My High 5 Paragliding Experience

Like most of you, I also have my bucket list that I wish to fulfill in my lifetime. Most activities on my list are focus on extreme sports including skydiving, paragliding and bungee jumping. 

Just last week, out of boredom, I searched for paragliding activities here in Manila. Luckily, I was directed to High Five Paragliding which seems to have good reviews and even celebrities like Kim Chui have tried it with them. 

Why fly with High 5 Paragliding? 

High 5 Paragliding is rated as the best tandem paragliding operator in the country. They have been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TRIPADVISOR. They provide tandem paragliding around the metro with certified tandem pilots. 

Location

High Five Paragliding is held in Carmona Cavite (from October to June), Binangonan, or San Mateo Rizal (from June to October), depending on the weather conditions. 

Rates

The rates would vary depending on the day you want to fly (more expensive during weekends) and a bit cheaper if you book by groups. I booked online and paid PHP2450 plus PHP200 for transportation. Pick up point depends on where the paragliding will take place. In my case, we met at Frontera Verde and headed to San Mateo.

I immediately booked online and scheduled it on A Wednesday. The next thing I know, I was already on the shuttle service going to San Mateo where the paragliding take-off will take place. We first went to Bikers Cafe and waited for other participants. It’s a relaxing cafe with the usual rice menu like Tapsilog and coffee but with a nice view covered in greens. Meals are ok in taste and reasonable too. 

After about 20 minutes, we are ready for the main adventure. It took 10-15 minutes drive going to the mountain. You will need to hike for about 10 minutes until you reach the perfect spot for paragliding. As a newbie, I find it exciting and a bit nervous to try this extreme activity. I have rounded up 5 tips to make your paragliding adventure a bit more relaxing.

Make sure to have enough sleep

It will require you to run while carrying a heavy load that’s why a complete 8-hour sleep is highly recommended. Make sure to have enough energy so you can enjoy your ride.

Listen to your pilot

Although this is tandem paragliding, you need to do certain things so you will have a smooth flight. Trust your pilot and just do what he instructs you to do. These are licensed paragliding pilots and they know how to do it safely.

Brings lots of water and sunblock

Although it’s only a short time of trecking, the scorching heat from the sun can drain not just your energy but your body fluids as well. Always bring your water with you to keep you fresh and hydrated. Apply sunscreen before you hike to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. 

Capture the moment

The activity won't be long but you can keep the memories forever. If you don't have a GoPro, you can rent it for PHP500. You get a video and snapshots of your flight.

Enjoy the ride

The entire paragliding activity will be roughly 10-15 minutes, depending on how strong the winds are and how favorable the condition is. After you run and take off, there is really nothing much left for you to do but to enjoy the winds, appreciate the view, and embrace the beauty of life and what it has to offer. Oftentimes, we are too busy to even stop and savor every moment of life. The view above is spectacular plus it leaves you with no choice but to live the moment, be carefree, and just enjoy this 15-minute ride of a lifetime.