What is Tandem Paragliding? A Guide for First-Timers

What is tandem paragliding and how does it work? Everything you need to know for your first flight: preparation, takeoff, flight, and landing step-by-step.

Tandem Paragliding: Are You Ready for Your First Flight?

You are about to take to the skies for the first time in your life, and your mind is full of questions. "What does tandem mean? What will I do? Will I fall? Will I be scared?" We have prepared this guide to answer all these questions and get you ready for your flight.

As a team that has accompanied thousands of first-time flight passengers, we can say: Your first flight will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.

What Does Tandem Mean?

The word "tandem" comes from Latin and means "together, one after the other." In tandem paragliding, a licensed pilot and a passenger fly together, attached to the same wing.

Simply put:

👨‍✈️ Pilot: Controls the wing, performs takeoff and landing, ensures safety
🧑 Passenger (you): You sit back and enjoy the view

No training or experience is required for a tandem flight. Even someone who has never flown before can do a tandem flight on their first try. All you need to do is listen to the pilot's simple instructions.

How Does a Tandem Flight Work?

Equipment Structure

The equipment used in tandem flights is different from solo flights:

Wing: 30-50% larger than a solo wing, with the capacity to carry two people
Dual harness system: The pilot sits in the back, the passenger in the front
Connection: The two harnesses are connected to each other with 4 separate carabiners
Reserve parachute: Mandatory in all tandem equipment
Helmet: For both the pilot and passenger
Radio: Pilot-to-ground crew communication

Pilot and Passenger Roles

Pilot's duties:

✅ Pre-flight weather assessment
✅ Equipment check
✅ Briefing the passenger
✅ Takeoff, flight, and landing control
✅ Thermal searching and route determination
✅ Safety decisions

Passenger's duties:

✅ Listening to what is explained in the briefing
✅ Running a few steps during takeoff
✅ Enjoying the view during the flight
✅ Extending feet forward during landing
❌ Not pulling the lines of the wing
❌ Not acting outside of the pilot's instructions

Your First Tandem Flight Step-by-Step

Step 1: Booking and Preparation

Before the flight day:

📱 Book via WhatsApp or phone
📋 State your weight, health status, and preferred time slot
👕 Prepare comfortable, sporty clothes and closed-toe shoes
🍽️ Do not eat a heavy meal 2 hours before the flight
💊 If you have a sensitive stomach, you can take motion sickness pills 1 hour before the flight

Step 2: Meeting and Transfer

On the flight day:

🚗 The team picks you up at the designated point
🏔️ Drive up to the takeoff point (15-30 minutes)
You can ask your questions along the way
You meet your pilot

Step 3: Preparation at the Takeoff Point

🪖 Helmet is put on
🪢 Harness is fitted and adjusted
📎 You are connected to the pilot's harness
📋 The pilot performs the final weather check

Step 4: Briefing (Very Important!)

Your pilot will explain the following to you:

Takeoff briefing:

"When the wing opens, I will tell you to run, and you will run with strong steps"
"Keep running until your feet leave the ground"
"Never look back or stop"
"If I say stop, stop immediately"

Flight briefing:

"Sit back in your harness, relax"
"If you want to take photos, do so, but attach a strap to your phone"
"If you feel nauseous, tell me immediately"

Landing briefing:

"I will warn you as we approach the landing"
"Extend your feet forward and bring them together"
"We will stop by running a few steps or land standing up"

Step 5: Takeoff!

The moment has come:

The pilot inflates the wing and checks the wind
With the "RUN!" command, you take strong steps forward
After 3-5 steps, your feet leave the ground
Suddenly, you rise into the air
You experience an adrenaline rush in the first few seconds

What you feel at the moment of takeoff:

A slight pulling sensation (the harness lifts you up)
The void under your feet (you get used to it in a few seconds)
The wind hitting your face
And then... freedom!

Step 6: Flight

A few seconds after takeoff, everything calms down. You are now gliding through the air.

During the flight:

🌊 Panoramic view of the sea and the coastline
🏔️ Mountains and valleys under your feet
🌬️ Gentle wind — as if you are gliding on clouds
📸 Time to take photos and videos
🦅 Sometimes you glide side-by-side with eagles or vultures

Things you can say to your pilot:

- "Can we go a bit higher?" — Possible if the pilot finds a thermal
- "Can we do acrobatics?" — Maneuvers like spirals and wingovers (upon request)
- "I feel nauseous" — The pilot switches to straight flight and performs calming maneuvers
- "This is beautiful!" — The pilot will be happy too 😊

Step 7: Landing

The pilot heads towards the landing area
Altitude decreases gradually
The "Extend your feet forward" command comes
You step on the ground with a soft touch
The landing is completed by running a few steps or standing up

Step 8: Post-Flight

🎬 Your videos and photos are prepared
📱 Files are transferred to your phone or a link is sent
🏅 Your first flight certificate is given (at some companies)
🚗 Transfer back to the meeting point

5 Most Common Mistakes Made on the First Flight

1. Stopping During Takeoff

❌ Stopping or slowing down when the pilot says "run"
✅ Keep running with strong steps unless the pilot says stop

2. Looking Back

❌ Looking back to see what is happening during takeoff
✅ Always look ahead, the pilot will handle the rest

3. Forgetting to Sit in the Harness

❌ Trying to stand up in the air
✅ Sit back comfortably in the harness a few seconds after takeoff

4. Using the Phone Without a Strap

❌ Holding the phone in hand — very high risk of dropping it
✅ Be sure to use a wrist strap or neck lanyard

5. Flying on an Empty or Overly Full Stomach

❌ Flying with an empty stomach or being too full
✅ Eat something light 1-2 hours before the flight

What Should I Wear?

Right Clothing:

✅ Sneakers (closed-toe, laced)
✅ Long pants or leggings
✅ Windproof top (it can be cool in the air even in summer)
✅ Sunglasses (sporty type, with a strap)
✅ Layered clothing (removable)

Wrong Clothing:

❌ Slippers, sandals, high heels
❌ Skirts or loose shorts
❌ Hat (does not fit under the helmet, flies away in the wind)
❌ Heavy jewelry, necklaces (can get caught in the harness)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need to get training for a tandem flight?

No, absolutely not. That is the beauty of tandem — you can fly even with zero experience. Your pilot handles everything.

What happens if I can't run during takeoff?

The pilot stops the takeoff and we try again. There is no risk. If necessary, we wait for a moment when the wind is stronger.

Can I talk to the pilot in the air?

Yes! The pilot is behind you and can talk to you easily. Ask questions, share the view, or just scream — it's all normal.

What if I get motion sickness during the flight?

Tell your pilot immediately. The pilot will switch to a straight and calm flight. Nausea is rare unless acrobatics are performed.

Can I fly on my own? (Solo flight)

You need to receive training for a solo flight. Tandem flight is the only way you can fly without training. Write to us if you want to get information about our solo training programs.

Do you fly in rainy or cloudy weather?

We absolutely do not fly in the rain. In cloudy weather, flights can be made as long as the cloud base is at a sufficient height.

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