As an instructor pilot with over 25 years’ experience flying above the skies of Tenerife, I’ve had the privilege of sharing thousands of flights with families from across the world. And I can assure you of one thing: there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching a child experience the freedom of flight for the first time, whilst their parents wait below to live their own adventure moments later.
Family paragliding in South Tenerife isn’t just another tourist activity. It’s an experience that transforms the way parents and children see the world—literally. From the heights of Taucho, 800 metres above sea level, the majestic Barranco del Infierno unfolds beneath our wings like a natural canvas you’ll never forget. And best of all, it’s a completely safe adventure for the youngest members of the family.
Paragliding in Tenerife for Families with Children
It’s no accident that South Tenerife is considered one of Europe’s finest locations for paragliding. The exceptional weather conditions we enjoy for nearly 365 days a year make this area the ideal setting for families to experience their first free-flight adventure.
From our launch site at Taucho, in the municipality of Adeje, families can take in one of the Canary Islands’ most spectacular landscapes. The contrast between volcanic peaks, deep ravines, and the intense blue of the Atlantic creates a visual spectacle that captivates children and adults alike.
The privileged topography of this area, combined with the trade winds characteristic of the Canary Islands, provides us with smooth, predictable thermals. This means stable, comfortable flights—perfect for youngsters experiencing paragliding for the first time.
What Minimum Age Do Children Need to Fly Paragliding in Tenerife
This is, without doubt, the question families ask me most: can my child fly paragliding? The answer will pleasantly surprise you: there’s no minimum age requirement for tandem paragliding flights in Tenerife. The only requirement is that they reach a minimum weight of 25 kilogrammes.
This weight-based policy rather than age has a very clear technical reason. The tandem paraglider is designed to support specific weight ranges that guarantee flight stability and safety. A child of 25 kg can fly with complete safety using our certified wings, always accompanied by a certified instructor pilot.
I’ve flown with children barely 7 or 8 years old who met the weight requirement, and the experience has always been magical. Youngsters often adapt even better than adults to flight, showing remarkable ease in enjoying the sensation of floating amongst the clouds.
The maximum permitted weight is 100 kg, which means virtually the entire family can participate in this adventure, each on their own individual tandem flight with their personal instructor pilot.
Tandem Paragliding Tenerife: Absolute Safety for the Whole Family
When a family entrusts me with their child for a paragliding flight, I understand perfectly the responsibility that entails. That’s why, at Brisa Paragliding, safety is non-negotiable. It’s our highest priority and the foundation upon which we build every experience.
Our team maintains a safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, the highest possible rating. This isn’t by chance, but the result of years of discipline, prudence, and professionalism. Each of our instructor pilots holds international certifications from APPI (Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors) and FAI IPPI (International Aeronautical Federation), as well as official Spanish licences for Active Tourism and Paragliding Activity Transport.
Latest-Generation Equipment for the Youngest Flyers
Before each flight, we equip children with certified safety equipment adapted to their size: protective helmet, specific safety harness, knee pads, and gloves. Our tandem paragliding wings are less than two years old and undergo exhaustive periodic technical inspections.
The seat harness in which the youngsters travel is designed to provide maximum comfort throughout the flight. Children sit in the front position, with privileged panoramic views, whilst the instructor pilot controls the aircraft from the rear. This configuration allows the child to fully enjoy the landscape whilst we take care of all technical aspects of the flight.
Additionally, each pilot carries a tandem emergency parachute, although in my 25-plus years flying over Tenerife, the safety conditions we maintain make its use practically non-existent.
Tandem Paragliding Tenerife for Children
The psychological preparation of children is as important as the technique. Throughout my career, I’ve developed a special approach for communicating with youngsters, adapting my explanations to their level of understanding without losing rigour in safety instructions.
Before the flight, I dedicate time to explaining to children what they’re about to experience, using simple, approachable language. I tell them they’re going to fly like the birds they see in the sky, that they’ll feel the wind on their face, and that they’ll see their hotel from above, as if they were superheroes. This emotional connection helps transform any initial nervousness into positive excitement.
What Children Should Bring for Paragliding
Physical preparation is very straightforward. Children should wear:
- Closed sports footwear, well fastened (mandatory for safety)
- Long trousers, regardless of temperature (protects legs during take-off and landing)
- In winter, a light jacket or jumper, as temperatures at altitude can be slightly cooler
Children needn’t bring any technical equipment. We provide everything necessary. For safety reasons, cameras, mobile phones, or other devices aren’t permitted during the flight. However, we offer an optional professional photo and video package with the latest GoPro, capturing the entire experience from take-off to landing.
I recommend that children don’t eat during the 45 minutes before the flight, as the movement of the paraglider can be similar to that of a boat. Nevertheless, our flights are typically very gentle, and most children experience no discomfort whatsoever.
Family-Friendly Paragliding Tenerife: The Complete Experience Step by Step
Allow me to describe how a typical family paragliding day with Brisa Paragliding unfolds, so you can visualise exactly what awaits you.
Collection and Transfer
We begin by collecting the family directly from your accommodation in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Playa Paraíso, or Callao Salvaje. This transfer service is included at no additional charge. Punctuality is sacred to us, and we’ll contact you beforehand to confirm the exact collection time.
During the approximately 20-minute journey to Taucho, I take the opportunity to get to know the family, answer questions, and begin creating that important bond of trust. We speak your language, whether Spanish, English, or French, which greatly facilitates communication, especially with children.
