Paragliding Clothing Guide – What to Wear During the Flight?

 What to Wear for Paragliding? Choosing the Right Clothes and Equipment

While the wind hits your face at the summit of Babadağ, your feet should be firmly on the ground — at least until takeoff. As the Skywalkers Paragliding team, we have flown with thousands of passengers over the years, and we can confidently say this: the right clothing choice is a crucial detail that directly affects your flight comfort and safety. We have had guests who arrived in flip-flops, tried to take off in skirts, or started shivering at 1,900 meters in t-shirts. We are sharing our comprehensive guide compiled from these experiences with you.

Shoes: Your Most Important Decision

The most critical choice among your clothing is the shoes on your feet. You need to run 5-10 steps at takeoff and confidently make contact with the ground with your feet during landing. These two moments are the true test of your shoes.

 The Perfect Choice: Sports Shoes

A laced, snug-fitting running or walking shoe is the best option. Pay attention to these features:

- Laced and snug** — should not come off during takeoff
- Flexible and comfortable** — should not hinder a few steps of running
- Non-slip sole** — should provide grip on rocky ground
- Shock-absorbing insole** — should protect your ankles during landing

Running shoes, basketball shoes, and lightweight outdoor boots meet these criteria.

What You Should Absolutely Not Wear

Flip-flops and sandals:** They can slip off during takeoff and provide no protection during landing. Your pilot may refuse to let you wear safety equipment.

High-heeled shoes:** Running is impossible, and the heel can get stuck in the ground or break during landing.

Flip-flops:** They will definitely come off during the first step of takeoff. Please save these for the beach.

Open-toed models:** Your toes will be unprotected during landing, creating a risk of friction injuries.

Skywalkers Paragliding tip:** Tie your shoelaces with a double knot. Loose laces can come undone while moving or get caught in safety lines.

 Body Clothing: Balance of Comfort and Functionality

 Basic Principles

**Ensure freedom of movement:** Safety equipment wraps around your shoulders and groin area. Very tight clothing can prevent the belts from sitting correctly and create friction.

**Dress in layers:** It may be 30°C by the sea, but at the summit of Babadağ (1,900 m), the air is 10-15 degrees cooler. Removable layers compensate for this difference.

**Pay attention to color preference:** If you have a shooting package, bright colors appear much more impressive on screen. Completely white clothing can cause glare, while black clothing can lead to loss of detail. Colors like red, orange, and blue are the best options that reflect well on camera.

Spring and Autumn (15-25°C)

- Bottom: Comfortable fit jeans, sweatpants, or outdoor pants
- Top: T-shirt with a light fleece or sweatshirt
- Extra: Light windbreaker or sports jacket

Since it will be cool at the summit, bring an extra layer; however, it is important that you can remove it during the midday heat.

 Summer (25-35°C)

- **Bottom:** Lightweight pants or knee-length shorts (very short shorts are not suitable)
- **Top:** Short or long-sleeved t-shirt

Even if it’s hot, prefer a long-sleeved t-shirt — safety belts can cause friction and irritation on bare shoulders. Do not neglect to apply sunscreen; UV rays are much stronger at altitude.

 Winter (5-15°C)

Bottom: Thick pants or sweatpants over thermal underwear
Top: Thermal t-shirt → Fleece → Windbreaker or light jacket (no need for a puffy jacket)
Accessories: Thin gloves, beanie, neck gaiter (buff)

The perceived temperature will be lower than the actual temperature due to the wind effect. Layered clothing is critically important during this period.

 Special Recommendations for Women

Hairstyle: Be sure to tie long hair up — a ponytail or bun is ideal. In the wind, hair sticks to your face and eyes, causing discomfort and reducing the quality of the shoot.

Makeup: Opt for light and waterproof formulas. Wind can make your eyes water, and heavy makeup can run.

