WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST SOLO PARAGLIDING SESSION AT MILE HIGH
The wind tugs at your harness as you stand on the edge of the launch site, toes curled over the lip of the hill. Below you, the valley stretches out like a patchwork quilt—golden fields, winding roads, and the distant glint of a lake. Your instructor, Jake, gives your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Remember, you’re in control,” he says. “Just like we practiced. Smooth pull on the brakes, weight shift to turn, and trust the wing.” You take a deep breath, grip the toggles, and lean forward. The canopy inflates above you with a whoosh, and suddenly, you’re airborne. The ground falls away, and for the first time, you’re f—not in a plane, not in a dream, but under your own power, suspended beneath a wing that feels as alive as the wind itself.
This is what your first solo paragliding session at Mile High Paragliding feels like. It’s not just about the adrenaline rush (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about the moment you realize you’re capable of more than you thought. And it starts long before you leave the ground.
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THE PRE-FLIGHT BRIEFING: WHERE CONFIDENCE BEGINS
Your session starts in the classroom—or more accurately, the open-air briefing area at the base of the launch site. No stuffy lectures here. Jake or one of the other instructors will walk you through the basics with a hands-on approach. You’ll handle the equipment first: the harness, the reserve parachute, the wing itself. They’ll show you how to check the lines for tangles, how to clip into the harness, and how to read the wind indicators on the hill.
The key here isn’t just information—it’s repetition. You’ll practice the launch sequence on flat ground until your movements feel natural. Instructors at Mile High don’t rush this part. They know that confidence on the ground translates to control in the air. You’ll run through the motions: kiting the wing (getting it to rise above your head like a kite), feeling the pull of the brakes, and learning how to steer with your body weight. By the time you’re done, the wing won’t feel like a foreign object. It’ll feel like an extension of you.
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THE LAUNCH: SMALL STEPS, BIG MOMENTS
When it’s time to launch, you won’t be sent off alone. Your instructor will be right beside you, guiding you through each step. The first solo isn’t about jumping off a cliff—it’s about a gentle slope, just steep enough to get you airborne but shallow enough to keep you close to the ground. You’ll run forward, feel the wing lift, and before you know it, your feet will leave the earth.
The first few seconds are surreal. The wind rushes past your face, the ground tilts beneath you, and your brain struggles to process that you’re actually f. But then you remember the training. You check your altitude, scan for other flyers, and make small adjustments to your course. The instructor’s voice crackles in your radio: “Good launch. Now ease into a left turn.” You do, and the wing responds instantly. That’s when it clicks—you’re not just along for the ride. You’re the pilot.
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THE FLIGHT: WHERE THEORY MEETS REALITY
Once you’re airborne, the real learning begins. Your instructor will guide you through a series of gentle turns, showing you how to use the brakes to control your speed and direction. You’ll practice figure-eights, learn to read the wind by watching the movement of the ground below, and get a feel for how the wing responds to even the smallest inputs.
At Mile High, they don’t just throw you into the sky and hope for the best. Every flight is tailored to your comfort level. If you’re nervous, they’ll keep you low and close to the landing zone. If you’re confident, they might let you climb a little higher, giving you a taste of the thermals that can lift you thousands of feet into the air. The goal isn’t to push you beyond your limits—it’s to help you find them, then expand them.
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THE LANDING: FINISHING STRONG
Landing is where many first-timers get tripped up. It’s not just about touching down—it’s about doing it smoothly, with control. Your instructor will talk you through the approach, teaching you how to judge your altitude, adjust your speed, and flare the wing at the right moment to cushion your landing. You’ll aim for a designated spot in the landing zone, and with a little practice, you’ll be touching down like a pro.
The first time you land successfully, you’ll feel a rush of pride. You did it. You flew. And not just as a passenger, but as the one in control. That’s the moment Mile High’s instructors live for—the look on your face when you realize you’re capable of something extraordinary.
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THREE TAKEAWAYS TO MAKE YOUR FIRST SOLO FLIGHT A SUCCESS
YOUR MINDSET MATTERS MORE THAN YOUR SKILL
You don’t need to be an athlete or an adrenaline junkie to paraglide. What you do need is the right mindset. Fear is normal, but panic is the enemy. Mile High’s instructors will teach you to manage both. Before your flight, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you’re not alone. The equipment is designed to keep you safe, and your instructor will be with you every step of the way. Focus on the process, not the outcome. If you can stay calm and present, you’ll absorb the training faster and enjoy the experience more.
MASTER THE BASICS ON THE GROUND
Your first solo flight isn’t the time to experiment. Stick to what you’ve practiced. The ground training—kiting the wing, running with the harness, steering with the brakes—isn’t just busywork. It’s the foundation of everything you’ll do in the air. If you can control the wing on the ground, you’ll control it in the sky. Pay attention during the briefing, ask questions, and don’t move on until you’re comfortable. The more familiar you are with the basics, the smoother your flight will be.
TRUST THE Mile High Paragliding.