Paragliding Experience in Alanya: Step by Step from Takeoff to Landing
Paragliding in Alanya: The Story of a Day
I'm going to write this one a little differently. Instead of dry facts, I'll walk you through a tandem paragliding flight in Alanya from start to finish. As if you're right there with us — experiencing every step together.
Ready? Let's go.
08:30 — Morning Preparation
Your alarm goes off. Today is flight day.
You might have slept less than usual last night from excitement — that's perfectly normal. Get up, take a relaxing shower, and get ready.
What to wear:
- Sneakers (laced, with sturdy soles)
- Long joggers or leggings
- T-shirt + a windbreaker or light jacket on top
- Sunglasses
Breakfast:
Eat something light but filling. Toast, eggs, fruit — ideal. Don't have a heavy breakfast, but don't skip it either. Drink plenty of water.
Bring with you:
- Phone (fully charged) + neck strap or wrist lanyard
- A small amount of cash
- Sunscreen if you have it
Leave in the car:
- Valuables, large bags, jewelry
09:15 — WhatsApp Message
Your phone buzzes. A message from the FlyNow Turkey team:
"Good morning! Weather conditions are perfect, it's going to be an amazing flight today. We'll be at your hotel lobby at 09:45. Are you ready?"
You type back excitedly: "We're ready!"
09:45 — Meeting Point & Transfer
Our team picks you up at the agreed location. We usually arrive in a white minivan or SUV.
In the vehicle, you'll meet your pilot. Your pilot will:
- Introduce themselves
- Share how many years they've been flying
- Explain today's weather conditions
- Answer any questions you have
The transfer takes 15–30 minutes to the Yassi Tepe launch site (700m), depending on traffic. Along the way, you'll enjoy Alanya's stunning scenery — as you climb the mountain road, you leave the sea behind you.
As the vehicle climbs higher, your ears start to pop: the altitude is increasing. Looking out the window, you see the city getting smaller.
10:15 — Arriving at the Launch Site
The vehicle stops. You step out and your first reaction is: "Wow."
Before you lies the endless blue of the Mediterranean, below is Alanya's coastline, and all around the majestic silhouette of the Taurus Mountains. A gentle breeze brushes through your hair.
Your pilot has already started preparing the equipment. They spread the wing on the ground, check the lines, and take out the harnesses.
10:20 — Putting on the Equipment
Your pilot helps you into the harness:
- You put on the leg straps (like a seatbelt)
- You fasten the chest buckles
- The pilot checks every single buckle
- A helmet is placed on your head and adjusted
- You're connected to the pilot's harness with 4 carabiners
With each connection you hear a "click" — that's the sound of safety.
10:25 — Briefing
Your pilot turns to you and speaks in a serious but reassuring tone:
"Now I'm going to explain the takeoff. It's very simple, just remember three things:
One: When I say 'run,' take strong steps forward. Fast, confident strides.
Two: Never stop and never look back. Keep running until I tell you to stop.
Three: When your feet leave the ground, sit back into the harness and enjoy.
I'll tell you again before landing, but just so you know: extend your legs forward and keep them together."
"Any questions?"
Your heart is racing. "No, I got it," you say — your voice might tremble a little.
"Don't worry," your pilot says, "I've flown with thousands of people. Your only job is to enjoy the view."
10:30 — The Moment of Takeoff
Your pilot checks the wind. They look at the windsock. They radio the ground crew.
"Wind south-southwest, 12 km/h. Perfect."
They lift the wing from behind. The colorful canopy inflates in the air and rises above your head. You feel the tension from the lines.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes!"
"RUN!"
You take powerful strides forward. One, two, three, four, five... On the sixth step something feels different — your feet aren't touching the ground anymore.
You've lifted off.
First second: A strange sensation in your stomach — like going up in an elevator but much more intense.
Second second: The wind hits your face. Your eyes go wide.
Third second: You look down — trees, rocks are shrinking. You scream. Maybe a swear word slips out. That's fine, everyone does it.
Fifth second: Everything calms down. You're flying.
10:31 — First Minutes: From Adrenaline to Peace
Once the shock of takeoff fades, an incredible sense of peace washes over you. The noise of the city, the stress of traffic, the daily rush — it's all down there now.
Up here, it's just you, the pilot, the wind, and the sky.
You settle into your harness — it feels like sitting in a chair suspended in mid-air. A comfortable position. Your feet dangle in the open air.
Your pilot: "How are you feeling?"
You: "INCREDIBLE!"
