This sport has no engines, no fuselage, no additives. Just you, the instructor and the paraglider taking off together from a hillside to find yourselves unexpectedly airborne in total silence and harmony with nature. You deserve to try it, so let's make it easy for you.
Your Paragliding Debut in Anoia County
Forget the typical doubts swirling in your head - no experience needed, no prior flights required, not even knowing what preparation you might need. The answer? Nothing at all. Parapent Barcelona's pilots are certified instructors by the Catalan Aeroclub with thousands of tandem and competition flight hours. They've even participated in the most complex sporting events. Currently holding the title of 2017 XContest Catalonia Tandem Champions and 2 Catalonian distance records. Let them take care of everything.
They offer 4 flight zones located just 50-90 minutes from Barcelona maximum. The team selects the ideal location based on weather and wind conditions - launching from Igualada, Montblanc, soaring above Berga, or cruising the skies of Belltall or Sant Pere de Torelló.
The first recommendation to ease you in is the Paragliding Baptism. This is the simplest and quickest introduction to the sport. Your instructor will meet you at Sierra de Rubí, near Igualada - perfectly accessible just 60km from Barcelona. They'll have already verified ideal weather conditions, potentially suggesting Belltall as alternative if preferable.
While bonding with your pilot, admire the spectacular surroundings - you'll gain a whole new perspective as the landscape transforms beneath you. First comes about 15 minutes of briefing explaining how everything will unfold.
When they strap you into the harness, reality hits about what you're attempting. This is the most intense, focused moment - you must become one with the pilot. Positioned together metres from a high point's edge, at their signal you'll take several quick steps in a short run towards what you'd rather not see is a cliff. Your body braces for expected falling sensations with accompanying stomach-churning vertigo... then suddenly you're airborne without any discomfort. Surprisingly, the updrafts catch you immediately - you're flying!
What follows are 10-15 minutes of gentle descent - arms and legs outstretched as if touching infinity. Most striking is the absolute silence surrounding you, broken only by your own laughter bursting with pent-up excitement. Landing proves as smooth as takeoff, enjoyed with all the confidence you've gained.
Maximise the adventure by booking a standard flight lasting up to 30 minutes airborne. Unlike the baptism's immediate descent, here the pilot rides thermal currents to gain altitude - prolonging the journey until you're crossing paths with local birds. This version expands possible locations to Berga and Sant Pere de Torelló, with optional photo/video packages.
Extreme Acrobatic Flights
Paragliding has its wild side too - not everything must be peace and harmony if you crave action. Acrobatic flights harness thermal currents and pilot skill to deliver 35 minutes of intensifying manoeuvres, pushing turns to your personal limit. Give them free rein and they'll make your hair stand on end!
Similarly thrilling are performance flights covering several kilometres skyward before returning to launch after two extreme manoeuvres and up to 70 minutes airborne - perfect for couples.
You might get hooked and fancy gaining autonomy to eventually pilot yourself. For this, Parapent Barcelona offers beginner courses preparing you at all levels to become master of your own adventure.
