5 Pro Tips for Your Paragliding Flight
Get Yourself Ready for flying
Planning to go paragliding in Interlaken? Fantastic! Soon, you’ll fly over the indescribable landscapes of Switzerland, with glimmering lakes below and snow-capped mountains rising around you. It’s probably the best paragliding site on Earth, and the views are simply unforgettable.
Before you clip into your harness, here are five professional tips to make your flight smooth and safe!
Five must-know tips from Seb Ospina, one of the best in the sky👇🏽
Tip 1: Dress Smart
When you’re soaring above the mountains, you’ll feel the wind on your face and through your clothes. For this reason, it’s best to dress a bit warmer than you would when walking around town. Dressing wisely is essential for comfort and safety.
- Wear sporty, flexible clothes that allow you to move easily.
- Layer up: a lightweight jacket or windbreaker is a must. You’ll feel the chill once you’re airborne.
- Comfortable, closed shoes with good grip are essential for take-off and landing. Sneakers or trail shoes are perfect.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunlight reflects off snow and lakes, so eye and skin protection matters
The more comfortable you are, the more you’ll enjoy floating through the sky. If you show up with sandals or shoes with slippery soles, the team will equip you with hiking boots to protect your ankles from injury. In winter, they can also outfit you with a warm jacket, gloves, and snow pants to keep you cozy while flying. It’s all included in the price!
Tip 2: Eat Light, Fly Happy
Flying on a heavy stomach can be uncomfortable, but skipping meals isn’t ideal either. Keep your energy steady with light, easy-to-digest food before your flight.
- Think fruit, yogurt, a small sandwich, or granola. Avoid greasy or heavy meals.
- Skip alcohol; caffeine is okay in moderation.
- Stay hydrated, but don’t overdrink immediately before take-off.
Eating smart ensures your body feels light, alert, and ready to fully enjoy the experience while thermaling up in the sky, helping to prevent nausea.
Tip 3: Trust Your Pilot
Your tandem pilot is the professional, you’re the passenger. Interlaken’s pilots are highly experienced, with thousands of flights logged over the Alps.
- Listen carefully during the pre-flight briefing, take-off technique, and landing instructions.
- Follow their cues: when they say “run,” run; when they say "sit up", "sit up"
- Relax and enjoy the ride. The pilot controls the glider, leaving you free to soak in the view.
Trusting your pilot allows you to fully enjoy the experience 🙂.
Tip 4: Ask Questions
It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first tandem flight. Don’t be shy, ask questions!
- Nervous about motion sickness? Let your pilot know!
- Feel uncomfortable or scared? Tell your pilot.
- Curious about the name of the height or flight path? Ask.
Trusting your pilot allows you to fully enjoy the experience 🙂.
Tip 5: Secure Your Belongings
Before take-off, make sure all personal items are safely secured.
- Store your personal items in a zipped pocket or in your pilot’s backpack. Make sure nothing can fall from the sky!
- We provide GoPro footage, so you can leave cameras safely and enjoy the flight hands-free.
A few simple precautions let you fully immerse yourself in the flight without worrying about losing items.
Bonus Tip: Timing Is Everything
Interlaken offers flights year-round, but timing can affect your experience:
Morning flights: offer calmer air and an peaceful floating experience
Afternoon flights: let you soar to higher spheres, carried by the thermals and gentle winds.
Winter flights: bring magical alpine vibes with snow-capped peaks and crisp air
Autumn flights: offer golden light, fewer crowds, and landscape painted in incredible colours
Want to know which season is best for flying? Check out our guide on the best season for paragliding in Interlaken for insider tips on when to take to the skies.
Tandem paragliding in Interlaken is so much more than an adventure! Dress smart, eat well, trust your pilot, ask questions, and secure your gear. Then simply let go and let Switzerland take your breath away.
Are you ready to fly? The Alps are waiting 🪂