I often call myself lucky because no matter how many struggles and moments I face in life, life always gives me the opportunity to make my dreams come true. For example, I had always wanted to fly like a bird or jump from a plane to experience fear and freedom. Last year, when I was in Jungfraujoch, Switzerland; I saw paragliders and wanted to have that experience. Since then I have been saving money for such activities because I have believed that one day, I would jump from the plane for "free-fall" or do paragliding. So, this time while planning for the Swiss trip, the first thing I did was to gather information of doing Paragliding and Skydiving.
These kinds of activities are not for everyone especially those who have severe height phobia and believe it or not, I have height phobia. Because of my height phobia, I can't even look down from the rooftop of a building even though the building is only a 5-story building. I never couldn't climb a mountain so easily. The last time when I was in Grindelwald, I couldn't walk on the First Cliff Walk properly due to height phobia, I had to return and sit back somewhere where others were exploring the cliff. So, for an individual like me, paragliding is just a nightmare rather than a dream. But I took it as a challenge to overcome my height phobia.
So first thing first, when I arrived at Brienz, Switzerland; I started looking for the paragliding options nearby. My first choice was skydiving. Skydiving is scary, especially for the first timer and it takes a lot of courage to do that even though you will have a personal pilot/trainer with you. I easily found skydiving options in Interlaken which was very close to Brienze, only 15 minutes drive but the problem was the diving height would be 4000 Meters/ 13000ft which was too much for me who deals with height phobia. I was not so sure even whether I wanted to do it or not even though the opportunity was right in front of me. Even though I knew that I would be enjoying the breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps Mountains, the falling height didn't encourage me at all. So, what I did was I chose the Paragliding option instead.
The booking option was easy, I booked my paragliding date a day before my flight from the Skywings website. I chose the SUMMER PARAGLIDING THE GOLDEN EAGLE package which was 10 to 20 minutes flight duration time. Altitude was 4450ft to 6570ft so I was worried about altitude sickness. Anyway, I booked the paragliding date without any further hesitation and went to the location/meet-up point on the desired date and time.
After reaching the meet-up point, I waited and later we were taken to the Beatenberg, Interlaken, mountain area from where the flight will take place. On our way, our pilots gave us some instructions. Well, I was excited as well as nervous but when I saw that an 8-year-old Korean kid would be flying with us in our group, I tried to act brave even though I was so nervous from the inside. It was an act I was trying to do to express my bravery but somehow my nervousness was showing on my face.
In the photos, I was trying to laugh for the good photo's sake but I was super scared and nervous.
When I reached the paragliding flight location and saw how others were flying, I was not only nervous but scared. My heart was beating faster when I heard that it was windy and paragliding would be bumpy and shaky. My personal instructor asked me if I wanna take photos and videos and I instantly said yes. Anyway, when it was my turn to jump from the mountain, my instantly parachute pulled me back and I couldn't control the weight and strength of the wind so I fell down on the mountain instantly, started gliding horribly and my pilot grabbed me instantly and jumped without any disclaimer or any information. Within a second, when I came to my senses, I saw I was flying.
Yes, I was flying...
I wish I could explain in words the moment when I realized I was flying. That time I forgot all the scary thoughts and nervousness. The pilot was trying to comfort me, talking about the view I was seeing right in front of me. I mean we always see things according to our height but not everyone can witness the bird's eye view of the city, lake, and mountains in person. It was something, an exclusive lifetime moment that would only stay for 10-20 minutes.
It's a feeling that you own this beautiful world and nothing can stop you now. I was feeling free, and excited and was enjoying the panoramic view in front of me.
It is advisable that when you do paragliding and have height phobia, it's better not to look down straight, pilots who fly with you will always suggest looking straight front. Obviously, I had a height phobia so I can't even recall how many times I looked straight down which was really a bad idea. The wind was strong so at some point our parachute was dancing/ flying here and there recklessly. At first, I didn't realize the force of the wind but when we tried to go in near to the lake, the wind was pushing us back. We tried to manage to go near the lake but the force of the strong wind was pushing so hard that I felt like we were going to either fall or would crash over the mountains.
My pilot was French but he has been living in Switzerland for almost 20 years and paragliding is his profession now.
Well, back to the story. When I realized that the wind strength was not good, my fear came back and I started feeling sick. My stomach started hurting so badly and I felt like my body would crush and body parts would be separated. This kind of feeling was not only scary but also not good during the flight especially when you are flying freely in the sky, in the middle of nowhere.
