What to Wear Paragliding
Last Updated: September 2026
Dress for a short run at launch, wind at altitude, and a landing on your feet. The operator usually provides helmet and harness. You bring shoes and clothes that will not fight the wing.
Quick Facts
- Closed-toe shoes you can run in — required almost everywhere
- Layers beat a single heavy coat
- Sunglasses help; secure them
- Tie long hair back
- Leave loose scarves and dangling jewelry off
- Confirm any site-specific clothing note on their official page
Shoes
Recommended: sneakers or light trail shoes with a secure fit. Avoid: flip-flops, heels, loose sandals, brand-new stiff boots you cannot run in.
You need grip for the launch run and a clean landing. If the shoe can fall off mid-run, pick another pair.
Clothes
- Comfortable outdoor pants or shorts appropriate for the temperature at launch
- Shirt you can move in; add a light layer for cooler launch elevations
- Avoid floor-length skirts and anything that can snag lines
- Gloves only if that operator suggests them for cold launches
Sun and Wind
Launch faces are bright. Sunscreen on exposed skin. A hat only if it will stay on under a helmet — many people skip the hat.
What Not to Bring Into the Harness
- Loose phones without a secure mount the operator allows
- Big backpacks on your back during flight (ask about camera mounts)
- Food you will not finish before launch
Beginner Mistakes
- Dressing for the parking-lot photo, not the wind at launch
- Open-toe shoes
- Scarves and dangling straps near lines
FAQ
**Do they provide helmets?** Usually yes on tandem flights. Confirm.
**Can I wear a dress?** Only if you can run and sit in the harness safely. Pants or shorts are simpler.
Ready to Find an Operator?
Search tandem paragliding near your ZIP. Filter to Paragliding tandem. Start at /air. Independent directory, not a booking service.
Find this near you
Search a city, state, or ZIP. Set distance to 20 or 50 miles. Filter to Paragliding tandem. Or browse Air: /air. Independent directory, not a booking service. Book on the operator’s official website.
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