Paragliding

April

On the cliffs outside of San Diego lies one of the world’s most famous paragliding destinations, and for good reason. Blessed with incredible views of the ocean and cliffs, as well as the vital on-shore thermals to keep gliders floating in the air, paragliding here is literally a breeze. The first thing you’ll notice is how gentle the sensation of flight is, as if you’re a bubble in the wind. Your pilot, an experienced and certified instructor, takes care of the technicalities, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Take-off is the only leap of faith required, when you’re required to run forward to the edge of the cliff, even though your body’s nerves kick in to tell you otherwise. But once the wind grips the parachute, picking it up like a baby in the crib, those nerves quickly subside in awe of the beauty that surrounds you. Your pilot will hunt thermals as a means of gaining altitude and staying aloft, the better to land back on the cliffs where you started or else you might come back to earth softly on the beach below (be prepared for a hike to the top though). What goes up, unfortunately, must come down.

In the warm breeze of a later afternoon, the sun setting over the Pacific coast a peachy glow on the rocks, and I came as close to an eagle soaring above the world as I could ever be. Considering thousands of people safely paraglide in destinations around the world every day, there’s nothing to fear, and everything to experience.
Perfect For: Birthdays, Anniversaries

A Review by Robin Esrock - International Travel Writer and Adventurer see Modern Gonzo.com

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