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F.A.Q.
What is paragliding?
Paragliding is an adventure sport that flying with a paraglider: A large, lightweight, fabric wing that uses the aerodynamic forces of the wind to float in the air. The pilot is attached by a harness that hangs below the paraglider and controls wing shape and tension through the use of suspension lines.
Can I fly with an instructor? How does tandem flight work?
You do not need to have any prior experience for a tandem flight. Tandem flights allow a person with no previous experience to fly with an instructor who controls the paraglider. Our instructors are certified by the Colombian Federation of Aerial Sports (FCDA, certified by the World Air Sport Federation (FAI)) and are bilingual in English and Spanish in order to ensure your comfort during the flight. The tandem paraglider we use is designed to support the weight of two people who are attached by two separate harnesses to the wing. We will guide you through takeoff and landing for your safety and that of the pilot. Both the passenger and the pilot have their own reserve parachutes to ensure your safety.
How long is a typical flight?
If the weather is good, you can expect to be in the air for at least 15 to 20 minutes. If you would like a longer flight, you may make arrangements in the office prior to takeoff. The prices for different flight lengths are as follows:
- Basic flight $48 USD for a 15-minute flight with a pilot and instructions.
- Pack recomendo $63 USD for a 20-minute flight with a pilot and instructions.
- Pack full: The following include a 15-minute flight with a pilot, instructions, GoPro, and Transportation.1 person: $80 USD – 2 people: $70 USD per People – 3 people: $66 USD per person – 4 people: $64 USD per person.
- 5 minute for extra flight: $10 USD per person.
How do you land?
In 95% of cases, our flights are top-landing; Meaning we land on the same spot where we launched. Occasionally, the wind does not allow for a top landing and we land on a ramp in the town of Bello. In this case, the pilot will arrange for you to be brought back up to the office in a taxi at no extra cost, or he will leave you close to a Metro station to help you get back to your accommodations safely.
Is it safe? How do you assure my safety?
All of our pilots are professionally certified by the Colombian Federation of Aerial Sports (FCDA, certified by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI)) which certifies all airsports companies in the country. Ruben Fly himself is by far the most experienced paragliding instructor in all of Medellin, having pioneered the sport here in Colombia in 1992.
Ruben Fly is the founder of Costa Rica’s first paragliding school and Colombia´s first paragliding academy. He has over 12 paragliding certifications nationally and internationally, and has been constantly operating Paragliding Medellin for over 26 years without incident.
Paragliding Medellin is nationally certified as a tourism organization by the Colombian Federation of Aerial Sports (FCDA, certified by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI)) and has a track record of incident-free operation since it opened in 1992.
Are there any restrictions?
For your safety, we will not take you flying if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have a heart or lung condition.
- Have recently had surgery or an injury such as a bone fracture.
- Suffer from back problems.
- Suffer from fainting spells or seizures.
- Are a minor unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Have taken any medications that might have serious adverse side effects.
- Weigh over 120 KG (240 lb)
- Are under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
We also recommend you do not consume a lot of food or alcohol before the flight in order to prevent nausea.
What happens if the weather is bad? Can we fly in the rain?
We fly 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Normally, we can fly any time the sun is shining, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Medellin´s geographical location and its wonderful climate makes it ideal for flying almost every day of the year. However, paragliding is highly dependent on the weather, so we are constantly adjusting dates and pick up times to ensure your safety.
Occasionally, rain or strong winds may force us to cancel or postpone our program for the day, sometimes at the last minute. We are very flexible and willing to wait out the weather with you, or reschedule at your convenience.
What do I need to bring? What kind of clothing do I need to wear?
Please do not forget to bring your passport, or your Citizen Card (if you are Colombian) because you need identification to enter the launch area.
We recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes that will not fall off during flight. As we will be high in the mountains, please bring a sweater or light jacket, as well as wearing comfortable long pants or jeans. You may not wear sandals under any circumstances. We also recommend you wear plenty of sunblock, as the sun can be strong in the mountains above the city.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, please bring your camera to document the incredible weightless beauty of our tour above the city. However, make sure you have a good strap so that you do not drop it while you are in the air. We also have GoPro service available for the cost of $16 USD
It is recommended that you avoid looking at the screen of your phone or camera while you are in the air to avoid nausea and also to allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery uninterrupted.
Is there a weight limit? Is there an age limit?
There is a weight limit of 120 kilos or 240 pounds, but there is no age limit. We have flown with physically disabled people, with people who are up to 101 years old and with children as young as 2 years old accompanied by an instructor.
How do I pay?
Due to our dependence on the weather, you do not pay for your flight at the time of registration. All payments for services (including transportation, Go-Pro, and flight) are done at the office in San Félix. We accept payments by credit card, paypal and cash.
Can I learn to paraglide on my own? How long does that take?
Yes, Ruben Fly is the most experienced paragliding teacher in Colombia! There is no better place to learn. An intensive course (full-time) will take about one week to complete. You must complete 10 hours of theory, and 40 hours of practice to receive a paragliding certification. Please see our “Courses” page for more details on how to get certified.
We want to empower you to see the world from the air!
What is paramotor?
Paramotor is a paragliding flight that uses a small backpack motor to help propel you further, or take off from low ground, like a beach. To experience the joy of paramotoring, you must first complete a paramotor course. Note: it is not required to have any paragliding experience to complete the paramotor course. However, we only offer this course in Cartagena, because the beach provides an easier learning environment than the mountains of Medellin.
The course requires 5 hours of theory and 20 hours of practice to receive a certificate. You also must participate in a 20 minute tandem flight and ten solo flights. If you are interested in learning paramotor in Cartagena, please see our courses page for more information!
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What is paramotor?
Paramotor is a paragliding flight that uses a small backpack motor to help propel you further, or take off from low ground, like a beach. To experience the joy of paramotoring, you must first complete a paramotor course. Note: it is not required to have any paragliding experience to complete the paramotor course. However, we only offer this course in Cartagena, because the beach provides an easier learning environment than the mountains of Medellin.
The course requires 5 hours of theory and 20 hours of practice to receive a certificate. You also must participate in a 20 minute tandem flight and ten solo flights. If you are interested in learning paramotor in Cartagena, please see our courses page for more information!