If you want to try a new, thrilling, adrenaline pumping adventure, take to the skies with Flytime Paragliding in Sedgefield & Wilderness. Paragliding is certainly the best way to experience a region like the Wilderness and the Garden Route!
For years, I had tandem paragliding on my bucket list and when I became aware of Flytime Paragliding, who happen to operate in what I consider among the most beautiful places in the world, I jumped at the opportunity.
The prospect of enjoying unrivalled views of the Garden Route as well as feeding the inner adrenaline seeker within me made my choice an easy one!
I got in touch with Sue, one of the Flytime Paragliding tandem flight instructors. I really appreciated her efforts to help us arrange our trip and to make it an experience never to be forgotten. I can certainly say that we will never forget my first ever tandem flight.
Safety first at Flytime Paragliding!
Arriving at their take off site, Sue gave me and my friends a safety briefing including what we could expect during our flight. I must say, we were reassured that we had made the best choice.
We would be flying with Pete, who is regarded as the ‘Grandfather of paragliding in South Africa’. After the briefing, we put on all of the necessary safety gear, took deep breaths, a few photos for posterity, and off we went…
Reality began to sink in when Pete and I began running towards the edge of the hill. Fortunately, for me I only needed to take a few steps – and that is exactly what I did. I soon realised we were flying!
The experience can only be described as surreal. I was at the mercy of both nature as well as the expertise of my instructor. Fortunately, Pete has over 30 years of experience, so I was in the best possible hands.
He regularly reassured me of his plan for the flight, whilst also taking the time out to chat during our tandem flight.
As the saying goes, “time flies when you having fun”, this is a great analogy for a tandem flight. There is simply so much to see, whilst a selfie stick makes for great photographic opportunities.
Once the time came for us to descend to land, Pete was once again very reassuring and explained what is expected of me. I was both relieved and disappointed to touch the ground.
Indeed, my first-ever tandem flight went flawlessly and I am certain it will not be my last.
Tandem Paragliding in the Garden Route
Flytime Paragliding provides tandem paragliding as well as beginner and basic paragliding license training. Operating out of the towns of Wilderness and Sedgefield, visitors can look forward to superb views as well as experienced instructors.
Flytime has two flight packages, namely their Standard Tandem Flight and an Adventure Tandem Flight. The Standard Tandem Flight can last for up to 10 minutes whilst the Adventure Tandem Flight can last up to 20 minutes. The adventure flight also includes the chance to control the paraglider.
The flight duration and location is dependent on the weather.
Visitors can choose to bring along their own GoPro or use the one owned by the team. The team understand that memories are best captured in the moment, hence a great way to show your friends and family of what you have experienced.
The use of Flytime Paragliding’s GoPro and footage is an extra expense.
Flytime Paragliding has 5 flying sites, namely Sedgeview, Map of Africa, The Wilderness Beach Hotel, Kleinkrantz and Paradise Ridge.
The team welcome group bookings and all of their tandem pilots are SAHPA certified and licenced tandem flight instructors.
Flyime also has female tandem pilots, which helps ease many potential visitors’ consciences.
To book a flight, click HERE.
Courses offered by Flytime Paragliding
Flytime has two courses available, namely their Introductory Course and their Basic License Course.
The Introductory Course lasts for 2 days and it involves ground-handling training with their custom pull-up wings which will get you started and take you for your first flights off the Wilderness dunes. The intro course will also include instructional tandem flights with a SAHPA certified and licenced grade A or B instructor.
Should you be hooked having completed your Introductory Course, the next step is to do a Basic License Course.
This course will last between 9 and 12 days and is designed to give you basic building blocks on which to develop and enhance the paragliding skills you have already learnt. The fact that you will be training in a safe environment and with a manageable progression in skills gives you the best possible opportunity to learn and to grow as a pilot.
The team can also take care of your accommodation needs during your course by prior arrangement.
Reviews from previous Flytime Paragliding guests
“What An amazing experience! The whole crew was so very kind and ensured that we had the best possible flight and we really did ! Beautiful weather and an even better view . Thank you sue and Pete!!,” wrote Penny on their TripAdvisor page.
Jordan Day added; “Sue and Pete Wallenda are the perfect team. My fiancé and I had a great few flights with them. We keep going back! Thank you for an amazing experience. Would definitely recommend. “
Flytime Paragliding is located on Egret Rd, Sedgefield. For bookings, call or WhatsApp +27 (0) 72 612 8168; email info@flytimeparagliding.com or visit them online at www.flytimeparagliding.com. Follow them on Facebook HERE or on Instagram HERE.