How Old Do You Have To Be To Paraglide? (Everything To Know)

Paragliding is an exhilarating way to spend an afternoon.

If you have ever been paragliding, you know that this is an experience that is certainly hard to forget.

Although paragliding is generally safe, there are some concerns as to what the proper age to paraglide is.

If you are wondering if you are old enough to paraglide or if your child is ready to paraglide, we have some excellent information for you.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Paraglide?

In the United States, you need to be 18 to paraglide on your own.

Since paragliding is a somewhat dangerous sport, it does make sense to make sure the person who is paragliding alone is of age to decide.

There are some situations when a person who is younger than 18 can paraglide if they have written permission for a tandem flight.

Tandem flights will allow a parent or even an instructor to paraglide with a younger individual.

In order to do this type of paragliding, the person who is new to the experience will have to be properly trained.

This may require a session before the paraglide, or it could require several sessions.

The idea behind training is to make sure the paragliding experience is both successful and fun.

Does the Minimum Age for Paragliding Change?

Although the minimum age for paragliding is likely not going to change any time soon, the minimum age is not a global rule.

Some countries do not have a minimum age, and younger children can learn to be great paragliders and can experience this on their own.

Of course, there are risk factors involved with this, and kids need to be properly trained.

However, if you are out of the country on vacation, chances are you can find a place for your child to paraglide.

Is There a Maximum Age for Paragliding?

There is generally not a maximum age for paragliding.

However, people must be in good physical condition to experience paragliding.

If you have health issues of any kind, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before paragliding.

Remember that, when paragliding, you have to be able to think clearly, and you have to be in good physical health as well.

When you complete your landing during the paraglide, you will need to make sure you can handle the weight and running involved with this process.

If you have the idea that you want to paraglide, but you are not sure you are cut out for it, a local instructor will tell you everything you need to know.

These instructors are not going to allow someone to paraglide who is not ready for the process.

Not only will this risk their paragliding business, but it can risk your health and wellbeing as well.

What Is a Good Age to Start Paragliding?

Since a younger person cannot paraglide on their own until they turn 18, this is not a sport that really makes sense to start at a very young age.

If you start paragliding around age 14 or 16, doing tandem experiences, it can ensure you are well trained when you get older.

Paragliding is a fun and active sport that is perfect for children and young adults who love aviation and flying.

Can You Paraglide Alone?

After proper training, you can paraglide all on your own.

Before you paraglide alone, you are probably going to want to do a few tandem experiences to learn exactly how to handle this process.

You will need to know to steer and manage your flight, and you will have to understand how to manage rough terrain as well.

Depending on the landscape of the area where you paraglide, you could find yourself in some difficult situations.

Knowing how to manage these situations is a large part of the process, and it makes sense to study and learn the sport well before you take off on a mission of your own.

How Dangerous Is Paragliding?

Paragliding is not all that dangerous if it is done correctly, and proper safety precautions are followed.

When a person paraglides and gets reckless when doing so or is not adequately trained, they could end up getting hurt.

The problem with paragliding accidents is that they are generally very severe and sometimes fatal.

A paragliding accident can happen when a person makes a mistake or equipment fails.

Compared to other accidents in similar sports, paragliding accidents do seem to be much more often fatal.

Conclusion

Paragliding is a unique experience many people are eager to try.

If you have a young person in your house who is ready to start paragliding, you may need to explain that they have a few years to wait.

The minimum age requirements for paragliders are put in place to make sure people do not get hurt.

As safe as most paragliding experiences are, it takes a certain level of understanding to manage this experience with ease.

The proper training and education will make everyone safer.