Preparation at the Launch Site
Once at Taucho, at 800 metres altitude, the landscape already begins to impress. Whilst we prepare the equipment, children can observe other pilots deploying their wings, which helps them familiarise themselves with what they’re about to experience.
We equip each family member with their harness, helmet, knee pads, and gloves. I pay special attention to explaining to children the three phases of flight: take-off, flight, and landing. I teach them that for take-off they’ll need to walk and then run a few steps following my instructions, that during the flight they’ll be comfortably seated enjoying the landscape, and that for landing they’ll simply need to stand up and walk when I tell them.
The Flight Over Barranco del Infierno
The moment of take-off is always exciting. With clear, precise instructions, the child and I run together for a few seconds until the wing lifts us gently from the ground. The transition is so gradual that many children don’t even notice the exact moment their feet leave the earth.
Once airborne, the magic begins. The standard flight lasts 15 to 20 minutes—perfect timing for children to enjoy without tiring. From our privileged position, we soar over the spectacular Barranco del Infierno, one of Tenerife’s most impressive protected natural spaces.
Children can extend their arms freely, simulating the flight of a bird. I point out landmarks: “Can you see your hotel down there?”, “Look how the waves break on the coast”… This interaction keeps youngsters connected and actively enjoying the experience.
If weather conditions are especially favourable and the child is thoroughly enjoying themselves, there’s the possibility of using thermals to climb and extend the flight, always prioritising their comfort and safety.
Smooth Landing and Celebration
Landing is as gentle as take-off. I guide the child to stand at the precise moment, and we walk together whilst the wing settles delicately. The smile on their faces upon touching down is, without doubt, the best reward of my work.
After the flight, we immediately transfer the photos and videos to your mobile phone if you’ve opted for the professional package. These visual memories are a treasure that families preserve forever.
Practical Advice for First-Time Flying Families
After sharing this experience with hundreds of families, I’ve compiled some advice that will help you make the most of your paragliding flight:
Book in advance: I recommend booking several days ahead, especially during holiday periods such as summer, Christmas, or Easter. This allows us to offer you the best day and time according to weather forecasts.
Communicate any concerns: If your child has any particular health condition or specific fears, inform me beforehand. I can adapt my communication and approach to guarantee a comfortable experience.
Prepare children emotionally: Talk with them about the adventure they’re about to experience in positive terms. Showing them paragliding videos can help them visualise the experience and reduce nerves.
Vertigo isn’t a problem: Many families ask whether vertigo prevents flying. The answer is no. The sensation of vertigo we experience when looking over a precipice disappears when our feet no longer have contact with the ground. During flight, I recommend keeping your gaze on the horizon for a more comfortable experience.
Document the moment: Although you can’t bring your own cameras for safety reasons, our professional GoPro package captures the entire experience from spectacular angles. It’s a worthwhile investment to preserve these unique family memories.
Why Choose Brisa Paragliding for Your Family Adventure
There are several paragliding companies in Tenerife, but what sets us apart at Brisa Paragliding goes far beyond flying technique. It’s our genuine passion for sharing the magic of flight with families.
Every member of our team brings not only years of international experience but also infectious enthusiasm for making your experience extraordinary. Andrés has flying in his blood, being the son and brother of pilots. Carlos Daniel brings his competitive spirit and his national and international distinctions. Ronald specialises in teaching novices with his pedagogical approach. And Enrique, the most entertaining member of the team, is a paragliding perfectionist who ensures every detail is attended to.
Our personalised multilingual service pleasantly surprises international families. Being able to communicate in each family’s native language, especially with children, creates a level of trust and comfort that makes all the difference.
We operate with complete legality and transparency: Active Tourism licence (TA-4-0026531.23), Tourist Intermediation licence (l-0004532.1), Paragliding Activity Transport card, and comprehensive civil liability insurance of €1,600,000. These certifications aren’t merely bureaucratic paperwork but real guarantees that we meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions from Families About Paragliding with Children in Tenerife
Do children need any prior training?
No, absolutely none. I provide all necessary instructions before the flight in a clear manner adapted to their age. The only important thing is that they follow my instructions during take-off and landing.
Can several family members fly on the same day?
Yes, we can organise flights for up to 4 people on the same day and time. Each person flies individually with their own instructor pilot on separate tandem flights.
What happens if my child gets frightened during the flight?
I maintain constant communication with each passenger. If a child feels nervous, I use breathing techniques, calming conversation, and focus their attention on positive landscape elements. In over 25 years, virtually all children end up thoroughly enjoying the flight.
Is it safe for children with specific medical conditions?
Each case must be evaluated individually. Generally, the flight is very gentle and doesn’t require any special physical condition beyond being able to walk. It’s not recommended for people prone to motion sickness, although this can be mitigated with anti-nausea medication taken 30 minutes beforehand.
Book Your Family Paragliding Adventure Over South Tenerife
Ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime as a family? Booking is straightforward:
Call us on (+34) 666 888 843 to speak directly with our team and resolve any specific questions about flying with children.
Message us on WhatsApp for quick, efficient communication. It’s the preferred method for many families due to its immediacy.
Remember to book several days in advance, especially if you’re visiting Tenerife during holiday periods. And don’t leave your booking until the last day of your holiday, to allow flexibility in case we need to adjust the date due to weather conditions.
The skies of South Tenerife await you. Your children deserve to experience the magic of flying like birds, to contemplate the Canarian paradise from the heights, and to create memories they’ll treasure all their lives.
At Brisa Paragliding, where your dreams take flight, we’re ready to share with your family the most extraordinary experience of your Tenerife holiday.
See you in the skies!