Anyway, I told the pilot about my feelings and he suggested that I should look straight, not down. To change my mood, he showed me a couple of birds flying around me. It was so nice to see that I was flying with the birds.
Unbelievable height, I still cannot believe I was over the city and mountains, flying like this.
 |  |  |
|---|
After 10 minutes, we started flying over the Interlaken city and that experience was on another level. Seeing those small houses, rivers, and mountains, I thought humans are so small so probably birds don't see us until they fly near the ground level. But after 15 minutes of flight, I started feeling sick especially when we were flying over the city. I don't know what happened but I was not feeling like flying and got scared. Anyway, nothing actually happened because when I told the pilot again about this, he started talking about some random kinds of stuff. His TED talk helped a lot.
Our landing point was another location, it was in the Interlaken city called the Center of Interlaken, Höhematte. We landed at the 1800ft, very slowly. Despite safety, I crashed during landing time and didn't get hurt because of safety gear. My sister was nearby waiting for me at the landing point and when I crashed, she ran to me and started laughing at me. Well, she knew I was scared so she was just trying to lighten my mood and anxiety. 🤣😅
I definitely have a perfect young sister who never leaves a chance to laugh at me. 🤣
I realized that I was having altitude sickness when I was flying over the city. After landing, I took time to calm down, relaxed on the grass a little bit, and then started looking at the pictures that the pilot had taken during our flight.
 |  |  |
|---|
The sickness or phobia I felt during our flight didn't matter to me because finally, I overcame my phobia and won't be so afraid of heights anymore. This was my achievement. Not only do I feel proud of this challenge and achievement but also, I have unforgettable lifetime experiences. This challenge was bigger than I expected and I am really proud of myself that I did it and fulfilled one of my reckless dream.
What's the next plan, well probably skydiving somewhere nice... Because now I have courage and I am brave enough to fly high.
Few Tips for Paragliding:
- Wear proper shoes
- Winter Jacket or Windbreaker, comfortable clothes
- Don't eat lunch or heavy food before the flight
- Sunglasses are a must.
- Do not keep your phone or any gadget with you.
- Keep cash to purchase photos from the pilot after landing.
- Be ready for the weather
- Enough courage and prepare yourself mentally
- Enjoy each and every second...
Love
Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
Find me on:
The author captures all images used...
An impressive experience. I suffer from quite a fear of heights. Whether it's looking out from a tall building, or climbing a power pole, in all cases my body paralyzes and I shake like crazy.
I imagined for a moment being in your place, while looking at the photos and reading your description, and I had to take what was nearby to bite it and avoid screaming. I know it's an almost ridiculous state, but I seriously can't stand the idea much.
I congratulate you for overcoming fears sufficiently to meet this challenge.
Stay !ALIVE
!LUV
!Gif Brave Paragliding
!BBH
I was shaking at some point especially when I had to jump. When I started feeling dizzy, I closed my eyes several times but the glare from the sun was too much even though I was wearing sunglasses. I was scared of falling down all the down even though I knew they guaranteed 100% safety.
That's why I said, that for those who have height phobia, it will be difficult for them to do paragliding if they don't know how to handle it. I learned a key lesson, to be honest...
Thanks a lot, my friend...Have a nice weekend...
!Gif Have a nice weekend, too!
Via Tenor
Via Tenor
I am afraid of heights, to the point that even in video games, heights and platforms make me dizzy.
I don't know how I'll be able to play the new Destiny expansion, if just watching other people's games I was terrified of the jumps.
So my respects, you have done something that requires a lot of courage and despite everything you have had a good time and got excellent images to share.
Height phobia is so serious and that's why during my jump I am scared thinking I am gonna fall and die. Nowadays games are so realistic that you will feel that you are in the real world while playing. I couldn't even watch such videos or movie clips because it made me anxious. Still does, to be honest...
Thank you so much for such kind words, I appreciate it...
Well done you! I have vertigo just looking at your photos. I need to go and lie down now. You did great though. I'm very impresssed, although slightly nauseous ....
Ah I should have put a disclaimer and I completely forgot about this problem. I am so sorry dear because I have some idea about the Vertigo problem. Please take care and I would suggest you not look at the photos because I know it will make you dizzy 😭
Oh don't worry, I was only joking. I do hate heights but your photos are great. My face would have been green! 😆
My face was red after landing, trust me that's why I don't have photos after my land. I had an epic landing and one of the worst landings of our team 🤣. After landing, my Pilot just walked away without opening my safety gear... 🤣
I bet he thought get me out of here! 😁
Indeed 🤣
WOW, how much beauty!
