We’re soariiiiiin’, flyiiiiiin’  🎶

My friend and I have been wanting to try Tandem Paragliding since last year and it’s only now that our schedules finally lined up.

Well, finally! YAAAYYY x10! 

What is Paragliding?

Paragliding is an extreme sport which is pretty much the simplest form of human flight. It combines the elements of parachute jumping and hang-gliding wherein the paraglider jumps off a stationary base (cliff/mountain) while strapped onto a fabric wing.

There is no need for motor or machine in paragliding, as the pilot only uses wind power to “fly” through the air!

What is Tandem Paragliding? 

In Tandem Paragliding, there is a pilot and a passenger. There’s no experience or training necessary because the pilot will (obviously) do all the hard work and you won’t feel the stress of trying to control the fabric wing above your head.

You just need to run on take off, pull yourself into the harness, and enjoy the beautiful bird’s eye view. Believe me, it’s stunning!

Where can I try this?

We had our Tandem Paragliding experience at Brgy. Mahabang Parang, Binangonan, Rizal. But they also have other Paragliding sites so it’s best to contact the pilots/instructors if you’re interested!

TO PARAGLIDING SITE (COMMUTE)
1. Ride the van/UV express (PHP 50) headed to Tanay, Rizal or Cardona from Starmall Terminal (Shaw Boulevard) or Robinsons Galleria Terminal.
2. Alight from the van upon reaching Brgy. Mahabang Parang (near Westpointe Subdivision)
3. Ride a tricycle from Brgy. Mahabang Parang Binangonan and head to Pitalyo St.
4. Once you see the end of Pitallo St. (it’s in front of a store with a Pepsi logo), then you’ve reached your destination

TO PARAGLIDING SITE (PRIVATE CAR)

1. Open Waze and type in Westpointe Subdivision Brgy. Mahabang Parang Binangonan, Rizal. Drive drive drive ~ *Note: I’m not quite sure if the pinned address in Waze is up to date. We just called our contact person, which happens to be our pilot, when we were already outside the subdivision. He then gave us the directions to their new paragliding site.  

We just brought our car since my friend and I were coming from Pasig and we had other plans after paragliding. If you are going to try this activity, it’s best if you leave your house early to avoid heavy traffic! We needed to be there before 8am and we arrived an hour early (good for us because we were able to take pictures and chill for a bit!)

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How much is it?

Normal rate: PHP 4,000

Discounted rate:  PHP 3,500 (We were lucky to score this! Cheaper!)

Inclusions: use of paragliding and safety equipment, helper, paraglider pilot professional fee and entrance fee (they’re also renting their GoPro if you’re all about that full action documentation)

They also have other offers such as:

• INTERMEDIATE FLIGHT: PHP 5,500/head (20-30 minutes flying)
• SPECIAL FLIGHT: PHP 8,000/head (1-hour flying)
• 1 DAY UNLIMITED FLYING: PHP 35,000 (good for 4 pax only; all in package which includes transpo-lunch-paragliding; 9AM to sunset)

How long are you actually up in the air?

The average flight time is 10-15 minutes but it really depends on the weather condition. In our experience, I was up in the air for about 15 minutes (or less) and my friend enjoyed a full 30 minutes of flying! Dito pala nanggaling yung kasabihang “ang bilis magbago ng ihip ng hangin.” We literally had to wait for the “right time” to fly or descend. (right time = wind is cooperating)

By the way, the elevation of flight is 700 feet up. Thrilllller! For safety reasons, the maximum weight they can fly is 100 kilos per person.

What do you need to prepare?

First things first: the clothes. The attire shouldn’t be anything fancy! Simple clothes will do, but they recommend your most comfortable outdoor look: long pants or leggings, long sleeves, and rubber or outdoor shoes. (No shorts for male!)

Of course, you may also bring extra clothes, snacks, sun protection items (shades or sunscreen), and toiletries such as alcohol and wipes. Of course, don’t forget your trusty phone or camera so you can take photos and videos of the adventure!

Is this safe?

You are with a trained pilot and instructor who often flies around just when he feels like it…. hehe.. and their group is also one of the pioneers in the Philippines, so yes, you’re in good hands. Of course, you still need to follow their instructions to avoid any inconveniences or accidents.

I also learned that the takeoff and landing are the most challenging parts of paragliding. It’s tricky. As our pilot (Michael) would say, “flying is the easiest part.”

How do you take off/ land?

In my experience, the takeoff was just a bit of a struggle because I was getting dragged to different directions as the wind catches the glider (I don’t know how to describe this lol).  Anyway, you just have to keep your legs moving since you can’t take a seat unless the pilot tells you to do so!

Once you gain the momentum and the wind feels right, the pilot will then proceed with the launch. This can be pretty unnerving! It honestly felt as if we couldn’t soar into the air (because there will be a plunge-down moment first) but once you’re there…. Shit. What a view! You also need to be quick as you pull yourself into the harness right after takeoff, so don’t stretch out that selfie stick just yet!

If the takeoff was a bit scary, the landing is pretty much chill. I just kept my feet up the whole time and I hit the ground as if I just slid down from a playground slide. The landing area can vary, though. I landed on the same jump off point. My friend did not. The wind was a bit harsh when they were about to get down, so the pilot decided to just land at a nearby school and take a tricycle to get back to the jump-off area.

I personally loved the whole paragliding experience!

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I’m not really exposed to this kind of hobby and it feels good to try something new and adventurous. I also don’t have any problem with heights so I guess I didn’t have a hard time trying to calm my nerves.

How I wish I was up there for a good one-hour! Haha!

That’s it for now. ♥