Tandem paragliding safety gear
What equipment keeps you safe on a tandem paragliding flight? We explain the tandem wing, the reserve parachute, the padded harness, the helmet, the radios and how the pilot checks each of them.
Captain Mỹ · · 5 min read
A safe tandem paragliding flight relies on five main groups of equipment: the tandem wing, the padded harness system, the reserve parachute, the helmet, and communication tools such as radios. Good gear only does its job when it is checked properly before every flight. This article walks you through each item so you understand exactly how you are protected.
1. The tandem wing
A tandem wing is larger than a solo wing because it has to carry two people. Every wing has a weight range set by the manufacturer — that is why the team asks for your weight when you book.
The pilot checks the wing by:
- Laying it out on the launch site and inspecting the leading edge and the cells.
- Checking the fabric for tears, holes or unusual wear.
- Sorting and separating the lines, making sure none are tangled or twisted.
- Checking the connectors between the lines and the wing, and between the wing and the harnesses.
2. Lines and spreader bars
Hundreds of thin but very strong lines connect the wing down to two spreader bars — these keep your harness and the pilot's harness at the right distance, so the two of you don't bump into each other during the take-off run and in flight.
The connection points use purpose-made metal carabiners with safety locks, which the pilot double-checks before take-off.
3. The padded harness
The passenger harness is a seat-style pod that supports your back and thighs. Key points:
- Back and hip protection padding helps reduce the impact if the landing is firm.
- Shoulder, leg and chest straps are adjusted to fit you.
- The buckles are checked by hand by the pilot once you are strapped in.
Once you are airborne, you just lean back — the harness holds you securely and you don't need to hold on.
4. The reserve parachute
The reserve parachute is packed in a separate compartment on the pilot's harness. It is for emergencies only, when the main wing has a problem the pilot cannot fix. The pilot pulls the handle, the reserve opens and slows the descent.
The reserve must be repacked regularly by a qualified person to make sure it deploys correctly. You don't have to do anything with it — just know that it is always there.
5. Helmet
Every passenger is fitted with a helmet in the right size before take-off. It protects your head during take-off and landing. If you have long hair, tie it back so the helmet fits better.