Accessories: Remove large earrings, long necklaces, and thick bracelets. They can get caught in safety belts or fall and get lost during the flight. Small studs and thin bracelets do not pose a problem.

Pants instead of a skirt: Skirts are not compatible with safety equipment — you will not be comfortable, and they will not look appropriate in the images.

 Accessories and Protective Equipment

 Sunglasses

While not mandatory, they are highly recommended on sunny days. Choose a model that fits snugly and offers UV protection. Use a neck strap to prevent them from getting lost during the flight. Avoid overly large models to ensure they fit comfortably under the helmet. Some operators provide motorcycle-style flight goggles.

Prescription Glasses

You can fly comfortably with your glasses. Increase safety by using a sports strap. If you prefer, you can also use contact lenses; however, since the wind can dry your eyes, keep eye drops with you.

 Phone and Camera

Do not take out your cell phone during the flight. Securely store it in a zippered or buttoned pocket. A phone falling from 1,900 meters can get lost and pose a danger to people below. If you want to bring your own GoPro, be sure to get your pilot's approval and use a secure attachment system.

 Items You Should Bring

 Essentials

ID document — for reservation check
Reservation confirmation — screenshot or printout
Payment method— cash or credit card (for extra services)

 Highly Recommended

- Water bottle — dehydration can cause dizziness, especially in summer
- Sunscreen — SPF 30 and above; UV is stronger at altitude
- Lip balm — wind dries lips
- Light snack — energy bar or nuts; do not be overly full but do not stay hungry
- Wet wipes — to freshen up after the flight
-Hair tie — for long hair

What You Should Not Bring

- Alcohol or mind-altering drugs — your flight will be canceled if detected
- Large bag or suitcase — a small backpack or fanny pack is sufficient
- Valuable jewelry — high risk of loss
-Sharp objects — prohibited for safety reasons

 Quick Reference Table by Season

Spring (April-May): Sports shoes • Pants + T-shirt + Light sweatshirt • Windbreaker • Sunglasses

Summer (June-August): Light sports shoes • Shorts or light pants + T-shirt • Sunscreen + Hat + Plenty of water

Autumn (September-October): Sports shoes • Pants + Long-sleeved t-shirt + Fleece • Light jacket

Winter (November-March): Sports shoes or outdoor boots • Thick pants + Thermal underwear + Fleece + Windbreaker • Gloves + Beanie + Neck gaiter

 Additional Notes for Children

Dress children according to the same principles as adults, but keep them a step warmer — small bodies lose heat faster. Elastic-waisted pants fit better with safety equipment. Be sure to bring spare clothes, snacks, and water. Check shoe laces and tie them in a double knot.

 Pre-Flight Final Checklist

 The Night Before

- [ ] I prepared my sports shoes
- [ ] I chose my comfortable, flexible clothes
- [ ] I planned layered clothing according to the weather
- [ ] Sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottle are ready
- [ ] I checked my ID and reservation information
- [ ] I brought a hair tie for long hair

Before Leaving in the Morning

- [ ] I had a light breakfast
- [ ] I tied my shoelaces tightly
- [ ] I applied sunscreen
- [ ] I checked my pockets (left valuables at the hotel)
- [ ] I confirmed my transfer time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 Can I wear jeans?

Yes, comfortable fit jeans are suitable. Very tight skinny jeans can make it difficult for safety belts to sit properly — prefer medium or wide cuts.

Can I fly in shorts during summer?

Yes, knee-length or above-the-knee shorts are suitable. Very short shorts may not be compatible with safety belts and can cause friction on the skin.

### Will my sunglasses fall off during the flight?

If you use snug-fitting models and a neck strap, the risk of falling is minimal. Large and loose models can fly off in the wind.

 Will it be a problem if I wear very thick clothing in winter?

Overly thick puffy jackets can make it difficult for safety belts to fit properly. Prefer layered clothing — a combination of thermal underwear + fleece + windbreaker keeps you warm without compromising equipment fit.