Do you feel that irresistible call of the sky? If you’re torn between paragliding and hang gliding for your first free flight experience, you’re not alone. Both sports promise spectacular views and that unique connection with the elements, but the experience is completely different. As flight instructors with over 25 years soaring through Tenerife’s skies, we’ll help you discover which best suits your quest for adventure and freedom.
What is paragliding? The gateway to free flight
Paragliding is the purest and most accessible form of free flight. Imagine taking off from a hillside with a flexible wing that gently inflates with the wind, whilst you remain comfortably seated in a harness designed for maximum comfort. No rigid structures, no technical complications: just you, the wind, and the majestic view of South Tenerife stretching beneath your feet.
The magic of paragliding lies in its simplicity and elegance. You control direction and speed with intuitive movements, allowing your body to become part of the flight. It’s a contemplative experience where every moment is savoured, perfect for those seeking that sensation of absolute freedom without sacrificing tranquillity.
What is hang gliding? Speed and technique in the air
Hang gliding presents a completely different approach: a rigid triangular structure of aluminium and fabric where the pilot flies in a horizontal position, controlling the aircraft with precise body movements. It achieves higher speeds and allows more aggressive manoeuvres, but requires a considerably more demanding learning curve.
Key differences that shape your flight experience
Ease of access and learning
Paragliding: Deployed in minutes, basic instructions sufficient for your first flight
Hang gliding: Requires complex assembly and extensive technical training
Comfort during flight
Paragliding: Natural seated position, maximum comfort to enjoy the scenery
Hang gliding: Horizontal position that can prove uncomfortable for beginners
Speed and flight style
Paragliding: Serene and contemplative flight, ideal for absorbing every detail of the Canarian landscape
Hang gliding: Greater speed but less time to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings
Transport and logistics
Paragliding: Packs into a rucksack, easy handling
Hang gliding: Requires specialised vehicle and greater storage space
Why choose paragliding for your Tenerife experience?
The perfect choice for your first aerial adventure
If you’re seeking that “once-in-a-lifetime” experience you’ve been longing for, paragliding offers the perfect combination of excitement and accessibility. In the skies of South Tenerife, where thermal conditions are ideal year-round, you can experience that sensation of flying like a bird without the technical complications of hang gliding.
Safety and confidence from the first moment
Our tandem paragliding flights allow you to enjoy the complete experience accompanied by a certified instructor. Whilst hang gliding requires months of training to fly independently, with paragliding you can experience the magic of free flight from your very first go, with the peace of mind of being in expert hands.
The complete South Tenerife experience
From our take-off point in Taucho, at 800 metres altitude, paragliding offers you:
- Panoramic views of Barranco del Infierno and the south coast
- Smooth and stable flight, perfect for photographs and videos
- Sufficient time to contemplate the contrast between the Atlantic Ocean and volcanic peaks
- Possibility of long flights (30-40 minutes) taking advantage of local thermals
Dream destinations for free flight
Paragliding: the world’s best spots
- South Tenerife (Spain): Exceptional conditions year-round, unique volcanic landscapes
- Chamonix (France): Spectacular Alps
- Pokhara (Nepal): Himalayan views
- Oludeniz (Turkey): Mediterranean coast
Hang gliding: specialised technical destinations
- Valle de Bravo (Mexico)
- Interlaken (Switzerland)
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Frequently asked questions: we resolve your doubts
Is paragliding easier to learn than hang gliding?
Absolutely yes. Paragliding allows you to enjoy free flight from your first experience with an instructor, whilst hang gliding requires extensive technical training before you can fly independently.
Which offers a better experience for beginners?
Paragliding is the ideal choice for beginners. Its intuitive nature and the possibility of flying tandem from day one make it the perfect gateway into the world of free flight.
What’s the difference in terms of safety?
Both sports are safe when practised with qualified professionals. However, paragliding offers a more gradual learning curve and more stable flight conditions, especially important for those seeking their first aerial experience.
Which is better for photographs and videos?
Paragliding wins hands down in this regard. The seated position and more stable flight allow you to capture spectacular images and fully enjoy the scenery, something fundamental when flying over Tenerife’s breathtaking landscapes.
Your adventure awaits in Tenerife’s skies
If you’ve read this far, it’s because you feel that call of the sky that only true adventurers understand. Paragliding isn’t just an activity: it’s your opportunity to fulfil that dream of flying you carry within you, to experience absolute freedom and create memories that will stay with you forever.
At Brisa Paragliding, we turn your dream of flying into a safe and extraordinary reality. With over 25 years of international experience and a multilingual team that will accompany you in your language, every flight is a promise of professional adventure over one of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.
Ready to discover why paragliding is the perfect choice for your first free flight experience?
Book your adventure in South Tenerife’s skies and discover the magic of flying like a bird over the majestic Barranco del Infierno. Paradise awaits you… from a bird’s eye view!