Paragliding is about the simplest way there is to fly. The wing is a fabric canopy with no frame, the pilot sits in a harness hanging below it, and you take off on foot by running a few steps down a slope into the wind. Once you're up, the glider rides rising air off hillsides and sun-warmed ground, so a flight can be a gentle few minutes down to the landing field or, for a skilled pilot on a good day, much longer.

Nearly everyone starts with a tandem flight. You're clipped in front of a certified tandem pilot who handles the launch, the steering and the landing, and your only job is to run when told and then enjoy the view. If you're hooked, flight schools offer beginner courses that start with handling the wing on a gentle training hill and work up to short solo flights, with an instructor talking you down over the radio.

The Date Activity

A tandem flight makes a date you'll both remember, with one catch: you'll usually fly one at a time, each with your own pilot. That turns out to be part of the fun. Whoever lands first gets to watch the other float down, and you'll have plenty to compare on the drive home. Morning and early evening flights tend to be the smoothest, and the evening light over the hills is hard to beat.

Launch sites sit on ridges and hilltops, so the trip up is part of the outing. Pack lunch for after you land, or stop at a scenic lookout nearby to watch other pilots launch. If you'd rather share the sky in the same spot, a hot air balloon ride puts you both in one basket.

On Your Own / With Friends

Friends can book tandem flights back to back, and the waiting is half the fun: everyone gets a turn while the rest cheer from the landing field. Many pilots offer photos or video of your flight for an extra fee, which makes for a good group keepsake.

If you want to learn to fly yourself, look for a school whose instructors are certified by the national hang gliding and paragliding association. It takes a real time commitment, but once you're trained the whole kit packs into a backpack, so it travels well. If you like the idea of foot-launched flight but want a different wing, ask about hang gliding too.

Good to Know

Flights depend on wind and weather, so expect the occasional reschedule and keep the day flexible. Fly only with an established school and a certified tandem pilot, and expect to sign a waiver. Most operators set minimum and maximum weight limits, and you'll need to be able to run a few steps on launch. Wear sturdy shoes with ankle support, long pants and layers, since it's cooler up high, plus sunglasses that stay put. If you're prone to motion sickness, eat lightly beforehand and ask the pilot for a gentle flight with no spirals.