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As I was planning things to do in Lucerne, I was looking for something adventurous and outside of my comfort zone. I had just filed for divorce (after 36 years!) and my whole life felt like it had just nosedived off a cliff. I needed to do something to mark the beginning of my new life. Paragliding in Lucerne sounded perfect!
It just felt so symbolic. Like soaring into a new chapter, where you leave the ground—and your old life—behind, embracing the freedom of what lies ahead. Right?
In this detailed post, I’ll jump (pun intended) into the exhilarating and freeing experience of tandem paragliding for the first time, sharing every aspect of the journey from the first step to the triumphant descent.
Table of Contents
Why Tandem Paragliding?
Why did I go tandem? Three reasons.
1. “Tandem” means you’re strapped to an experienced paragliding pilot. In other words, you don’t have to know what you’re doing.
2. You don’t need to take any lessons and you definitely don’t need to have any experience. Just do what the pilot says.
3. I’m too chicken to go tandem skydiving! I don’t think I’ll ever get the courage to jump out of a plane and freefall to the Earth – even if I’m attached to a pilot. There’s just something about plummeting to the ground that terrifies me. But gently taking off from the ground and rising up to the sky like a kite, now that’s something that I could do.
The pilot getting the paraglider ready
Selecting the Right Operator
There are several reputable paragliding operators in Lucerne. When choosing an company, you need to look at their safety records, pilot expertise, and customer reviews.
I chose Sky Glide for my paragliding in Lucerne experience. They are regarded as one of the best in the area and they have a stunning launch site.
The paraglider is laid out and ready for inspection
Preparing for a Tandem Paragliding Flight
Registration and Briefing
Your paragliding journey begins with the registration process online or at the Sky Glide facility. You’ll complete any paperwork, and they’ll give you a thorough briefing and overview of what to expect.Â
Gearing Up
The next step involves gearing up for the adventure. The tandem paragliding equipment includes a specially designed paraglider wing, a secure harness, and a helmet. The pilot will make sure that you are properly fitted with the necessary gear and explain the importance of staying safe throughout the process.
I’ve got my harness and helmet on – ready to go!
The Thrill of Flight
The Launch Site
Sky Glide has several launch sites scattered around the area. They are all chosen for their optimal wind conditions and breathtaking views. The journey to the launch site itself becomes part of the adventure, often involving scenic drives or cable car rides to the starting platform.
For my adventure, I chose “The View” with the launch site in Niederbauen-Emmetten and the flight area overlooking Lake Lucerne. Emmetten is about 30 minutes by car from Lucerne, or one hour by public transportation. Once at the meeting point, it’s a quick cable car ride up to the launch site and then a short walk through a small field with a few cows.
Pre-Flight Instructions
Before taking to the skies, you receive pre-flight instructions from your tandem pilot. These instructions cover the basics of takeoff, in-flight posture, and communication signals. The goal is to feel confident and informed about what to expect during your paragliding adventure.
The Set-up
Next, the pilot unpacks the paraglider and spreads it out across the open field. He performs a safety check and visual inspection and makes note of the wind speed and direction. Once the paraglider is in place, you will review the takeoff and landing instructions again and then you’ll be placed in your harness. You will be seated in front of your pilot with your harnesses attached together. The entire flight you will be in a comfortably seated position.
The Run and Lift-Off
With the paraglider spread out behind you, and secured in tandem with your pilot, you begin the exhilarating run that leads to lift-off. As the wind catches the paraglider – suddenly, you are airborne.Â
There is no freefall drop like skydiving, and you are actually airborne before you go over the edge. It’s such a smooth and gentle process that you don’t even realize your feet aren’t touching the ground anymore!Â
Woohoo!!!!
In-Flight Experience
The Tandem Connection
Once you’re in the air, that’s when the tandem connection comes into play. The pilot takes control of navigating the paraglider. There is nothing that you need to do except float there taking it all in! It was so overwhelming for me that I actually started crying. Happy tears though! Tears of “I am actually doing it!”
The Awe-Inspiring Views
The views are just incredibly stunning! The Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne, and the cityscape unfold beneath you, creating a visual spectacle that is equally breathtaking and surreal.Â
The Joy of Soaring
The joy of soaring through the skies is a defining moment for first-time tandem paragliders. The sensation of weightlessness was something that I had not experienced before. Combine that with the rush of wind and the total silence and it felt like an adrenaline-fueled out of body experience.
The Silence
One of the most unexpected delights of tandem paragliding in Lucerne is the silence. Total silence. This really caught me by surprise. The only sounds are the gentle rustle of the wind and the occasional calls of birds sharing the airspace. It was a level of silence that I had never experienced before.
So peaceful and silent up here!
Weather Considerations
While tandem paragliding in Lucerne is designed to be a safe and enjoyable experience, the dynamic nature of weather in the Swiss Alps can be unpredictable. Weather delays are common. The day that I went paragliding, we had to wait about an hour for the wind conditions to be optimal for take-off.
Photography Options
Pre-Flight Photography
You can use your phone or camera to take pictures before your flight but not during your flight. Once you are ready to takeoff, your pilot will collect your phone or camera and place it in a secure bag that he will carry with him.
In-Flight PhotographyÂ
Tandem paragliding in Lucerne is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and capturing the moment is going to be a top priority. Many tandem paragliding packages offer the option of in-flight photography or video service. Definitely worth the small added cost!
For safety reasons, you cannot use your phone or camera during flight.
Not a good picture of me but a good picture of the tandem set-up.
The Landing
As your paragliding adventure nears its conclusion, you experience a gentle descent back to solid ground. The pilot, still in control of the paraglider, guides you back down as you begin moving your legs like you are jogging on air. Before you know it, you land softly on your feet.
Touching down after my paragliding adventure was accompanied by a mix of accomplishment and exhilaration. The realization that I have conquered the skies, embraced the freedom of flight, and witnessed Lucerne from a unique perspective became a personal triumph.
I did it!!!!
Final Thoughts
For me, tandem paragliding in Lucerne for the first time was way more than an ordinary adventure. From the adrenaline-fueled takeoff to the silent moments in flight and the gentle descent, every aspect of the experience was about conquering fears, embracing the unknown, and discovering the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the horizon!
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Have you been tandem paragliding? I’d love to hear about your experience!