10:35 — The Flight: A Guest of the Sky
Your pilot charts the route. You glide along the coastline.
Below you:
- 🏖️ The golden sand of Cleopatra Beach
- 🏰 The historic walls of Alanya Castle
- 🌊 Boats floating on the turquoise sea
- 🌴 The green of banana plantations
- 🏙️ The city's buildings looking like tiny toys
Your pilot searches for thermals — rising columns of warm air. When they find one, they gently turn and begin spiraling upward. The altimeter climbs: 800... 900... 1,000 meters.
This moment is hard to describe. You're gliding like a bird — no engine, no noise, just the soft sound of the wind and the gentle rustle of the wing.
10:40 — Photo Time
Your pilot turns on the GoPro. "Look at the camera and wave!"
You smile — or scream — the GoPro captures both.
You can also take photos with your own phone. Check your neck strap and switch to selfie mode. With Alanya's panoramic view in the background — a shot that will blow up your Instagram.
Tip: Put the phone away for a while and look around with your bare eyes. There are details the camera can't capture — the feel of the wind, the sense of depth, the feeling of freedom. Let your brain record those.
10:45 — Acrobatics (Optional)
Your pilot asks: "Want some extra excitement?"
If you say yes:
- Spiral: Fast turn — you'll feel the g-force, like the best ride at an amusement park
- Wingover: Swinging side to side — like a swing, but in the sky
- Rapid descent: Sudden altitude drop — your stomach drops with it
If you say no: No problem at all. The pilot continues with a smooth, calm flight.
10:50 — Landing Approach
Your pilot: "Let's get ready to land. Extend your legs forward and keep them together."
The altitude gradually decreases. The landing area starts to grow bigger. You can now make out the people on the ground.
Your pilot turns into the wind. Makes the final turn. Speed decreases as you approach the ground.
"Legs forward!"
And... a gentle touch. Your feet meet the ground. You run a few steps. You stop.
You've landed.
10:52 — After Landing: Back to Earth
Your legs might be shaking — the adrenaline is still coursing through you. There's a smile on your face that you can't control.
Your pilot unclips the harness, takes off your helmet. You shake hands.
"How was it?"
"The most amazing experience of my life."
We hear this sentence every day, after every flight, in different languages. And every time, it fills our hearts with joy.
11:00 — Video & Photo Delivery
Your pilot pulls the video from the GoPro and transfers it to your phone. Typically:
- 📹 Raw flight video (5–15 minutes)
- 📸 Photos (20–50 shots)
- 🎬 Edited short video (optional, usually sent via WhatsApp within a few hours)
Files are shared via AirDrop, WhatsApp, or a download link.
11:15 — Return Transfer
Our team picks you up from the landing area and drops you off at your hotel or any location you specify.
On the way back, you'll probably be watching the video on repeat and saying, "Did I really just do that?"
11:30 — Afterwards
You arrive at your hotel or the beach. The day is barely past noon and you've already had an extraordinary experience.
For the rest of the day:
- 🏖️ Go for a swim — Cleopatra Beach is waiting
- 🍽️ Enjoy a nice lunch — you've earned it
- 📱 Share on social media — your friends will be jealous
- ⭐ Leave a Google review — it means the world to us
What Will You Feel After This Experience?
Common feelings shared by thousands of our passengers:
- 🔥 The pride of "I added something new to my life"
- 💪 The sense of achievement: "I conquered my fear"
- 🌍 Seeing the world from a completely different perspective
- 😊 A great mood that lasts for days
- 🔄 The urge to "do it again"
And yes — most people get hooked. The first flight is usually not the last.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does the whole experience take?
+ From meeting to parting, approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. The flight itself is 15–40 minutes.
When is the video delivered?
+ Raw video and photos are transferred immediately after landing. The edited video is usually sent via WhatsApp by the evening of the same day.
Is there a restroom at the launch site?
+ Restroom facilities at launch sites are generally limited. We recommend using the restroom at your hotel before the transfer.
Can my friends watch my takeoff?
+ Usually no — access to the Yassi Tepe launch site (700m) is restricted to vehicles and bringing spectators is not appropriate for safety reasons. However, they can wait at the landing area.
Do I have to do acrobatics during the flight?
+ Absolutely not. Acrobatics are entirely optional. The pilot only performs them if you ask. A smooth flight is every bit as enjoyable as an acrobatic one.
Can someone with motion sickness fly?
+ Yes, but we recommend choosing a smooth flight and taking motion sickness medication before the flight. The risk of nausea is low as long as you skip the acrobatics.
