Guide

Air Activities: Experience the Thrill of Flight

From the serene beauty of hot air ballooning to the adrenaline of skydiving, air activities offer unique perspectives and unforgettable experiences. These activities combine the excitement of flight with stunning aerial views, creating lasting memories and a sense of freedom.

By DoItAgain Editorial Team

Published on October 6, 2025Last updated on October 6, 2025

Visual Introduction

person paragliding — Photo by Uta Scholl on Unsplash
Paragliding in Denmark. Above the shore in North Jutland, between Lokken and Lonstrup. Scandinavia, North Europe.

a group of people standing on top of a beach flying kites — Photo by Artur Voznenko on Unsplash
Evening flights in Oludeniz, near Fethie

Paraglider with orange and white wing against blue sky — Photo by kai muro on Unsplash

a person is parasailing over the ocean on a clear day — Photo by Polina Grishma on Unsplash

Hot air balloons over a mountain range — Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

Person paragliding over a lake and forested hills. — Photo by Sue Winston on Unsplash
A solo paraglider rides the thermals at Col de la Forclaz, in the Aravis mountains, with the town and lake of Annecy in the background

person paragliding during daytime — Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

Person preparing to paraglide on a grassy field. — Photo by pierre CRS on Unsplash
Paramotor pilot landing on a field with the colorful wing collapsing to the ground. Aerial view capturing the end of flight, adventure, and freedom

Paraglider soaring through the clear, blue sky. — Photo by Paulo Mateus Oliveira Guerra on Unsplash
A tandem paraglider with a vibrant red and orange canopy soars gracefully through a vast, clear blue sky. The minimalist composition isolates the subject, emphasizing the elegant shape of the wing against the simple backdrop. This clean, upward-looking view captures a pure sense of freedom and high-flying adventure.

A paraglider soars high in the blue sky. — Photo by Paulo Mateus Oliveira Guerra on Unsplash
A dynamic, low-angle view of a tandem paraglider, its vibrant red wing cutting a bold, diagonal line across the clear blue sky. Seen from directly below, the shot emphasizes the scale and speed of the glider as it soars powerfully overhead. This perspective captures a feeling of awe and the exhilarating sensation of flight.

a group of people sitting at a table with a parasail in the sky — Photo by Artur Voznenko on Unsplash
Flying by

Paragliders soar into the sunset. — Photo by Paulo Mateus Oliveira Guerra on Unsplash
A tandem paraglider with a vibrant red canopy is silhouetted against the bright glow of the setting sun. Below them, a vast landscape of hills and city lights stretches out in the warm, hazy twilight. This breathtaking aerial shot captures the shared thrill of adventure and the serene beauty of soaring high above the world.

Paragliders float above a hazy sunset landscape. — Photo by Paulo Mateus Oliveira Guerra on Unsplash
A golden hour view of two paragliders soaring high above a sprawling city nestled among rolling hills. The silhouettes of the adventurers are set against a warm, hazy sunset, creating a vast and peaceful scene. This aerial perspective captures the blend of serene beauty and the quiet thrill of flight.

Sunset over a hazy landscape with a bird flying. — Photo by Paulo Mateus Oliveira Guerra on Unsplash
The warm glow of the sun settles over a city nestled in a valley of rolling hills. High above, the motion blur of a passing paraglider streaks across the sky, adding a dynamic and fleeting element to the otherwise tranquil scene. This atmospheric photograph captures the blend of a serene landscape and a dreamlike moment of high-speed adventure.

a parasailer is flying high in the blue sky — Photo by stefan kroeger on Unsplash

man parachuting — Photo by London Ivey on Unsplash
Flying with friends

A paraglider soars through the cloudy sky. — Photo by Thibault Lam Tran on Unsplash

person in red parachute in mid air — Photo by Nima Motaghian Nejad on Unsplash
paragliding during golden hour 🪂

person in white parachute under blue sky during daytime — Photo by Sergio Zhukov on Unsplash

A paraglider soars high above in the sky. — Photo by - Landsmann - on Unsplash
paragliding

An Experience Story

Anticipation

I'll never forget the mix of excitement and nerves as I signed up for my first hot air balloon ride. Having always been fascinated by the idea of flying, I chose the Napa Valley for my first experience, famous for its gentle morning breezes and breathtaking landscapes. The night before, I barely slept, my mind racing with questions: Would I get motion sickness? What if I panicked at the sight of the ground shrinking below? I packed my favorite beanie and gloves, remembering the pilot's advice about the morning chill at altitude. Setting my alarm for 4 AM, I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach - part fear, part exhilaration.

