I’ve been to Chiangmai a couple of occasions however I’ve by no means realized that you can join powered paragliding or paramotoring as they name it. So on my newest journey I made a decision that it was a possibility to this out.
I assume many people have flown on planes and possibly even in a helicopter earlier than. But then you’re protected and sound inside a tough steel shell protected against the chilly dashing wind and engine noise of the plane. So it may be very visceral to fly unprotected by the plane’s physique, uncovered to the weather.
I booked my paramotoring exercise on-line by means of Ticket2Attraction. After checking round I discovered that their costs have been one of many lowest (3,500 baht/individual). I had enquired with one other paramotoring firm instantly and so they quoted me a a lot larger ticket worth which additionally included the ‘foreigner fee’ which is kind of prevalent in Thailand.
The ticket worth included pickup from my lodge and in addition drop off which is nice because the flying location is round 30km away from Chiangmai in the midst of paddy fields. I selected to fly within the early morning as it will be cooler and I hoped to catch dawn. But by the point I bought there it was already nearly 8am and approach handed daybreak.
Anyway, I got here to fly and never crawl over deserted planes and vans. So after placing on a pair of windproof overalls and a helmet, I used to be set for some paramotoring. I used to be additionally given a Gopro digital camera mounted on the tip of an extended selfie stick in order that I may movie myself.
I used to be quickly joined by my pilot who would do the flying whereas I sat within the entrance and did the filming, and watching the surroundings. Amid the roar of the engine and a bumpy take off, we have been quickly airborne. The flight itself was actually easy, not what I anticipated from such a small airframe. I assume the para-sail helps to stabilize any sudden actions.
The flying pace will not be quick like a airplane. Instead it’s extra like a automotive cruising at in all probability 50-60 km/hr. Landing was simply as bumpy as take off due to the grassy floor. I observed that the pilots have been in a position to land and switch the cart round in order that the para-sail fell behind it and never get tangled.
At the tip of the flight, they helped to obtain the pictures and video from the Gopro onto my telephone. The Gopro was setup to take video and shoot pictures at 5 seconds intervals. It takes up a number of reminiscence area so ensure you clear your telephone’s storage earlier than downloading.
If you aren’t afraid of heights and wish to attempt one thing new, I might say that is one thing you’ll be able to have a look at. There 2-3 firms providing this in Chiangmai and it’s best to try their costs and choices earlier than deciding on which one to go together with. The complete time for that is round 3 hours. My lodge pickup was at 7am and by the point I used to be drop off again on the lodge, it was 10am. Just in time to scrub up and exit for some web site seeing.