First-Time Paragliding Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly in Cape Town
To get the most from your first paragliding experience, wear comfortable, layered clothing and closed-toe shoes, listen carefully during your pre-flight briefing, and trust your SAHPA-certified Tandem Flight Instructor throughout the flight. Relax your body during take-off, keep your feet up on landing approach, and let the wing do the work. No prior training is needed.
Key facts
- Tandem paragliding is a form of paragliding where a certified pilot and a passenger fly together under a single wing; the passenger sits in a seat attached to the pilot's flight system and requires no prior experience.
- Flight durations vary between 7 and 20 minutes depending entirely on wind and weather conditions on the day.
- First-time visitors should allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience, including the briefing, transport to the launch site, the flight itself, and the return.
- Tandem paragliding is suitable for participants aged 14 years and above, weighing between 20kg and 120kg, who are in reasonable physical health.
- Fly Cape Town operates instructional tandem paragliding flights from Signal Hill and Lions Head, with a smooth touchdown on the Sea Point Promenade landing field.
- All Tandem Flight Instructors at Fly Cape Town are 100% SAHPA-certified (South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association), as required by the Civil Aviation Act.
- No upfront deposit is required; cash or card payments are gladly taken after the flight has been completed.
What Fly Cape Town Offers First-Time Flyers
Fly Cape Town is Cape Town's trusted instructional tandem paragliding operator, running guided flights from Signal Hill and Lions Head since 2006. Every flight is conducted by a 100% SAHPA-certified Tandem Flight Instructor, so you are in qualified hands from the moment you arrive. The experience is a peaceful, bird-like soaring experience over the Atlantic Seaboard, not an adrenaline drop. Absolutely no previous experience or specialised training is required to fly.
You will launch from one of Cape Town's most iconic ridgelines, glide above the coastline with Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula spread out below you, and touch down smoothly on the Sea Point Promenade landing field. HD photos and videos are uploaded directly onto your mobile device at the landing field, so your memories are ready to share before you have even caught your breath.
Ready to take the leap? Book a Tandem Flight with Fly Cape Town today.
How a First Tandem Paragliding Flight Works
The process is straightforward and well-paced, designed to keep you calm and informed at every stage. Here is what to expect from arrival to landing:
- Arrival and briefing. Your Tandem Flight Instructor meets you and runs through a clear, concise pre-flight briefing. You will learn the three things you need to do: run on take-off, lift your feet on landing, and keep your body relaxed throughout.
- Transport to the launch site. You are driven to Signal Hill or Lions Head, depending on wind conditions on the day. Your instructor reads the weather and selects the safest, most scenic option.
- Harnessing up. Your instructor fits you into the tandem harness and checks every connection. This takes only a few minutes.
- Take-off. You run a few steps together with your instructor, the wing rises above you, and you are airborne. Most first-timers describe the moment of lift-off as surprisingly gentle.
- The flight. You settle into the seat harness and soak in the views. Your instructor manages the wing throughout; you simply enjoy the experience.
- Landing. Your instructor guides you in for a smooth touchdown on the Sea Point Promenade landing field. Lift your feet when asked, and you are done.
- Media and payment. Your HD photos and videos are transferred to your phone on the spot. Payment by cash or card is taken after the flight.
Why First-Timers Choose Fly Cape Town
Trust matters when you are trying something new. Fly Cape Town has built a safety track record across thousands of flights since 2006, and every instructor holds full SAHPA certification as required by the Civil Aviation Act. The launch sites at Signal Hill and Lions Head are established, well-managed flying sites used by local and international pilots alike.
First-timers consistently note how calm the team makes them feel before and during the flight:
"Such an amazing experience! I arrived with a severe fear of heights and the team was SO calming. Highly recommend Halil his energy relaxes you and explains the process so well I'll definitely be back"
– Tehilah, Google review
"Great experience. My instructor, Alois, is a lovely guy. Quick briefing and then up, up and away. The weather was gorgeous but not enough thermals to stay up for as long as I would have liked. I felt completely safe up there with Alois. Would love to do it again! I would recommend this company. Also, great videos and photos were taken 😊"
– Kathy, Google review
No stressful upfront deposits are required. You pay only after your flight is complete, by cash or card, which removes any financial pressure from the booking process. For full details on pricing and eligibility, visit the Flight Info & Pricing page.
Fly Cape Town's certified instructors are ready to take you up. Book a Tandem Flight and secure your spot.
What to Wear and Bring on the Day
Dressing correctly makes a real difference to your comfort in the air. Cape Town's coastal ridgelines can be breezy even on warm days, so layering is the right approach.
- Wear: Comfortable, close-fitting layers you can move in; a light windproof jacket; closed-toe shoes with a firm sole (trainers or hiking shoes are ideal).
- Avoid: Open-toe sandals, flip-flops, loose scarves, or bulky backpacks that interfere with the harness.
- Bring: Sunglasses with a strap, sunscreen, and a fully charged mobile phone to receive your HD media at the landing field.
- Leave behind: Large bags and valuables you cannot secure on your person; your instructor will advise on safe storage.
Fly Cape Town provides the wing, harness, and all flight equipment. You do not need to source or purchase any paragliding gear to participate.
Managing Nerves and Getting the Most from Your Flight
A degree of nerves before a first flight is completely normal, even for people who do not consider themselves afraid of heights. The single most effective thing you can do is focus on your instructor's voice and follow their cues rather than looking straight down during take-off.
- During the flight, look out at the horizon rather than straight down. The views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Seaboard, and the Cape Peninsula are genuinely spectacular from altitude.
- Breathe slowly and let your body settle into the harness seat. The sensation quickly shifts from nervous anticipation to calm enjoyment.
- If you want to bring a GoPro or action camera, discuss this with your instructor before the flight. Secure mounting is essential; loose cameras are a safety concern.
- For wind guides, weather updates, and more flying tips, visit the Paragliding Blog & Weather News.
Book your first instructional tandem paragliding flight with Fly Cape Town and experience Cape Town from a perspective most visitors never see.
