Can paragliding make you dizzy? Tips for a smooth flight

Most tandem paragliding guests don't feel sick at all. A normal flight path is smooth and slow, like sitting in a floating hanging chair. Queasiness and dizziness mostly affect people who are prone to car sickness or seasickness, or happen when the pilot keeps circling in banked turns inside a thermal. The good news is that a few simple tips can almost completely eliminate the risk.

Why do some people feel sick when paragliding?

Motion sickness happens when your eyes and inner ear "report" different things about movement. Under the wing, three situations tend to cause queasiness:

• Circling in a thermal. To gain height or fly longer, the pilot may turn several circles in a row.
• Steep banking manoeuvres that some guests request for extra thrills.
• Turbulent air around midday in strong sunshine.

Being hungry, short on sleep, or staring at your phone screen for too long during the flight can also make you more likely to feel unwell.

Who is more likely to feel sick?

• People who often get car sick or seasick.
• People who have just ridden a long stretch of mountain passes and already feel tired.
• People who are short on sleep or have skipped a meal.
• People who drank alcohol the night before.

If you're in one of these groups, don't worry — just tell your pilot and follow the tips below.

8 tips for a smooth, dizziness-free paragliding flight

1. Have a light meal 1–2 hours before flying. Don't fly on an empty stomach, but don't eat too much or anything too greasy either.
2. Get a good night's sleep beforehand. If you're doing the Hà Giang Loop, spend a night in the Quản Bạ area rather than flying straight off the bus.
3. No alcohol before your flight — this is also a mandatory safety requirement.
4. Tell your pilot from the start that you get motion sick and want a smooth flight.
5. Look at the horizon, not down at your feet or at your phone screen.
6. Breathe slowly and deeply, and let the cool air on your face.
7. Choose a morning flight, when the air is usually calmer than at midday.
8. Speak up as soon as you feel unwell. The pilot will fly straight, skip the circling, and can bring you to the landing field earlier.

Which package should you choose if you get motion sick?

Standard tandem paragliding costs 2.290.000đ/guest and standard paramotor 2.590.000đ/guest. For the PG sunset package, please contact us or check the booking page.

Is paramotor less likely to make you sick?

With a paramotor, the wing is pushed by an engine, so the pilot rarely needs to circle to find lift. The flight path is usually steadier and straighter, so some people prone to motion sickness find it more comfortable. However, there is engine noise and a faint smell of fuel — if you're sensitive to smells, bear that in mind.

If you feel dizzy during the flight

• Say so straight away: "I'm feeling a bit dizzy".
• Look straight ahead at the horizon.
• Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
• Loosen your collar and let the cool breeze onto your face.

The pilot will put the wing on a straight, smooth flight path. The feeling usually eases quickly once the turning stops.

Common misconceptions

• "The higher you fly, the sicker you get." Not really. Height doesn't cause sickness; continuous turning is the main cause.
• "Paramotors vibrate, so they make you sicker." In fact, paramotor flight paths are usually steady, the engine vibration is light and few people feel uncomfortable.
• "If you feel sick, you have to give up flying." Not at all. With a smooth, straight flight, most guests still enjoy the whole thing.

After landing

Sit and rest for a few minutes at the riverside landing field, drink some water (included in the ticket price) and watch your GoPro video. Don't jump straight back on your motorbike to continue the Hà Giang Loop if you still feel light-headed.

To prepare more thoroughly, see our article on what to prepare for your first paragliding flight.

Frequently asked questions

Should I take motion sickness medication before flying?

If you often get car sick and are used to a particular medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist and let your pilot know. Some medications cause drowsiness, and you need to be alert for the take-off run and landing.

I want a thrill — can I ask for some spirals?

Yes, if the wind conditions allow and the pilot judges it appropriate. Tell them clearly before the flight.

Are children prone to motion sickness?

Children usually adapt quickly. Even so, give them a light snack before the flight and let the pilot know if they often get car sick.

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Read more: Quản Bạ flying site · Flying weather forecast · Hà Giang Loop stage by stage · Preparing for your flight