Congratulations on the experience: I have a friend who is an instructor and already has been promised me to flight together... free in the sky!
Sooner or later, will I also jump with the parachute? 😜
You will enjoy it for sure and if you don't have any height phobia, it will be an amazing experience. Is there any particular location in mind?
Best of luck in advance...😁
Thanks for encouragement, mate!
As a unique and wonderful place, in Italy we have the beautiful mountains of the Dolomites, unique in the world.
But, as a first experience, I'm also fine to have a closer place, in the Friuli Region.
Ah, Dolomites is on my list and I hope to go there oneday just to see the unique mountains. It would be really nice if you do it in mountain areas...
Wow, you did it. Despite having height phobia, you were able to fly!!! Well done, @priyanarc, indeed, a lifetime experience! And the views are beautiful!!! 😍
Holy words!
🇮🇹 Parole sante!
🙂
The view was spectacular and I don't have words to explain such scenic beauty. It's actually amazing to look at everything from the sky, very different, beautiful, and unusual. Even though it was a wonderful experience, I am not sure if I am gonna do it again. But now I know how to manage height phobia and that's a lesson. I am glad you liked the photos, have you ever done something like this? @mipiano
Fantastic experience! I am so proud of you!
I remember my paragliding in Turkiye, it was unforgettable ❤️
Wow, you did it and I am sure you know this unforgettable experience. Do you have any photos? I cannot even believe that I did the paragliding whenever I see these photos. Wonderful moment of my life... By the way, how are you dear?
The experience was exciting indeed, even though I was expecting it would be more freaking 😅 It was so calm and quiet up there....
I have photos, of course. They don't allow to take your own camera because of "safety reason" but it's a bullshit. They just make money on it, and their photos was quite a disappointment. 😏
I am quite good while Nick is by me 😊 Besides, my daughter visited us a week ago, and it makes me really happy. We need so little to be happy...
Sending you my !luv and !HUG
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @zirochka.
(1/3)
Girlll 🤣
Absolutely but during my flight, we had windy weather so I felt the strength of the wind but it felt fresh and quiet...
Yes basically pilots make that money...
I am happy for you, finally, you managed some time for yourself and for your family and having a good time...
Anyway, I look forward to see you on HF 🩷
I hope so too dear...
Wow, you had a best experience for this adventure, Indeed your flying with birds.
Yes, it was something extraordinary and very challenging as well at least for me. But it's a big achievement for me, thanks for such kind words...
I wish you a lovely week...
I felt like I was flying with you, and imagined how I would feel if I was really up in the air. I think I'd be so scared as well and keep on looking down. You did very well to talk to your pilot and tell him about your feelings otherwise it would have been an awful experience and I imagine dangerous for both of you if you start to panic. Well done for being so brave!!
Yes, Pilot was also constantly asking me about my condition and even told me to let him know if I felt sick. The whole experience was wonderful and obviously, it was much safer than I expected. The flight experience was awesome even though I was scared. Thanks, Pauline, it was really an achievement for me to get my confidence back... I felt like I kinda broke the chain...
You were very brave @priyanarc, but what an amazing feeling it must be when you start flying!
I also fear heights, not sure if I would have tackled this when I was younger. We live in a beautiful world, don't we! The photos are stunning.
Yes, dear, it takes a lot of interest and courage just to decide whether you gonna do it or not that's why I didn't go skydiving even though I wanted to do it. This world is so beautiful and that's why I said I am so lucky that I gathered courage to see our world from a bird'seye perspective. This achievement is my lifetime experience...
Thanks a lot for the wonderful feedback, take care...
Truly you're lucky. 😊 Congratulations on your achievement in fighting your height phobia.😊
The photos are wonderful and the happiness you feel during paragliding was radiant in the photos. 😊
Thank you so much, yes the photos turned out really great even though I was super scared and nervous. But the entire experience was unbelievable...I wish you a wonderful week and thanks for reading my post...
You're welcome. 😊 A good experience to keep. 😊😊
Same here. Wishing you a wonderful week. 😊
Thank you so much, I will always keep this memory alive in me...
Yeah. And I will remember that there is someone here in the community who is brave enough to conquer her fear.😊
That's really so kind of you and yes, I feel really proud whenever I see these photos...
You're welcome.😊😊 Have a nice day.😊 Looking forward on your experience in sky diving.😊
So beautiful the pictures from the paragliding. I don’t think I could do it; you are so brave.
