Paragliding Holidays

Why do birds sing in the sky?

Find out on a paragliding holiday tandem flight.

Tandem flying involves a pilot and a passenger each having a separate harness. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety, so once launched the passenger sits back, relaxes and enjoys the scenery.

Paragliding is closely related to hang gliding. A hang glider has a rigid frame to maintain the wing shape, while the shape of a paraglider canopy is maintained by air pressure.
Developed from parachutes, designed for descending; paragliders are steerable aerofoils designed for soaring flight.
Paragliders fold down into a small, easily carried, package.

World wide vacations

Although some regions have 'better weather' for flying than others and some destinations offer awesome scenery.
Paragliders are hampered by strong, unpredictable winds.

Different countries have different seasons but if you are prepared to travel you can find good flying conditions at any time; the sun is always shining somewhere.

What if I am a complete beginner?

You might consider a short 'taster' course of one or two days.
A full course on a paragliding holiday leading to the International Pilot Proficiency Identification ( IPPI) card, authorised by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), usually takes seven to ten days of flyable weather, The IPPI card is recognised in most countries throughout the world.

But even skilled pilots benefit from a holiday provider's local knowledge of paragliding conditions, sites and cultures.

Paragliding Associations

The large number of associations around the world provide important information.

The world air sports federation(FAI) is the umbrella organisation.

FAI provide useful links to members.
Note however, that each air sports organisation is usually an umbrella organisation itself; so you need to go to a country's listing and then find their paragliding association.

There is no USA member organisation in the FAI listings ref. 16 July 2004.
The regulatory authority in the United States is the Federal Aviation Administration.

Useful links to association sites are:

British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
South Africa Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
Aero Sports Federation of China (In Chinese)
Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada
Hang Gliding Federation of Australia(incorporates paragliding)

Please do not read anything into any inclusions or omissions, there is no point in duplicating the FAI listings.

Options for non-Paragliding partners

Many holiday providers organising paragliding vacations offer other activities such as white water rafting, mountain biking, jungle safari, climbing, mountaineering and skiing.
Additionally, paragliding holidays can involve trekking.

What equipment will I need?

On a beginner's course, equipment is usually included.
The kit obviously includes a glider and a harness; you will also need a helmet, flight suit and boots. Numerous accessories and useful instruments are available.

Some holiday providers include trekking and camping in their holidays, so you may need additional equipment but they will provide an equipment list.

Seek the advice of the organisers.

Find Paragliding Holiday listings in our guide by clicking the link below.