Paragliding, hang-gliding and skydiving in Gauteng
If you’re a bit of an adrenalin junkie and you think that the sensation of being airborne would be a thrill, then extreme air sports may be the thing for you. Gauteng has some beautiful sites that can be viewed from up above, so why not include this activity in your agenda? It will certainly be a talking point – and probably a highlight – of your visit, in the real sense of the word.
Maximising take-off heights to fly may mean trekking to the tops of hills and mountains so that ridge lifts and thermal flying can be mastered. When flying near a mountain or hill, the oncoming wave of wind can be caught as it lifts you clear of the ridge, resulting in hours of fun spent flying along the front of the ridge. Pilots then graduate to flying in thermals – pockets of hot air heated by the ground that ascend rapidly. By using thermals, pilots are able to travel great distances at altitudes as high as 4km (about 2.5mi).
Air-sport operators are required to adhere to strict safety standards and maintain great safety track records in satisfying thrill-seekers
Paragliding
The paraglider is comprised of a soft canopy linked to the pilot’s harness. The canopy serves as an inflatable wing that traps air, allowing the pilot to become sky-borne. At Paragliding Adventures, located in Springs on the East Rand and run from Dunnottar Winch Park, you can either take a course to become a pilot or simply enjoy a tandem flight strapped in with a pro. You will need to exert yourself, as a short run will see you and the pilot launch into the air. A line from a winch mechanism on the back of a vehicle is attached to the harness and tows the duo up into the air. Once adequate height is reached, the line is released and you are away. Your pilot will chase the thermals enabling you to have a decent period up in the blue in the near-silence where you can truly get a different perspective on things.
A flight at Dunnottar Aerodrome costs about R500. The pilots are friendly and highly-skilled and the view is great. You will be given clear instruction before take-off and should wear good boots to protect your ankles.
Contact details
Paragliding Adventures
Tel: +27 (0)82 886 2566 (Hendrik van Zyl)
Physical address: Near the Dunnottar Military Base, Springs
Hang-gliding
Whether you wish to learn to hang-glide or want to take a tandem ride, an operation near the Magaliesberg in Hartbeespoort can help you make this a reality. Once again, becoming airborne entails being towed and releasing the tow line at the appropriate height.
Contact details
Free Flying Adventures / Thermal Riders Hang-gliding Club
Cell: +27 (0)82 892 3664 (Mike Spike)
Email: Michael.iwannafly@gmail.com
Website: www.hanggliding.co.za
Skydiving
Breaking your free-fall descent from height by pulling a parachute cord became an international sport in 1951. The activity of skydiving, which was employed in the world wars, had its beginnings with a balloon descent by André-Jacques Garnerin in 1797.
A parachute made for two will enable you to experience the thrill of skydiving, including the rush of free fall, without the training. After a briefing and a climb of 11 000ft (3 400m) in an aircraft, you need to find the nerve to jump! A 40-second free fall and 10 minute parachute ride – often captured by a photographer to prove the tick on your bucket list – frequently keeps people coming back for more.
Some operations insist that a person is 16 years or older in order to skydive, but younger children have enjoyed the experience with the permission of parents and at the discretion of the jump master. You should be fit, suffer no medical conditions and not weigh more than 95kg (210lb). Wear comfortable clothing and a good pair of lace-up sports shoes.
Jumps need to be booked and usually take place on a Saturday or Sunday, weather permitting. Arrangements can generally be made for larger groups during the week.
Contact details
Adventure Skydives
Tel: +27 (0)74 131 4351 / + 27 (0)83 949 7894 (Liz Cooper)
Physical address: Carletonville (one hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria)
Tandem with Camera: R2 150
Tandem only: R1 530
SkyHigh Tandems
Tel: +27 (0)76 055 7273 (Dave van der Merwe)
Physical address:Johannesburg Skydiving School, Operating from an airfield in Carletonville
Email: info@skydiving.co.za
Pretoria Skydiving Club
Tel: +27 (0)12 543 0377
Physical address:Wonderboom Airport, Pretoria North
Website: www.Iloveskydiving.com