Soaring through the skies is no longer a fantasy reserved for the imagination. Paragliding makes it possible, giving you an unrivalled sense of escape and freedom. This aerial sport lets you discover breathtaking landscapes from a unique and unusual angle. It also contributes to personal development thanks to the skills required to master it: concentration, discipline and self-confidence. However, before you take to the skies with gusto, you need to prepare carefully for your aerial adventure and be aware of all the essential aspects.
Preparation for paragliding
Paragliding equipment
Cities with breathtaking scenery offer a unique perspective to paragliding enthusiasts. Equipment is crucial when preparing for this activity. The choice of helmet, which protects against possible impacts, must be taken seriously. A well-fitting model that complies with current safety standards is recommended. The harness ensures optimum comfort during the flight and comes in several models depending on the experience and needs of each paraglider pilot.
The wings also contribute to the overall flying experience. There is a wide variety of wings on the market, from beginner models to high-performance wings designed for long-distance flights or competition.
Safety basics
Safety is an important consideration when it comes to activities like paragliding, where you literally defy the Earth's gravity. It starts before your feet even leave terra firma, with a thorough check of all your equipment, including lines, karabiners and rescues.
Once you're in the air, you need to be constantly vigilant about weather conditions, which can change rapidly and affect your flight. That's why it's important to learn how to interpret this information correctly, so that you can react quickly if necessary.
Every city break can be enhanced by the pleasure of a carefully planned paragliding flight.
Popular destinations
Some paragliding destinations stand out from the crowd. The Himalayas in India, with their vertiginous peaks and incomparable clean air, attract thousands of paragliding enthusiasts every year.
On a different note, the golden beaches of Brazil offer a unique experience of flying over sparkling waves and lush tropical forests. It's a spectacle that leaves even the most seasoned traveller dreaming.
For those seeking tranquillity and the serene beauty of unspoilt nature, Ireland's verdant valleys are ideal for a paragliding flight. The breathtaking panorama is punctuated by the occasional medieval castle or picturesque village.
Don't underestimate the gentle but majestic hills of Tuscany in Italy. Their peaks offer paragliding enthusiasts a breathtaking view of the vast fields of vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see.
Tandem paragliding flight
Find a qualified instructor
Finding a qualified paragliding instructor is an essential step in planning this activity. The guidance of an experienced professional guarantees not only safety, but also a constructive introduction to this aerial sport. The choice of instructor should be based on two essential criteria: experience and skills.
Experience is measured by the number of years spent training paragliders, as well as the number of successful sessions. A professional with several years' regular experience should be preferred. Experience brings valuable knowledge that enriches the learning proposed.
As for skills, they are attested by a certification recognised nationally or internationally as a guarantee of quality and seriousness in this specific field. Certification generally attests to rigorous and comprehensive training, covering both the technical and safety aspects of paragliding.
In short, finding a qualified instructor isn't just about learning to fly safely - it's also an opportunity to take your first steps towards mastering the art of free flight under the expert guidance of an accomplished specialist.
Booking and prices
Where can I make a reservation?
Asking the question "where can I book?" is the first step towards a unique paragliding experience. Online booking is the preferred option for many paragliding enthusiasts. Thanks to its ease of access and constant availability, this booking method allows travellers to manage their schedule according to their preferences and constraints. Dates can be adjusted and payment terms are often flexible, making this option particularly advantageous.
Find out about rates
Once you've decided where you want to go, you need to work out how much you can expect to pay for a paragliding flight. These can vary considerably depending on the destination, the services offered and the duration of the flight. First and foremost, you need to establish a realistic budget based on the information available online or obtained from local companies specialising in this captivating aerial activity.