What is Paragliding and How is it Done? Places to Paraglide in Türkiye

For those who want to experience new activities and have unforgettable moments on vacation, paragliding is ideal. Paragliding is an air sport that combines adventure and love of nature. During this activity, it is possible to watch the unique beauties of nature from a bird's-eye view.bird's-eye view If you dream of witnessing breathtaking views while soaring freely through the sky, you can try this exciting activity.

What is Paragliding?

Paragliding is a sport that is done solely with the help of the wind, without the need for any runway or aircraft. This sport was discovered by those who tried to take off with parachutes from the Swiss and French Alps. Paragliding, which falls into the category of the lightest aircraft, is among the most frequently preferred extreme sports for adventure seekers due to its portability and ease of use. This sport, called "paragliding" in English, is often confused with freefall parachuting, which involves jumping from aircraft such as helicopters. However, paragliding is done by jumping from mountains or high slopes with suitable conditions after gaining a certain speed. In freefall, the aim is to glide to the ground, while in paragliding, the aim is to stay in the air for a while. This sport makes it possible to reach high altitudes, stay in the sky for extended periods, and travel a certain distance.

How to do Paragliding?

When you want to do paragliding, you first need to choose an area where you can gain speed and jump. High mountains and slopes are suitable for reaching your desired altitude. However, sometimes, depending on weather conditions, jumping from these places becomes risky. By learning which months are suitable for paragliding in your preferred location, you can ensure a safe jump. Paragliding is generally done in the spring and autumn months. It is also recommended to choose rain-free and clear weather to maintain your visibility during this sport. This way you can enjoy the natural scenery as you wish. You don't need any experience to do paragliding. You can do this extreme sport with trained pilots. If you have expertise in this field, it is also possible to make a jump individually. For those who want to make paragliding a regular habit, training is provided from beginner to expert level. After these trainings, which include information such as paragliding landing techniques, you can take off freely whenever you want and watch the landscapes from the sky. Paragliding, which is of great interest to adventurers, is among the extreme air sports. Therefore, it also carries some risks. There are several precautions you need to take before starting this sport. Having the appropriate equipment for a safe flight is paramount. The necessary equipment for paragliding is as follows: Wing: This is paragliding equipment that inflates with air and is ready for flight. It comes in different sizes, for single and double riders. Various models are also available depending on experience levels and disciplines. Harness: This is the area where the pilot sits while flying. The harness is attached to the wing with carabiners, which are durable parts that prevent falls. Some models of this equipment include back support airbags. It is important to adjust the harness to the legs and chest before flight.

• Carrier Columns:The ropes that connect the parachute to the harness are called carrier columns. Thanks to their durable structure, these ropes make the flight safe. Each parachute has numerous ropes with a carrying capacity of up to 150 kilograms. There are also control ropes for steering the parachute.

• Reserve Parachute: Problems such as the parachute being insufficient and unable to perform its function may be encountered during flight. In such cases, it is necessary to deploy the reserve parachute. When deploying the reserve parachute, a controlled descent is initiated for a period of time. However, the pilot quickly regains balance and continues the flight.

• Helmet:Wearing a helmet is important to protect against possible falls during takeoff and landing. Helmets made of materials such as polymer and plastic reduce the impact of blows and prevent you from getting injured in these moments.

In addition to the above materials, there are also equipment you can choose according to the weather conditions. For example, you can use glasses to protect your field of vision on a sunny and windy day. If you are going to do this activity on a cold day, it is recommended that you wear thick and protective clothing. You can also make your flight safer and more enjoyable with paragliding equipment such as wind meters and radios. 

Where Can You Do Paragliding in Türkiye?

It is possible to find paragliding locations in different regions and cities in Turkey. To do this exciting sport, you can take advantage of areas that are close to where you live or where you are vacationing. For example; With its rich natural and historical heritage, Muğla is among the cities where you can practice this extreme sport. During your vacation, you can choose unique holiday destinations in Muğla such as Marmaris, and fully enjoy the turquoise sea and lush green nature. Additionally, while staying in Marmaris villas, you can also take advantage of the paragliding opportunities in the region. 

Fethiye

Babadağ, in Turkey When it comes to paragliding, Babadağ in Fethiye Ölüdeniz is one of the first places that comes to mind. With its height and unique natural beauty, it's a center for this sport. Depending on the season, flying is possible on this mountain between April and October. Babadağ, at 1969 meters, has four separate take-off runways. The 1700-meter southern runway has food and beverage areas for you to enjoy before and after your flight. If you wish, you can spend your holiday in one of the villas in Fethiye, or experience paragliding in Babadağ, 15 km from the center. Antalya offers multiple alternatives for those who want to experience paragliding. With its mild climate, you can enjoy this sport year-round in Antalya. The city's tourist districts of Kaş, Kemer, and Alanya have suitable areas for paragliding. In Kaş, it's possible to take off from Asas Hill and land in the harbor. During this time, you'll be accompanied by the breathtaking view of Meis Island and the lush green nature of the region. In Alanya, flights are conducted from Yassıtepe, which is 700 meters high. After taking off from this hill, you land on Cleopatra Beach after a while. In Kemer, paragliding is done on Mount Olympos Tahtalı, which is the subject of mythology. This mountain, with its height of 2635 meters, offers a bird's-eye view of ancient cities and pristine bays, and can be reached by a 15-minute cable car ride. The Dynamite Hill in Denizli offers a visual feast for those who want to try paragliding. Located in Pamukkale, where natural and historical heritage come together, this hill offers the chance to gaze at the dazzling white travertines while soaring through the sky. It also allows you to see the ancient city of Hierapolis from above. Thanks to its height and terrain, Dynamite Hill is extremely suitable for those trying this sport for the first time. The 1650-meter-high Çökelez Mountain in the city is a favorite among professionals and adrenaline enthusiasts.

Erzincan

Located 7 km from the city center of Erzincan, Munzur Mountain, with its 3250-meter height, is popular with adventure seekers. You can stay in the air for a long time and enjoy the scenery, which includes every shade of green of the region. After taking off from this mountain, it is possible to easily land in the flat areas of the city. Munzur Mountain has five separate paragliding areas suitable for different skill levels. Amateur athletes can make their jumps from areas with altitudes ranging from 1300 to 1500 meters.

Adıyaman

In AdıyamanMount Nemruttraces of the Kingdom of Commagene, which ruled the region in 162 BC, can be found.