paragliders should remember to bring along long layers. While we ask passengers to wear long layers year-round for abrasion protection (in case you trip and fall during takeoff or landing, or graze any bushes during departure), around mid-October you will find that while the temperatures on the ground are still rather warm (especially during the hike up the mountain), once airborne, it is easy to get a little bit too cool. Even on a 25 degree day the windchill factor can be significant, as we are traveling at about 45-50 km/h during normal flight, and up to 80-90 km/h during acro manoeuvres.

It is best to wear shorts and a t-shirt for the walking part of the adventure, and then put on the long layers once at the takeoff location, so you do not get too cold before your flight. We usually wear long-sleeve shirts in October, progressing to long sleeves + hoodies in November, and then even adding a jacket during the coldest parts of December and January.

There is always a chance of some serious “parawaiting” on the hill, meaning, waiting for the wind to be just right for our flights, in which case making yourself comfortable is very important, as it makes you more patient. Cover up from the sun, or stay in the shade. Bring your snacks, perhaps a whole picnic. In winter, a warm hat and even gloves might be a good idea, and we are known to have dragged a thermos of hot tea, which always hits the spot!

It has happened in the past that paragliding passengers chose to disregard the instruction to bring water, but we make a special point of reminding everyone about it, and then making people buy more water at 7-Eleven when we meet. Why this obsession with water? Well, we already face big challenges such as Hongkong’s fickle weather and relatively inaccurate weather forecasting. However, those are acceptable challenges. If any passengers show up with no or insufficient drinking water, they will probably have a bad time by the time they get up to the takeoff site, after the 20-25 minute hike. Add to the mix some weather-related delays, and not only do you have a frustrated, dehydrated, overheating passenger, but it could easily become a full-blown medical emergency. Heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are real dangers, yet so easily prevented with proper hydration! So, whenever one of us insists you bring more water, there is a very good reason for it!

Related to that is the topic of food and snacks. Sometimes we get lucky and fly right after arriving at the takeoff site, but very often all paragliding is suspended due to weather, or airspace restrictions, and then you have no choice but to wait. We have found that people who maintain a good blood-sugar level via snacking are infinitely more patient and comfortable than those who skipped breakfast and then hiked up the mountain with no food in their backpacks.

You do not need much, even a few simple granola bars can stave off hunger and keep you happy and patient! We love bringing fresh fruit, as well as simple snacks such as bread or sandwiches. Some of the more hardcore pilots who know they will be “parawaiting” for a long time bring elaborate lunches, and we have even seen a sushi platter or two! Naturally, keep in mind that whatever containers you bring, all must come out after the trip. We try to keep our parks beautiful! In fact, if you see anyone littering, feel absolutely free to confront them, because trash is not at all what we want to see up there in the mountains!

Whatever you bring, please make sure it is all in a small, soft, cloth backpack, with no internal frame. We have only limited space in the paraglider harnesses, so a full-size backpack would be awkward (if not impossible) to take along for the flight. There is no point bringing too much heavy stuff though. We do mention that there will be a lot of parawaiting, so perhaps a Kindle or even a (OMG!) BOOK might be a good idea, but stop there. We’ve had people hike up with laptops, which, while entertaining, can very easily pose a logistical issue when it comes to packing them away, not to mention the damage that can be sustained if you trip during the takeoff!

Treat the paragliding excursion as a fun day out in the wild. Enjoy a small picnic, go for a side hike, bask in the sun, take in the scenery, and just have a great day!