Coming to South Africa is an experience on its own, but coming to Cape Town is a must and where your dilemma starts – what are you going to do, what do you have time to do and what do you want to do? The options are endless; you just need to pick the right one.
Tandem paragliding in Cape Town has become a very popular experience for tourists and locals alike and we can see why. Your launch sites are either Lion’s Head or Signal Hill and you’ll land on the grassy, popular promenade. If you think this is something you would like to try, then you have come to the right place.
Let’s woosh through some paragliding background
Tandem Paragliding in Cape Town was started by Manu Wegmershau in 2007 after he moved to Cape Town in 2005. He was born in Germany, lived in Zimbabwe but has been paragliding since he was only 14 years old. This man knows what he is doing and paragliding has been his passion for years.
Your tandem paragliding experience will start at your launch site, which is dependent on the changing weather and wind conditions. You will launch from one of two sites – Lion’s Head or Signal Hill. Because the weather cannot be predicted or controlled launch sites may change throughout the day, but luckily for you, both launch sites are two of Cape Town’s most beautiful settings.
One thing you can be certain of is that your pilot is highly experienced, passionate and fully certified by the South African Association of Paragliding (SAHPA). You will be looked after your entire trip!
One thing you need to remember is that you will only fly if launching and landing conditions are safe. Your pilot will do their utmost best to ensure that you have the longest, most gratifying flight possible. Each tandem paragliding trip in Cape Town will last anywhere from 5 – 30 minutes depending on the weather.
There are other launch sites for tandem paragliding in Cape Town that are equally as beautiful. These can be found in Franschhoek, Hermanus and Sir Lowry’s Pass. All three is of these places are worth a visit regardless of a paragliding expedition.
Paragliding in Cape Town, important things to know
Tandem paragliding requires no previous experience and your pilot will brief you before your flight so you will know what is happening always. Your pilot has the experience and know-how to get you through your trip in the skies so listen to what he says and have confidence in their mad skills!
The Tandem Paragliding team is full of surprises and good things because even people with disabilities can experience paragliding.
What should you wear?
- Lace-up shoes and socks – the tandem paragliding team recommend this
- Long pants are recommended
- A light jacket or windbreaker – it can get a bit chilly while you are up there
- Sunblock, a hat and sunglasses
Important things to be aware of
- You may bring your own camera up with you, but the tandem paragliding team will not be responsible for any damage or loss of your personal belongings
- While you are up there your pilot will use the awesome technology of the GoPro and you will be able to purchase your photos and videos after your flight at a small extra cost
- Please note that you are not obligated to buy your photos and video
- If you launch from Lion’s Head in Cape Town, you will have to make the hike up to the launch point. It is not a hard hike but please wear sensible shoes as the hike is on gravel
- Launches are easy, just a few steps off your launch ledge
- Landings are simple, soft and easy – always remember to listen to your pilot
What is a Tandem Paraglider and how does it work?
- A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launching aircraft
- Your pilot will sit in a harness that is suspended below the fabric wing (sounds scary we know, but it’s not!)
- The shape of the paraglider is formed by the pressure of air entering the cell openings in the front
- Paragliders are light and fold up easily which makes them easy to store and move around
The paragliding team are not just enthusiastic, passionate and good at their jobs, they also speak a few different languages which makes it easier to chat to tourists about what they should expect. English, Afrikaans, German and Spanish is just a few of the languages that you can expect to hear while up in the Cape Town skies.
If you think that this is something you would like to experience, then you have come to the right place because the Tandem Paragliding team in Cape Town will give an exclusive, exhilarating experience that will last you a lifetime. Pack your things, book your trip and let’s get up high in the sunny Cape Town skies.
Tandem Paragliding is one of the many activities included in the Cape Town City Pass.