Immersion

As the balloon's burner roared to life, painting the predawn sky with golden light, I felt my heart race. The moment we lifted off was nothing like I expected - no stomach-dropping sensation, just a gentle, almost imperceptible ascent. The world below transformed into a patchwork quilt of vineyards and roads, the early morning mist clinging to the valleys like cotton candy. The silence at 2,000 feet was profound, broken only by the occasional blast of the burner. I could smell the faint scent of propane mixing with the crisp morning air, and the basket felt surprisingly stable beneath my feet. As we floated over a small lake, the rising sun created a mirror-like reflection that took my breath away. In that moment, sipping champagne at dawn with the world spread out below, I understood why balloonists call it "champagne air."

Reflection

Touching down in a sunlit field an hour later, I was struck by how different everything looked from above. The experience gave me a new appreciation for perspective - both literally and metaphorically. That evening, as I scrolled through my photos, I realized the experience had changed me. The world seemed bigger, yet more connected. I found myself looking up at the sky differently, imagining the invisible currents that had carried us. Now, whenever I see a hot air balloon drifting on the horizon, I smile, knowing the magic that's happening up there. It's been a year since that first flight, and I've since tried paragliding and indoor skydiving, but nothing quite compares to that first magical ascent at dawn.

Why It's Important

Facing the challenge of air activities builds confidence and resilience that translates to everyday challenges.

Viewing the world from above offers a fresh outlook on familiar landscapes and problems.

The rush of air sports releases feel-good chemicals that boost mood and energy levels.

Flying demands complete presence, creating a natural mindfulness practice.

Shared aerial experiences create strong bonds and lasting memories with others.

Many air activities improve core strength, balance, and coordination.

Overcoming the challenge of flight provides a profound sense of accomplishment.

Time in the air offers a rare break from screens and constant connectivity.

How to Start

Research different air activities to find one that matches your comfort level and interests.
Check age, weight, and health requirements for your chosen activity.
Read reviews and verify operator certifications before booking.
Book a morning session for typically calmer wind conditions.
Dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear (no sandals or flip-flops).
Arrive early to complete paperwork and receive safety instructions.
Listen carefully to your instructor and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Start with a shorter experience to test your comfort level.
Bring necessary items (ID, water, camera) in a secure bag or pocket.
Relax and enjoy the experience - you're in good hands!

What You'll Need

Comfortable, layered clothing suitable for changing temperatures
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction
Basic physical fitness (ability to stand for extended periods)
Government-issued photo ID for age verification
Signed liability waiver (for participants 18+ or parent/guardian for minors)
Motion sickness medication if prone to nausea (consult your doctor)
Positive attitude and willingness to follow safety instructions
For photography: camera with wrist strap or smartphone with lanyard

Safety First

All participants must meet minimum age and weight requirements. Those with heart conditions, recent surgeries, or severe medical conditions should consult a doctor. Activities may be weather-dependent. Always choose certified operators with proper safety equipment and experienced instructors. Most activities require participants to sign a waiver. Not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with severe vertigo.

FAQ

Surprisingly, many people with acrophobia find hot air ballooning manageable because there's no sense of standing on an edge. The basket feels secure, and the gentle movement is less intimidating than looking down from a tall building.

Wear comfortable, fitted athletic clothing and lace-up sneakers. Avoid loose items that could flap in the wind. Your instructor will provide a jumpsuit, gloves, and goggles for the actual jump.

Most flights last 45-60 minutes in the air, but plan for 3-4 hours total including setup, flight, and pack-up. The exact duration depends on weather conditions and landing site availability.

Yes, but it must be secured with a wrist strap. Many operators recommend using a phone tether. Professional cameras may require special permission and additional safety measures.

Spring and fall typically offer the most stable weather conditions. Summer months can be good but may have more wind. Winter flying is possible in many locations but is more weather-dependent.

No prior experience is needed. You'll receive a 15-20 minute training session covering hand signals, body position, and landing procedures. Your tandem instructor handles all technical aspects of the jump.

Most recreational flights cruise between 500-3,000 feet, offering spectacular views while maintaining clear visibility of the landscape. Some special flights may go higher with proper equipment.

Flights are weather-dependent for safety. Operators will reschedule if conditions aren't ideal. You'll typically receive a weather update 12-24 hours before your scheduled time.

Yes, most have weight limits (typically 200-250 lbs) for safety. These vary by operator and activity. Some providers offer options for larger groups to accommodate different weights.

Many operators can accommodate participants with disabilities. Contact providers in advance to discuss specific needs. Some activities like hot air ballooning can be more accessible than others.

Policies vary, but most require 24-48 hours' notice for cancellations. Weather-related cancellations typically offer rescheduling or full refunds. Always read the fine print when booking.

Minimum ages vary: hot air balloons often allow children as young as 5-6 with an adult, while activities like skydiving typically require participants to be at least 18. Some operators may have different policies.