Paragliding in Busan

‘Maybe we can’t go today’ I am told. I guess there’s no controlling the wind, I think, and prepare myself for the disappointment. Two minutes later I am ushered urgently into a pink helmet and kneepads, a flying chair is secured to my body and I am escorted to where my paragliding guide waits, in the middle of a flat, grassy patch next to the wide Nakdong river.

I generally believe that the fear of a thing is greater than actually doing it. Having felt only a little nervous before taking off, I expect the flight to be a breeze. Yet I discover quickly that leaving from the ground that doesn’t prepare you for actually being in the air, and for the first few minutes of flying my fear increases steadily as we gain height. But what a rush! The apartment buildings turn into domino pieces and the Naktong spreads out like a grey snake running north to South. I hold a camera on a pole and take in the improbability of sitting in the sky as my guide points out Yangsan tower in the distance.

Whereas other paragliding companies leave from mountainsides, Duripara take off from the riverside, using a cord attached to a boat to help lift the gliders from the ground. It is, I am assured, safer and less (initially) terrifying than running off the edge of a mountain.

The group are warm and friendly, and very experienced. The man I fly with has 25 years experience of tandem flights. So when he asks me, mid-flight, if I like extreme sports I could perhaps be more trusting. I say instead ‘this is extreme enough to be honest’. I’m not sure he hears, but judging on the flight of the man who went after me I don’t think he swooped us as much as he could’ve done, so he’d probably sensed my general vibe.

If you want an experience that will leave you buzzing all day, I’d recommend paragliding to anyone. It was a wonderful way to start a Saturday. For anyone uncertain about jumping off a mountain, Duripara offer the perfect method for an introductory flight. The central location (Hwamyoung Ecological Park near Sujeoung subway station) and the free footage of your flight (uploaded to your phone straight away) also make them a great company to fly with. Thanks to all at Duripara for a birthday present I’ll never forget!