Frequently Asked Questions for Tandem Paragliding Malaysia
1. Do I need reservations?
We strongly suggest that you book your trip as far in advance as possible. Our paragliding lesson fill up quickly, especially during the peak season like weekends and public holidays. All packages we offer are by advance reservation only, please check our description for more details.
2. Is Tandem Paragliding safe?
Statistically paragliding is quite safe as compared to other sports. Choosing when to fly has the greatest impact on everyone’s safety when it comes to paragliding.
Our instructors have all the necessary experience to judge the weather conditions and will only proceed with a flight if they are certain that safety will not be compromised.
3. What is Tandem Paragliding?
A tandem paraglider is designed to carry two people - the pilot and the passenger. The passenger is strapped into a harness right in front of an experienced paragliding pilot during the paragliding tandem flights. Tandem paragliding is a sublime adrenaline rush.
Paragliding is sport flying in a special type of wing similar looking to a parachute which can be launched by running down a hill. It's a non-motorized, foot-launched form of free flying with an inflatable lightweight wing. Paragliding is the simplest form of human flight, and fastest growing type of foot-launched flying. A paraglider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable wing. It is easy to transport, launch, and land. Paraglider actually fly like a bird, soaring upwards on currents of air.
4. Is Paragliding Safe?
Paragliding is an adventure sport, so it does have inherent risks. In general, is a very safe sport so long as you follow the rules and regulations. Actually, it is as safe as driving,
with proper training and equipment, paragliding is one of the safest forms of personal flying. Our tandem pilots go through certification with the MSAF (national association overseeing air sports in Malaysia). All of our pilots have many years of flying experience, and all of their equipment is inspected regularly.
In comparison to other sports, the statistics on paragliding afflicted injuries are very low. This is achieved by adhering to the safety regulations, ensuring that all equipment is well kept and maintained, instructors are following the standard operating procedures and for tandem paragliding, it is compulsory that the passengers are well briefed prior to engaging them in the sport’s activity.
5. How long is the air time in Tandem Paragliding Experience?
Paragliding sports is very dependent on weather especially wind conditions. For the Tandem Paragliding experience, we will stay up in the air between 10 to 15 minutes max based on weather conditions of the day.
6. How does a Tandem Paragling launch and airborne?
Unlike the parachutes where you jump from an airplane or high object. Paragliders are usually launched by running a few steps against the wind and down a hill of moderate slopes with the glider inflated until you are lifted off your feet and airborne.
7. How do pilot control and land a paraglider?
Two "brake" lines/cords are controlling each half of the trailing edge of the wing. Pulling one of them deforms the same half of the trailing edge, creates drag, and makes the wing turn in the same direction. When landing we pull both brakes which reduces the speed of the paraglider, this converts most of its kinetic energy into potential (slower descent) and we land as soft to the ground.
8. Do I have to be physically fit to book tandem paragliding?
Being a passenger is not physically demanding. While flying you sit back and relax. During the launch phase, you may be asked to jog a few steps at take-off and/or landing. Typically if someone can walk up and down a flight of stairs or climb a small ladder they are able to be a tandem passenger.
If you have a past or existing injury or weakness that may be aggravated by a sudden change of pace or direction while walking or jogging then paragliding is best avoided. As with most physical activity if you have a joint or muscular problem it may be aggravated by a tandem flight.
9. Are there any limitations on who can join tandem paragliding?
The minimum age for a passenger is 10 years, and any passengers under the age of 18 years will need written consent from a parent or guardian.
There is no maximum age as long as you are relatively fit and in good health. You do not need to be an athlete but you may have to run a short distance to take off. You must weigh between 40kg and 88kg to be able to fly. If we believe you to be outside this range then we may ask you to step on our scales, as it could be unsafe for you and the pilot if you are too light or too heavy. For weight above 89 or 91kg depending on the fly zone, you need to inform us before booking, overweight will have an additional charge in order for the pilot to prepare a bigger parachute to suit your weight for airborne.
We will not fly anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We are also unable to fly anyone who is pregnant. If you have any special needs and are unsure whether or not they may prevent you from flying, please phone or email us to discuss.
10. When is the best time for me to book tandem paragliding?
We fly every day if there is a booking, from Apr to October is the best season for paragliding in Malaysia. With mild to hot temperatures and fair winds, you have a much higher chance to enjoy an awesome glide in the sky.
11. What should I bring and wear on the activity day?
Wearing clothes and shoes suitable for some physical activity is required: Sturdy shoes or trekking sandals that you would go for a brisk walk, jog or play sport in. Preferably with a closed toe to better protect your feet.
A warm top. Even if the day is hot it is cooler when flying around in the sea breeze. On a cold day it can be very chilly, so rug up. Mid thigh shorts, long pants or tights are best as you are secured by harness straps that pass between your legs.
Glasses or sunglasses are fine. If they are loose you may want to secure them before flight. Sunscreen, hat, snack and water – sometimes we have to patiently wait for the right winds and conditions to launch.
12. What if I am afraid of heights?
There are many levels of being scared of heights. There is a big difference between a healthy caution of heights and a true fear of heights.
If you exhibit obvious and severe physical symptoms, such as sweating, dizziness, nausea, when close to an edge, in a glass elevator, or even just thinking about being high, then paragliding is not going to be so enjoyable. If you simply feel a bit anxious and/or excited about your tandem flight then you are normal.
