Paragliding tandem and courses in Annecy

Paragliding is a type of free flight adventure sport that involves flying a lightweight glider aircraft with no rigid structure. Paragliding allows you to soar through the air using natural sources of lift, such as thermals and ridge winds. Paragliding can be done for fun, competition, or exploration. Paragliding is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to experience the thrill of flight.

The word paragliding comes from combining parachute and gliding. It was first used in 1961 to describe a sport of flying modified parachutes with glide ratios that allowed them to be launched from slopes or towed by vehicles. The word paraglider is also a portmanteau of parachute and glider. Paragliding is sometimes called parapente, which is the original French word.

A paraglider is a lightweight glider aircraft that consists of three main components: the wing, lines and risers, and a harness. The wing is also known as the canopy or sail, and it is made of fabric cells that inflate with air to create a curved shape. The lines are thin cords that connect the wing to the risers, which are straps that attach to the harness. The harness is where the pilot sits or lies in a comfortable position. The lines and risers allow the pilot to control the direction and speed of the paraglider by pulling on them.

Pure happiness! A paragliding flight is composed of different phases from pre-flight planning to landing:

• Pre-flight planning: Check weather, site, gear, and briefing.
• Launching: Inflate wing and run or walk into the wind to take off.
• Gliding: Fly horizontally by controlling direction and speed. Cover distance between climbs by avoiding sink and finding lift.
• Climbing: Gain altitude by using thermals, ridge lift, or dynamic lift. Circle or follow rising air to ascend higher.
• Searching: Look for signs of lift such as clouds, birds, dust devils, or other gliders. Use instruments to locate and track potential sources of lift.
• Surfing: Maintain altitude by flying along areas of constant lift such as cloud streets, convergence zones, or wave systems. Adjust to changes in wind speed and direction.
• Landing: Descend to a safe landing area by following an approach pattern that aligns with the wind direction. Flare at low altitude to reduce speed and touch down gently.

This video summarises what to expect from a tandem paragliding flight.

If you have never tried paragliding, the best way to start is with a tandem paragliding flight.

Annecy is a beautiful city in Haute-Savoie, France, that is often called the Venice of the Alps because of its canals and bridges. But for paragliding enthusiasts, Annecy means more than just the city. It means the Lake Annecy region, where some of the best paragliding sites are located. The most popular sites are Planfait and Col de La Forclaz, which offer stunning views of the lake and the mountains. Planfait has its take-offs and landings in Talloires, while Col de La Forclaz has its take-off zone in Montmin and its landing in Doussard.