Paragliding Bliss: Soaring and Serenity
Throughout 2023, I did many new things that pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, with paragliding ranking among them. For years, I had harbored a self-imposed fear of heights. It all started several years ago during a vacation in Turkey. Given my affinity for extreme sports, I wanted to test my limits that year by attempting parasailing.
What’s parasailing, you ask? Well, it’s basically gliding through the air wearing an open parachute while a boat drags you along. For me, not fun at all. It turned out to be one of the most uncomfortable experiences I’ve ever had. First off, the seating situation was a major red flag — no support for your legs or back, making it feel like an absolute struggle. And note to self: never, ever attempt parasailing right after having lunch. Let me break it down for you.
As the boat started pulling away and I ascended higher into the sky, all I could see below was the deep blue sea. Sounds cool, right? Not so much. I couldn’t shake the thought of how much it would hurt if I took a nosedive into the sea from that height. And then the panic set in, leading to a not-so-pleasant bout of throwing up mid-air. Yeah, embarrassing, but at least it made the instructors cut the flight short (thankfully).
After that nerve-wracking experience, I found myself getting anxious even on regular planes. No way I’d willingly pick a window seat — didn’t want to look down. It’s a type of fear I never thought I’d have in my life, all thanks to that wild parasailing misadventure.
Fast forward to my birthday in August — I figured, why not celebrate with an experience instead of just another materialistic gift? So, I opted for paragliding in Vlore, Albania (a spot you’ve got to check out!). The excitement was real. I got in touch with SkySports Albania, sorted everything out, and their team was fantastic — friendly, helpful, and turned my anxieties into a whole different adventure in the sky!
The flight cost 10.000 ALL, roughly 100 euros. And let me tell you my friends, it was worth every penny!
We kicked off the journey from one of Vlora’s sandy beaches, where Skysports had its setup. The guys there were welcoming, and the real deal was about to start. Our destination: Shashica (around 1100m above sea level). The car ride was a bit of a rollercoaster, but the stunning view served as a distraction. After some banter with the crew, nerves started to kick in. I contemplated backing out a few times, but the pilot convinced me that this was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — and he was right!
I took the plunge, quite literally. I ran, jumped, resisted sitting until advised, and suddenly, I was soaring. It’s hard to put into words the mix of emotions. On one hand, the view was breathtaking; on the other, I was riding an adrenaline high, feeling like I could conquer the world. After a few minutes high up in the sky the pilot started singing Happy Birthday to me and pulled off some daring maneuvers (which I found very cool). I was happy, comfortable, and 100% immersed in this experience. At one point, I caught myself thinking, “Why didn’t I bring my laptop? This could be my new office!”
After my recent adventure, I researched a bit more and found out some cool things about paragliding:
1.Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Being scared is normal, and you should embrace it. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting out of your comfort zone. You will find out that everything was just in your head.
2. Confidence Boost:
Completing even the smallest tasks in your daily life can give you a sense of accomplishment. Now, imagine taking on something as exhilarating as paragliding — it’s a confidence booster that can reinvent your perspective on challenges.
3. Adrenaline Rush:
That instant thrill you get from paragliding is a natural adrenaline rush. While it may not last long, it’s a positive kick for your body and mind, contributing to increased self-confidence.
4. Beneficial for mind & body:
Engaging in any sport has both physical and mental benefits, and paragliding is no exception. It’s an outdoor activity that combines enjoyment, scenic views, and a new experience. Plus, you’ll be burning calories and enhancing your body’s balance.
5. Serenity & Freedom:
Amid our hectic lives, finding a moment of serenity or experiencing complete freedom can be rare. Surprisingly, engaging in an extreme sport like paragliding can offer just that. It might sound counterintuitive, but I invite you to give it a shot — you won’t forget the feeling.
*(Disclaimer: These are my personal reflections, not expert opinions. Some information is based on personal experiences and research. If you’re in Albania and curious about trying paragliding, check out SkySports Albania’s website.)*
Source: https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-paragliding/
