What is tandem paragliding?
Tandem paraglider
A tandem paraglider is a larger-than-normal paraglider built for two people. The pilot-in-command controls the paraglider and you, as the passenger, get to relax and enjoy the view. If you are feeling adventurous, the PIC can hand over control of the paraglider to you for a short while, or if you want some more adrenaline the PIC can fly the tandem paraglider through some mild acrobatic maneuvers! At all times you are securely and comfortably seated in a reclining-type harness and have a 360° view of the landscape.
Is there an age limit?
Our national organization recently allowed minors to become a tandem passenger so if you are under 18, you will need to get your parents’ permission, and of course the tandem instructor pilot has final authority. As for an upper limit, age is not an issue itself, but usually there will be a physical limitation reached before an age limit is reached.
Are there any physical limitations?
Tandem passengers should be able to walk or jog at least a few steps, since this is necessary during the take-off and landing. If you have bad or arthritic knees please check with us first. If you have a cardiac condition please let us know so we can tailor your tandem flight to your specifications.
Is there a weight limit?
Our tandem equipment is able to handle passengers up to 250 lbs (115 kg). If you are near this limit please check with us first.
What should I wear?
You will want to wear comfortable and warm clothes, even if it’s a warm day, since up high the air is cooler. Bring a few layers…your tandem instructor pilot will let you know if you should leave some behind or wear it all. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water while you are waiting on the mountain. Bring gloves in case your hands get cold. And it’s a good idea to wear hiking boots or sneakers. No high heels, flip-flops, or sandals please! If you are prone to car-sickness, you may want to take an anti-nausea pill an hour or so ahead of your flight.
Can I bring my own camera/phone?
You can indeed! To ensure you don’t lose/drop it, please attach it to a lanyard (piece of string) and we will attach the other end to your harness. Do the same for your lenscap. If you have a pouch for it (especially for the larger DLSR cameras) please bring it as well to cushion it during the takeoff and landing phase of the flight. You also have the option of having our tandem pilot record the entire flight which will be available for you to purchase after.
How long is the flight?
A tandem flight can last anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on the weather conditions. We aim for 20-25 minutes for first-time tandem passengers.
How scary is it?
This is a tough one to answer since everyone has different thresholds for “scary”. There is also the difference between a fear of heights and a fear of edges. If you have a true fear of heights (you can’t look outside an airplane window) than paragliding may not be for you. But if you have a fear of edges (you can’t look at the ground from a tall balcony or skyscraper window) then you are in luck. While paragliding you are seated in a comfortable harness, leaned back easy-chair-style, you can’t fall out once properly buckled in, and there is no “edge”. We find most tandem passengers are the most apprehensive during the takeoff stage but that soon changes to whoops of joy once they are in the air.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your tandem instructor will keep an eye on the weather and contact you if it doesn’t look very good for tandem flying. This generally includes rain and high winds. If the weather deteriorates once you arrive, your instructor can reschedule the flight for another day.
Can I fly with my friends at the same time?
We can make special arrangements if you have a group who wants to go at the same time. Depending on the size of your group, you can all take off within seconds or minutes of each other, and fly as a group for the duration of the flight. Please contact us in advance if you have a group so we can plan accordingly.
Can my friends and family watch the take off and landing?
Absolutely! Due to the time it takes to drive between the take off and landing, it is unlikely they will be able to watch both, so they will have to choose which they would prefer to watch. Most friends and family choose to watch the takeoff since that is more visually-appealing, but it sometimes involves waiting on the mountain for some time and being exposed to sun/insects, so some family members may choose to wait for the landing from the comfort of their own vehicle and closer to amenities.
What time of day is best?
Paragliding can be done pretty much any time of the day. Generally, mid-morning and early evening will provide the “smoothest” flight. The middle of the day tends to be the bumpiest, however that bumpiness allows paragliders to stay up longer. So depending on your “bump tolerance” you may choose a morning, afternoon, or evening flight.
What is your cancellation policy?