Paragliding vs. Skydiving: What’s the Difference?

Although paragliding and skydiving may seem similar at first glance, they are two very different sports, each offering a unique experience.

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Paragliding is a form of flying where the pilot takes off from a hill with an open paraglider. The goal isn’t a rapid descent, but rather finding lift through natural air currents, such as thermal lifts and ridge lift. Pilots can fly for hours or head straight to the landing site. The essence of paragliding lies in how the pilot relies on nature and their skills to stay in the air for as long as possible – without the help of a motor. This sport combines the freedom of flight with technical knowledge of how to control the glider and understand air currents and weather.

On the other hand, skydiving is all about pure adrenaline. Skydivers jump out of an airplane from several thousand meters up and first enjoy freefall, which is one of the most intense experiences you can have. After a few seconds of falling, they open the parachute and continue with a controlled descent to the ground. This sport emphasizes the thrill of freefall and the precision required for a safe landing, combining both adrenaline and technical skills.

Paragliding is a sport for those who seek long flights by using air currents, while skydiving is the perfect choice for adrenaline lovers who crave the rush of freefall. Both sports offer unique experiences in their own way – one for those in search of peace in the air, the other for fans of intense excitement. And at AdriaFly, we proudly belong to the first group – paragliding enthusiasts. 🤗