.

What To Do With Your Belongings

Chris and I spent the night a Hotel Pilatus Kulm prior to our paragliding experience. Wonder what we did with our luggage and backpacks? We left it with the clerks at the reception desk on Mt. Pilatus and they sent all of our gear down on the gondolas for us to pick up once we landed. Cool right?

Once we landed in the field next to the gondola at the base of the mountain in Kriens, Marcel walked with us to show us where to retrieve our luggage. What an epic adventure!

Obviously your experience will be different, but there should be accommodations made for your belongings while on your paragliding adventure. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask.

Who Should Not Paraglide

Typically, people with certain medical conditions should not participate in an extreme sport such as paragliding. This includes people who have or are: 

• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Epilepsy
• Overweight
• Expecting mothers

Unsure if tandem paragliding is the right adventure for you? Be sure to consult your medical professional. Their advice supersedes any information I share!

Epic Adventure Destinations for Paragliding

These destinations are the top-rated epic adventures and attractions in tandem paragliding by travelers booking adventures with Booking.com. Each destination has over 500 thumbs up endorsements for “paragliding“.

• Interlaken, Switzerland
• Pokhara, Nepal
• San Gil, Colombia
• Oludeniz, Turkey
• Valle de Bravo, Mexico
• Canoa Quebrada, Brazil
• Gudauri, Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions

Love this Post? Pin it!

Final Thoughts on 15 Ultimate Tandem Paragliding Tips for an Epic Adventure

Paragliding is a thrilling adventure that can be enjoyed by various age groups and fitness levels. Tandem paragliding is amazing as you soar through the sky and see breathtaking landscapes and scenery. Your skilled pilot will focus on safety. Be sure to follow the instructions of your guide to have the optimal experience.

You might say that paragliding is the proper way to see the world! Chris and I loved our experience soaring over the Swiss Alps. I’m not sure if Chris was quite as apprehensive as I was before our paragliding experience, but we were both enthusiastic about paragliding once we landed.

If paragliding is an adventure that you have considered, take the leap, create memories, and experience the magic of flight. We would definitely paraglide again.

You may also enjoy…

• Paragliding Switzerland’s Mt. Pilatus: An Epic Adventure for Couples
• 20 Epic Adventures and Dream Destinations for Your Couples Bucket List
• 20 Epic Outdoor Adventures in Yosemite National Park
• 10 Fun Family Adventures in Colorado Springs, Colorado
• 10 Hot Springs in Colorado That are Amazing (And Sometimes Quirky)