13. Are there any height and weight restrictions?
We use an adjustable harness and two different-sized wings to cater to nearly every shape and size. As a general rule, we can easily cope with someone weight from 40 kg to 120 kg and a height of 120 cm to 200 cm.
If you are near to or outside the extremes of these ranges please advise us and we will endeavor to accommodate your size to change to a bigger wind/parachute to fit your weight. An additional RM50 will be imposed on people who weight above 89kg for KKB and above 91kg for other hill sites.
14. What are the age limits?
There are hardly any age limits if you fit within the weight requirements and are in good shape. The oldest passenger we’ve had so far was nearly 80 years old! Kids as young as 6 years old can fly too, as long as it is clear that they want to, and anyone aged 14 to 17 must have the form signed by a guardian.
A parent or a guardian must be present to look after them, participate in the briefing, and be satisfied that we are taking all necessary measures to ensure the child’s safety.
15. Can I bring camera or do you take videos/photos for us?
You are welcome to bring a camera, phone, or GoPro with you on the flight to record pictures and/or video. We recommend you have a strap around your neck or wrist to secure the camera and any loss or damage to the device is your responsibility. If a friend or family member is available they can take some photos/video of your launch and landing.
Our pilots will have a GoPro available on the day and for free of charge to take some video or photos while in the air for you. Later you can transfer it to your phone. We hope this makes your experience worth for memory of your lifetime.
16. Do I need to get insurance as tandem passenger?
Yes! Although the tandem pilot may have his/her insurance coverage, it does not cover the passengers. Therefore it is imperative that the passenger subscribes to an insurance plan that specifically covers the paragliding activity. At the moment, Malaysian who booked the tandem paragliding experience will be covered by the insurance company that specifically covers Tandem Paragliding activities in Pacific & Orient Insurance Co. Berhad, and all tandem paragliding operators are required to subscribe their passengers to this insurance.
For non-Malaysian, you have to purchase insurance separately by your own, it's optional however we highly recommended you get it for safety and peace of mind while travel for holiday to enjoy tandem paragliding.
17. Can my friends or family go to watch me fly?
Yes! They can and watch you in Bukit Jurga only. Jurga take-off area is just next to where you parked your car. However, for other hills, we need 4WD to transfer people up to the hill for take-off.
For people who booked to Tandem Paragliding, the 4WD transfer fee is already covered. For non-booking customers or people who come for watching you, they need to pay for a 4WD return transfer at around RM20 p/pax.
18. How is the whole process of the activities day itself?
You drive to a meeting point follow our Google/Waze map provided for you to meet the pilot at the time been set. Besides Jurga Hill, all other hills will need to hop on to a 4WD and transfer to the hilltop for take-off, everyone included pilot meet at the same time and go up together with 4WD depending on the group sizes and 4WD available of the day.
Take-off will be done one by one, the pilot will coordinate who will first go and fly. All final decisions will be decided by pilots based on weather and wind direction of the day included either to proceed or reschedule if bad weather for safety.
Once your turn is up, you will be asked to gear up and brief you some simple instructions on how to take-off together with the pilot, how fast to run, and what to do after take-off and while in the air, and finally the landing.
While you are airborne, please sit back and enjoy your flying experience. We believe it's the best time in your day or your life of this memorable experience.
Once safely landing, you are land on the place where it's close to your car park, else wait for 4WD to transfer you to a car park (each location is different).
Once at the car park, the pilot will transfer the video from his GoPro video direct to your mobile phone. You can take a photo with the pilot there before the pilot heads up to the hill again for the next customer take-off.
19. How do I book the Tandem Paragliding Experience?
You can book the tandem paragliding experience by filling up the Booking Form on our website. If you have any questions about the lesson before booking, please call or WhatsApp our General Line for assistant at +60196638336
20. How early should I arrive beforehand to meeting point?
Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your meeting time. If you are not familiar with the area you may want to allow some extra time before your departure time. Make sure to get good directions before you leave home (we provide Google & Waze Map in your Confirmation Email).
FYI: Be sure to take your instructor or OXBOLD contact number info with you. All trips start at the set scheduled and times, if you are late or you have missed the lesson. Make sure you are familiar with our booking policies.
21. Which is the best location to fly?
We only fly at locations that provide an excellent flight experience and approved by the authority. Bukit Jugra, Bukit Pantai Merdeka and Bukit Bubus have an excellent scenery. Bukit Batu Pahat in KKB is popular due to it's the closest to Kuala Lumpur for a convenient weekend getaway fly experience. KKB is best for fly due to its elevation of 400m and its beautiful landscape surround by many rivers and hills.
However, you can select just one location if you prefer. Please advise us early on the day of your booking.
22. What if the weather is not good on the activity day?
Paragliding requires a certain strength and direction of the wind to enjoy a safe flight. Of course, we must fly during daylight and we cannot fly in the rain. We make every effort to forecast weather in advance so that you and your pilot only travel to launch if there is a good chance of flying.
However, the weather is unpredictable and full of surprises. If the booked time is not suitable for flying we simply make arrangements for another day that does suit your schedule. Many people are lucky and their preferred day is rewarded with a great flight. Others may require two or three different booking times to finally get airborne. We will communicate with each other the day before and/or the morning of the flight to confirm the weather and the likelihood of flying.