The first five days were all about ground handling. We trained just outside of Ho Chi Minh City, running across dusty fields with wings above our heads, trying to make them listen to our every move. It was sweaty, messy, and not very glamorous, but I could feel the progress every day.
Then came the next step of this paragliding course Vietnam: flying from the dunes. For four days we stayed at the beach, learning to take off and land by jumping off sand hills. That’s when it started to feel real. The first moments in the air, even just a few seconds, were so exciting. Practicing my takeoffs and trying to land softly on my feet became the new goal.
After that, it was time for the real deal. In the central highlands of Vietnam, we launched off an actual mountain. Seven flights in total. That’s where we trained turns, 360s, finding thermals, and planning our approach to the landing site. It sounds simple, but judging how many zigzags to do before you’re at a safe height to land is a challenge. My friend Kai missed the site completely and ended up in the bushes. I myself overshot the landing and almost crashed into the trees at the far end. Still made it. Just barely.
With the help of our instructors, we learned quickly. Every flight was a rush. Every small success felt huge. And when I finally earned my Adventure Pilot certificate, it felt like the start of something much bigger.
I know I’ve just scratched the surface of what paragliding really is. But I’ve tasted it now, and I’m hooked. I plan to buy my own gear and train more to keep my skills sharp. Skyfriends got me off the ground, and now it’s up to me to keep flying