Ask Drew
Tandem pilot flying with a smiling child above Interlaken

First-timers

Is paragliding scary?

Short answer: Feeling nervous is completely normal. Most anxiety hits at takeoff. The flight itself is usually calm and scenic.

Normal Nerves before a first tandem are completely normal. Most people feel them at launch.
Takeoff The intense moment lasts a few running steps. Then you're seated and the valley opens up.
Morning The 8:30–10:30 slot is usually the gentlest, with smooth air before thermics build.

Fear of heights

Scared of heights? You may still fly

Often yes. Many people who dislike heights still love tandem paragliding because you sit in a harness and move smoothly through open air.

You're seated in a harness, moving smoothly through the air. It feels very different from peering over a railing. Paragliding suits many nervous first-timers, though panic around heights deserves a proper chat before booking. I prefer an honest conversation before anyone commits to a flight.

For most nervous visitors, the 8:30–10:30 morning slot is the gentlest choice, with smooth air before thermics build.

Panic vs nerves: if you're unsure which you feel, message me before you book.

Takeoff

Is takeoff the scary part?

For most people, yes. Takeoff is a few running steps down a grassy slope. That transition catches people, and it lasts seconds.

Your pilot builds speed, the wing lifts, and suddenly you're airborne. It feels intense for a few seconds. When they say run, commit. Channel your fear into a strong run. A committed run helps both of you launch cleanly.

Freezing on launch creates the biggest practical risk. Be honest if you're unsure: pick a slot with an easier takeoff, or ask me before you book.

Once airborne, tandem flying is usually smooth and calm. Your pilot handles everything. More detail in the takeoff advice.

In the air

What the first minute feels like

After that first minute, most nervous flyers relax. A standard scenic flight means gentle gliding over one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland.

  1. Harness on, briefing done: you're standing at the launch with your pilot. Butterflies are normal.
  2. Run: a short burst downhill. Intense for a few seconds.
  3. Airborne: you sit back in the harness. The running stops. The valley opens up below you.
  4. First minute in the air: usually calm. Quiet except wind. Your pilot steers; you look at lakes and peaks.

If motion sickness is a concern, say so early. We'll fly smoothly and get you down gently. See flight etiquette if you feel sick. You can also read what happens on the day and the 90 minutes before you fly.

First-timers

Nervous people fly here every day

Kids, first-timers, and plenty of adults who were unsure at breakfast fly here every day. The morning slot is usually the smoothest for kids and nervous first-timers.

Most people relax within the first minute. The flight is calm and scenic. You land back in town, often the Höhematte park, where kids sometimes try on helmets while waiting for family.

Still nervous?

Message me before you book

Tell me what you're worried about. I'll answer straight and say if it sounds like a bad fit.

Ask Drew Morning slot

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