Your First Tandem Paragliding Flight: What to Expect

Booked your first tandem flight, or still thinking about it? Here is exactly how a paragliding day with Skywings goes in Cape Town, from the moment you book to the moment you land.

Before you arrive

You book without a deposit, and then we watch the weather. Paragliding needs the right wind, so we keep an eye on conditions and confirm your time once things look good. If the day does not play along, we move you to another one at no cost. All you need to do is keep your phone handy.

Meeting at the launch

We meet at Signal Hill, in Cape Town. Whether you fly from Signal Hill itself or from Lion’s Head depends on the wind on the day, and we will tell you exactly where to go. Give yourself about 45 minutes for the whole experience, from the briefing to the landing.

The briefing and take-off

Your pilot fits your harness and helmet, clips you in, and walks you through the one thing you need to do: a few running steps off the slope. Then the wing lifts and your feet leave the ground. It happens smoothly, and before you have really thought about it, you are flying.

Being in the air

This is the part people do not forget. You sit back comfortably in the harness with Cape Town laid out beneath you, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head on one side, the Atlantic stretching out on the other. It is quiet and calm up there. If you asked for photos and video, your pilot is filming the whole way, so you can just take it in.

Landing

Coming down is gentle and controlled. The pilot lines up the approach and you touch down softly, usually back on your feet. Most people land grinning and immediately ask when they can do it again.

What to wear and bring

• Closed shoes you can jog a few steps in, no sandals or slip-ons.
• Layers. It is cooler in the air than on the ground.
• Sunglasses, and tie back long hair.
• Leave loose items (phones, keys, hats) with someone on the ground, or let us secure them.

That is the whole thing. When you are ready, request your flight and we will find you a good weather window. First flights have a way of turning into second ones.