Cape Town – The Mother City is really quite special. The beaches, the waterfront, the shopping, restaurants and bars – all framed by the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain National Park. I have always wanted to go paragliding, and upon hearing that it is possible to paraglide over Cape Town from Signal Hill it was immediately booked.
Blessed with a beautifully blue clear sky and accompanied by my wife, father and brother we make our way to the takeoff point. The favourable weather does, however, have a slight downside. Very little wind – not the best paragliding conditions.
After a rapid waiver and safety induction my wife and brother are kitted out, strapped to a paragliding instructor and launched off the side of the hill. It all happens so fast! A brief but promising flutter of wind prompted the hurried take off.
Our instructors return, unfortunately not with the wind. We wait for what seems like hours, though must only be about 40 minutes, but eventually a flutter of wind gives us hope for a take-off.
‘Don’t stop running, ok?’ My instructor anxiously advises.
I ‘m ready. Here we go.
I run as fast as it is possible to run whilst being physically attached to someone else.
The chute beats up behind us, lifting – we are still running.
The blue guidance matting finishes, we are still running.
We reach the grassy hillside – and still running!
We sprint down the hill, scrambling round rocks and bursting through bushes.
Eventually, the speed is too much, and we begin sliding along the harsh surface before skidding to an abrupt halt. I take the brunt of the impact, with the instructor landing on top of me. We are completely out of sight of the take-off point and a good 100m or more down the side of the hill.
What awaits is a long and humiliating hike back uphill. I’m not hurt – ego notwithstanding. I am dreading explaining this to the others.
On return, it’s back to waiting for the wind. This time, a strong gust picks up and we are in the air instantly. It was clear that we probably shouldn’t have attempted that first take-off – I felt better about the accident and the flight was absolutely incredible!
On landing, my wife and brother rush over. It has been over an hour since they had landed and they were rather concerned. As they approach, the relief on their faces turns to horror. My jeans and hoodie are ripped; I was wearing parts of Table Mountain – which had taken some revenge on my scraped and bloody forearms. However it is still one of my favourite experiences from Cape Town!
If you’d like to experience falling off a mountain then get in touch with Cape Town Tandem Paragliding
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Adam Wright
The Write Route
This article was written as a guest post by Adam Wright, from The Wright Route. With Amy they are lovers of travel, adventure, food and gin!
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What a fun guest post. Glad that he was okay, even if a little scraped up. I have gone skydiving, but paragliding always sounded easier (not having to deal with an airplane) until now.
Thanks Jen, it was really great fun despite the mishap. I have never skydived but I’m planning to this year.
I’ve read quite a few travel guides about South Africa and they all seem to center around Table Mountain. However, paragliding is a unique way to experience and see the sights of Cape Town. What happened to Adam is precisely why I am too scared to try adventure rides like this. It is difficult when you let yourself be in the mercy of mother nature. One small mistake or gust of wind to a different direction can be the difference between a safe landing and an accident. Glad Adam’s wasn’t so serious though!
Thanks, yep we are certainly at the mercy of Mother Nature. In this one though I think it was more a company trying to fit more flights in, during a day that didn’t have the best flying conditions. I’m a bit of an adventure junky and this was the first time that the risk backfired a bit!
This was an exciting adventure, paragliding always is. But commensurate with the excitement is also the risk. The fact that in spite of the accident you had a great time speaks volumes for your resilience.
I’ll be sure to let Adam
This was an exciting adventure, paragliding always is. But commensurate with the excitement is also the risk. The fact that in spite of the accident you had a great time speaks volumes for your resilience.
Thanks Sandy, I think the adrenaline carried me through!
Isn’t it strange how we remember such experiences the most? I am scared of heights but somehow manage tandem paragliding… it’s fun to see what a bird sees! Fingers crossed and hoping for better winds for the next attempt!
Thanks! Your spot on there, it has definitely made the experience more memorable.
My fear when paragliding is always that the wind doesn’t take you like it’s supposed to.. luckily when we did this in France the weather was kind – but I’d have been mortified (both by my bruised ego and physical injuries) if I had tumbled 100m down Table Mountain! What was your guide thinking?! At least you’re safe and had an enjoyable the experience on the second attempt!
I know, right! Not sure what he was thinking! I still really enjoyed it and was just glad it didn’t happen to my 60 year old father.
I have been paragliding in Austria and it is quite a dangerous thing if not done well with winds being a big issue. Adam, I am happy to read that you were okay after the ordeal and had only injured forearms. Your wife and brother landed over an hour before you arrived? I can see why they would’ve been worried! All said and done, glad it ended positively and that it was one of your favourite memories in Cape Town.
Thanks, yep they were a little concerned after waiting so long but in the end we all enjoyed the experience. Love Austria, where did you go paragliding?
I have never tried any of those adventure sports yet. Paragliding is high on my list. I see that your first attempt to take off went wrong but glad you made it through and had a great time.
It wasn’t me. This is a guest post but yes Adam did finally get to have a great time
Thanks it was great fun and I would highly recommend paragliding despite the mishap!