What to prepare for your first paragliding flight
What to wear, what to bring, and how to prepare physically and mentally for your first paragliding flight over Hà Giang's Rocky Plateau, with a season-by-season checklist
Đội trưởng Mỹ · · 5 min read
For your first paragliding flight you don't need any experience or special skills: you sit in front, the pilot sits behind and flies the whole way. There are only three things to prepare: long clothes and trainers, warm layers suited to the season, and a relaxed state of mind. The article below gathers everything worth knowing, from clothing and what to bring to your health, so that your first flight over the Quản Bạ valley is everything it should be.
Quick checklist before leaving your hotel
- Long-sleeved top, long trousers (no skirts)
- Trainers or hiking shoes with laces tied firmly (no sandals, no high heels)
- Sunglasses, ideally with a strap
- Windproof jacket; add a warm layer if you're flying early or in winter
- ID card (CCCD) or passport
- Phone fully charged, with enough free storage to receive photos and videos
- A small, compact bag if you really need to take one on the flight
- Sunscreen for waiting around at midday
What to wear for paragliding?
Long sleeves, long trousers
During the take-off run and landing you may slide on the grass. Long sleeves and trousers help prevent scrapes and keep you warm up high. Avoid skirts, long scarves or loose, flapping clothes, as they can easily get caught in the straps.
A little tip: brightly coloured clothes look far better in photos against the grey rock mountains and the green valley.
Shoes
Trainers with a good grip are a must, because you need to run a few sure-footed steps on the grassy slope when a paraglider takes off. Tie your laces tightly before heading up to the launch.
Glasses and protection
Sunglasses keep your eyes comfortable when flying into the sun and wind. If you wear prescription glasses, tell your pilot so they can show you how to secure them.
The layering rule: what to wear in Hà Giang?
Temperatures in Hà Giang vary a lot between day and night, and between the valleys and the mountain passes. Midday can be hot, but early mornings and late afternoons up high turn cold very quickly. So wear several thin layers rather than one very thick jacket, so it's easy to take something off or put more on.
By season
- Summer (roughly May–September): T-shirt, a light sun-protective jacket, and a compact rain jacket for afternoon showers.
- Autumn (roughly September–November): windbreaker, a thin scarf (stowed in your pocket while flying).
- Winter (roughly December–February): thermal layer, thick jacket, gloves, and a thin beanie that fits under the helmet. If you're chasing clouds early in the morning, dress even warmer.
