PARAGLIDING AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN
North Vancouver, British Columbia
by Susie Lee
Free-flying and soaring high above the mountain tops at 3,300 feet in the air is priceless! First Flight Paragliding takes people of all ages on tandem paragliding flights that offer riders an aerial adventure with a panoramic view of Grouse Mountain, Vancouver and beyond.
LAUNCHING INTO THE SKY
This
adventure begins at the top of Grouse Mountain, Vancouver's four-season
resort that provides remarkable recreational activities. Jaro is the owner
and professional paragliding pilot at First Flight Paragliding. For him,
paragliding is more than just a sport, it runs thick in his blood. His
desire is for everyone to experience this incredible activity he loves
so much.
While we were setting up the paraglider, there was a small audience of hikers waiting for us to launch off the mountain. My instructor, gave me a twenty minute ground training session on launching and landing techniques. After putting on my helmet and seat harness, I clipped my harness to Jaro's harness which had a backup parachute in tow. We were now ready to leap off the top of Grouse Mountain! A good running start is crucial for a successful launch. Yaro gave me a visual aid to help me run hard, “Imagine that your butt is on fire!”
After waiting for the right gush of wind, he cued me to start running as hard as I could down the slope. He also reminded me to not stop running until we were in the air. Next thing I knew, I was running in the air. I was in the air! I will never forget the magical feeling I got as the wind picked us up, it was so gentle and subtle. I felt like as if I was weightlessly walking on clouds!
AIR TIME
Once high in the air, I made myself comfortable in my chair-like harness with my feet dangling below. As I looked down, all the people on the mountain looked like tiny ants. We flew over the air tram station and waved to all the curious onlookers in the tram. As we were soaring through the sky, Jaro told me that a paraglider can actually climb instead of descend when it hits warm air columns called thermals. A skilled paraglider can extend his or her flight by hour through navigating and soaring through thermals. I found out precisely what he was talking about when we flew through a thermal. It is a real rush to be sent soaring up to the heavens when you hit a column of hot air. I felt like a kite softly being carried away.
Jaro
demonstrated how to control the paraglider and then he let me take the
reins so I could get a feel for it. I was surprised to discover how easy
and effortless it was to maneuver the paraglider. We did some downward
spirals with the paraglider as we glided over the Capilano Watershed.
After a few spins, I got a bit light-headed as the earth below me was
spinning too fast. When I regained my composure, I notice the breathtaking
360 degree view of Vancouver. It was so tranquil floating around in the
paraglider. I could not have asked for a better day as we flew in the
clear blue sky. After a glorious half an hour in the air, Jaro went over
some last minute instructions to prepare us for landing. And of course,
we couldn't resist one final spiral spin just before touching down.
LANDING BACK TO REALITY
As we were descending to the open field, I had to start running in the air and keep running even after we landed on the grass. Jaro said this momentum would help us to have a smooth landing on our feet. Sure enough, as soon as we touched the ground, we kept running across the field until the wing was no longer filled with air. We accomplished a safe landing back to reality at Cleveland Park! I turned around to look up at how far we have descended. Wow! Over 3,000 feet from the top of Grouse Mountain was quite a distance to travel.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is an adventure that will give you the best seat in the house, overlooking the mountains, the city, and the ocean. With a professional paraglider steering you through the air, you will have nothing to worry about except taking beautiful pictures of the enchanting view. This is the closest you’ll get to feeling the freedom of a bird. Soaring through the sky will leave you mesmerized, making this adventure an unforgettable experience of a lifetime!
ADVENTURE TIPS
- Wear boots or covered shoes with good ankle support
- Wear long sleeve shirt or light jacket and long pants
- Give yourself two hours for the adventure
- Bring a camera or a camcorder
- First Flight Paragliding operates from May through September
- Guest maximum weight limit: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Must be in good physical condition
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- Liability waiver must be signed before flight by passenger, or parent/legal guardian if under 19 years old.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Grouse Mountain Alpine Guest Services at 604.998.4363
www.grousemountain.com
+ Part 1 & 2: GROUSE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
+ Part 3: GROUSE MOUNTAIN PARAGLIDING
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