What to Wear Paragliding

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.