How to prepare for a tandem paragliding flight

A paragliding flight is one of the most memorable things to do in Brașov and Poiana Brașov. Whether it's your first flight or you've flown before, a few things sorted out in advance make the difference between a good day and a perfect one. We've gathered them here, in the order they matter.

What to know before your first flight

You don't need any experience for a tandem flight. The pilot flies the wing from take-off to landing; you get a short briefing, take a few running steps at take-off, and the rest is flying. If you'd like to see what happens on your first flight, step by step, it's all on a page of its own.

Paragliding has clear rules: we fly only in suitable weather, and you follow the pilot's instructions from the briefing to the landing.

What to wear for paragliding

Wear comfortable clothes for the season, in layers. It's colder at take-off than in town, and you feel the wind in the air, so an extra layer never hurts. On your feet, trainers or boots with a grippy sole: you take a few running steps at take-off and landing, on grass or on snow. Sunglasses are a good idea all year round.

In winter, add a thermal layer, a waterproof jacket, a thin hat and warm gloves. We've written about the cold season separately, in our winter paragliding guide to Poiana Brașov.

We provide the helmet and a passenger harness with built-in protection, and in winter, if you'd like, gloves and ski goggles too.

Weight, age and health

The passenger must weigh at least 30 kg. The maximum weight differs from flight to flight, so check it before you book or buy a voucher:

• The View: up to 95 kg
• The Thermal: up to 85 kg
• The Distance: up to 85 kg

If you're outside the limits for the flight you've chosen, the flight can't go ahead.

There is no minimum age. Minors can fly only with the consent of both parents or of their legal guardian, and one parent or the guardian must be present at take-off. The pilot decides whether the flight is suitable for the child.

Tell us before the flight if you have a medical condition or circumstance that could make the flight unsafe: heart problems, epilepsy, pregnancy, recent injuries or surgery, back or knee problems that prevent you from taking a few running steps at take-off and landing. Do not fly under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that affects your reactions.

What to eat before you fly

Come well rested, after a light meal. Skip big meals and alcohol before the flight: your stomach will thank you in the air, especially on a longer flight that climbs in thermals.

Nerves and fear of heights

Feeling nervous is normal. Many of our passengers felt the same knot in their stomach before their first flight. In the air you don't get that feeling of empty space beneath your feet: you sit comfortably in the harness, and the pilot talks to you the whole time.

Breathe deeply, listen to the instructions and remember that a tandem flight is entirely in the pilot's hands. The rest comes naturally. How we decide when to fly and when not to is explained on our page about flight safety.

Your phone and camera

Photos and video of your flight are included, so you don't have to film anything yourself. After the flight you get a personal link on WhatsApp to download them. You can take personal belongings on the flight only if the pilot agrees, and you secure them the way the pilot shows you: a phone dropped from the air doesn't come back.

The weather decides

We fly only in stable weather, with no strong wind or rain. We schedule each flight a few days in advance, so we can check the forecast. The day before, we check the weather again and confirm the flight with you.

The final decision is the pilot's, and it can be made on the day of the flight itself. If the weather isn't on our side, we reschedule your flight free of charge.

On the day of your flight

• Meet us at the gondola base station in Poiana Brașov. Please arrive 5–10 minutes before the agreed time.
• You'll have to pay for parking near the lifts, whether you use a public car park run by Brașov City Hall (Primăria Brașov) or a private one.
• Listen carefully to the briefing: it's short and tells you everything you need to do.
• At take-off, take a few running steps alongside the pilot. Then enjoy the view and let the wind carry you.

Still have questions? We've gathered the most common ones in our paragliding FAQ. And if you've made up your mind, choose your flight and we'll see you on Postăvaru, the mountain above Poiana Brașov.