F.A.Q
Paragliding is a form of unpowered flight in which rising air is needed to keep the glider aloft. This rising air can come from two sources: 1. when the sun heats features on the ground, columns of rising air known as thermals are generated 2. when wind encounters a ridge in the landscape, the air is forced upwards, providing ridge lift. In mountainous environments, flying is mostly based around thermals, which can be used to stay aloft before heading for a landing field below the launch site. In hill environments, ridge lift is used for ridge soaring, and landing can be done either back at the launch site, or at a landing field at the bottom of the ridge. In either case, more experienced pilots can use thermals to cover big distances, known as cross country.
Tandem paragliding flights involve a candidate student or a passenger, being securely strapped into a comfortable flying harness positioned in front of the pilot and connected to the pilot and the glider. The tandem glider is specially designed to carry two people and is nearly twice the size of a regular solo paraglider.
Anyone that is 8 – 100 years old and weighs between 20 and 100kg can fly with us, providing they are in good physical and mental health. Children under 18 wanting to fly must be signed off by a parent or guardian. Please do tell us in advance if you weight 90kg or over so that we can schedule you accordingly. This avoids disappointments if the wind is very light. Similarly, if you or any in your party are 40kg or less, please mention this to us when booking.
There are several meeting points, depended on the flying site we re going to fly. We’ll inform you a day or two before the flight for the exact place depending of the weather forecast.
No. Depending on how much wind there is, take-offs generally require nothing more than just a few steps to get into the air. You don’t even need to be able to run most of the time. Landings are very slow and even folks with knee, hip or back aches and pains can fly with us. (Please mention any ailments when booking, so we can OK these).
Not at all. The take-off is simple and landings are soft and safe. Our pilots take no risks at all. Explore paragliding uses only the safest paragliding equipment and our expert pilots make decisions based on their own safety as well as that of the paragliding candidate student. Paragliding is not entirely risk free – but then neither is driving a car.
Comfortable, closed running / walking shoes / hiking boots (takkies / trainers / joggers / sneakers), NOT Crocs, sandals, flip flops, nothing that flop or flips please!, T-shirt and long sleeved jersey / fleece / windstopper, long or short pants, sun block (sunscreen) and hat (it’s often sunny and we don’t want you getting sunburned!), drinking water.
Explore Paragliding Tandem flights are only done by exceptionally experienced pilots with plenty of local and international knowledge. Not simply the minimum requirement –Certified instructor and Tandem pilot recognized by the Greek airsport federation. Its the only Authority that can valid pilots in Greece, and always ask to see the pilot license of that authority. Explore Paragliding takes absolutely no chance with anyone’s safety.
Again, depends of the fly site we re going to fly. As little as 30 minutes, up to an hour of your time is all that is required to do the whole experience – If the weather is favorable and we are not delayed. Meet, Signup, briefing, run, fly, scream, (optional), land and walk away with your pics and video in hand…smiling for the rest of the day!
Call on the day or in advance. You can call and book spontaneously, on the day, but of course advanced booking always ensures you a place. We get really busy in the summer months and recommend advance booking. Always try to fly earlier in your time in Crete as our sport is weather dependent. Email booking is also acceptable.We require a mobile cell phone number for you to make a booking (even an international number). This is to reconfirm the booking on the morning of flight and to inform you if there are unexpected weather changes.
Best and easiest is cash on the day. Cash before or after the flight. Credit Card before the flight by internet. NOTE: We do not have a credit card facility on the mountain.
