Paragliding is an unforgettable experience whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. However, it can be intimidating to get into paragliding if you are unfamiliar with the terminology and unsure how to get the best experience. So, what is tandem paragliding?
Tandem paragliding is when you fly with a certified paragliding operator instead of going solo. You are both seated in a harness that connects to the canopy so that you are safe during the experience. Tandem paragliding can take you over 2,000 feet in the air and the experience lasts up to 30 minutes.
There are essentially no height, weight, or age restrictions in the United States for tandem paragliding. Ideally, you should go tandem paragliding before a solo trip so that you are prepared. Follow along as we take a deep dive into tandem paragliding and highlight what to know before your trip.
How is Tandem Paragliding Different than Solo Paragliding?
Tandem paragliding is different from solo paragliding because you go up in the air with a partner. Your partner in tandem paragliding is typically the instructor. A harness connects you to the harness or instructor when tandem paragliding.
Is Tandem Paragliding Suitable for Beginners?
Tandem paragliding is suitable for beginners, and it is quite safe. Many people find that tandem paragliding is better for beginners than a solo trip. That is because the presence of an experienced instructor can help ease any tension or anxiety about paragliding. You can go solo paragliding without tandem paragliding but paragliding with a partner first is a great way to get used to it.
How Much Does Tandem Paragliding Cost?
Tandem paragliding costs an average of $145 in the United States. However, it varies based on which business or operator you visit. It can cost as little as $110 or as much as $185 depending on your location, the time of year, and the operator’s rate.
Read more here: How Much Does Paragliding Cost? (The Ultimate Guide)
What Kind of Equipment Is Used for Tandem Paragliding?
The most important equipment that is used for tandem paragliding is the canopy. You sit in a harness that connects you to your tandem partner. Safety equipment such as helmets, a variometer, and spare parachutes are also essential tandem paragliding equipment.
Wondering about clothes to wear? You can read: What to Wear Paragliding (The Ultimate Guide)
What Safety Measures Are in Place for Tandem Paragliding?
Your tandem paragliding pilot always checks the equipment before each tandem trip. They will also give you a brief instructional lesson about what to expect. However, you are only eligible for tandem paragliding once you complete lessons from a certified instructor. Paragliding pilots also check the air conditions, weather, and visibility before each trip to make sure that it is safe.
How Long Does a Tandem Paragliding Flight Usually Last?
You can expect your tandem paragliding flight to last up to 30 minutes. Duration can vary based on your departure point, the wind, and how you steer your rig. The shortest that a tandem paragliding flight will generally last is 20 minutes.
What Kind of Weather Conditions Are Ideal for Tandem Paragliding?
Ideally, you should go tandem paragliding on a clear day when winds don’t exceed 18 miles per hour. It is okay to go paragliding on a cloudy day as long as it isn’t raining. Rain can make it unsafe to go tandem paragliding and can be quite uncomfortable since you spend up to 30 minutes in the air.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Tandem Paragliding?
There are few restrictions when it comes to weight and age for tandem paragliding. Weight restrictions vary based on the paragliding operator, and some accept customers that way up to 350 pounds. Restrictions primarily apply to avoiding structures such as powerlines and airports to avoid injury.
How High Do You Typically Fly During Tandem Paragliding?
You can fly as high as 2,000 feet or higher in the air while tandem paragliding. Some paragliding operators can take you as high as 6,500 feet, but that’s not recommended for beginners. Communicate with your tandem paragliding pilot to let them know how high you are comfortable flying and they will likely accommodate you.
Where Can I Find Tandem Paragliding Services?
You can find tandem paragliding services in most states in the United States. Search for paragliding services in your area and sign up for classes. States such as California, Utah, Georgia, and Nevada offer some of the best tandem paragliding experiences in the country.
What Kind of View Can I Expect When Tandem Paragliding?
You can expect to see the world in a unique panoramic view that you’ve never experienced before. Views vary based on where you go tandem paragliding. Many of the most popular tandem paragliding destinations provide views of mountains, hills, and beautiful bodies of water.
What Are Some Popular Tandem Paragliding Locations?
The most popular tandem paragliding locations in the U.S. include La Jolla, California, and Sedona, Arizona. Destinations such as Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and Draper, Utah are also popular for tandem paragliding. Valle de Bravo, Mexico, and Canoa Quebrada, Brazil are among the most popular international tandem paragliding locations.
Final Thoughts
Tandem paragliding involves flying with a partner. You are both harnessed and attached to the canopy that lets you fly through the air at 2,000 feet or higher. It can take up to 30 minutes to fly through the air and return to the ground when tandem paragliding.
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focuses on extreme sports. Parasailing, paragliding, skydiving, and skateboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about extreme sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.