Thank you so much, yes it's a very challenging activity and even though you will enjoy seeing the paragliders in the sky, you will hesitate to do it for yourself. It's completely understandable...
Sounds like an amazing experience. Never paraglided, but already skydived, and for what I read you would enjoy it for sure. Don't worry about the height, you'll have no idea how high you are when you jump off the plane. 😉
You skydived already so you are gonna love paragliding. I felt like I was flying when I saw the bird which was flying near me. The view was magical, to be honest, and I can't even believe I did this... Not sure when I will do skydive but gonna do it soon before my body collapses...😀
You'll have an adrenaline rush that will last the entire day! 😁
Oh, yea, that's for sure, I didn't feel the intensity of adrenaline rush during paragliding but for skydiving, I am sure it is intense...
Let me know when you try it! ;)
First I need to decide where I am gonna do it 😁. Definitely gonna let you know...
Please do! :)
Thank you @ewkaw and @qurator!
Photos are just breathtaking, so what about the experience! 🤯🤯🤯 Amazing! I would not dare, I admire you!
That's why I said I fulfilled my reckless dream and this kind of adventure is not for everyone including myself. I was a little bit okay when I saw an 8-year-old kid was paragliding before my flight. He didn't even look scared...
I can imagine how nervous and scared you were but it's a great experience in a beautiful place . And the beautiful pictures of course ❤️
I was, even felt a lot of pressure in my stomach several times. Do I want to do paragliding again?? Possibly not but I have gathered a lifetime of experience and made my reckless dream come true... How are you dear? How's your baby girl doing?
I'm sure I would feel the same but I still don't know if I dare to do it like you. Around here we are doing great, Olivia getting bigger every day, thanks for asking. A hug 🤗
I know the feeling because it's actually scary and a questionable decision. That's why I said my decision was reckless and passionate. Beautiful Olivia has grown so much, sending lots of love and huggss for her... 🤗 Take care dear...
Thank you very much bella❤️! A hug 🤗
As someone who is genuinely afraid of heights, I am very proud of you. It takes a lot of energy and courage to do such a risky thing, knowing it'll cost you a lot of adrenaline. I'm guessing it was a really thrilling and fun experience for you. The views are also absolutely breathtaking. I hope I can try paragliding someday too :)
Completely agree with you and that's why after landing, I took some time to sit down on the spot. I still cannot believe I did that. Those 10-15 minutes are so exclusive and unforgettable in my life. I was kind of determined to do paragliding and that's why I was able to do it because I thought it was now or never.
The view was stunning and I don't know how to explain such a gorgeous view in words. It was worth doing paragliding because what I saw from the sky was an unbelievable memory...
Thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate it. Have a nice weekend...
This is such a surprise to begin my day with! I know lots of people scared of altitude as well as extreme sports and for some reason I did not see one post like this coming from you, haha! But I am so happy for you to see the smiles and beating that fear for a couple of minutes! I still have this experience on my to-do list before I die, lol, but the scenery completed your smile perfectly! Congrats!!
You are absolutely right on this point and I still cannot believe I did that. I am not a sports person due to my injury and I stopped playing sports a long time ago. I cannot play anything, not even badminton even though I was good at it. I had a reckless dream and I thought to fulfill that 🤣. When I was booking for paragliding, I was hesitating but later I felt it was now or never.
Yes, I was happy actually even though I had to force myself to smile while flying. It was windy and a little bit cold when we went high. But it was nice.
If you get the opportunity, do it because it's a lifetime experience and you will definitely feel proud of yourself after landing.
Thank you, my dear...
❤️
I'm so proud of you and happy for you, Priyan! You did something that just a few would do in your place! Have a height phobia and take paragliding! That's huge!
Thanks for sharing your experience and your emotional rollercoaster during the flight! It added a lot of value to this challenge and personal achievement!
Photos are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
I have picked this post on behalf of the @OurPick project! Check out our Reading Suggestions Posts!
Please consider voting for our Liotes HIVE Witness. Thank you!
Thank you so much, it means a lot to me. Yes, even my sister didn't want to do it, even though I had asked her several times before booking. She told me she enjoys watching paragliders in the sky but for herself, no way. I often had a dream of flying like a bird, to visualize how it feels to fly in the sky with birds. I cannot climb the mountains or cannot stay long on the rooftops of highrises. So, jumping from the mountain is something and I cannot believe I did that.
I also feel proud of myself and yes, my life is full of ups and downs. This achievement will always make me proud and happy. I did something for myself. Not only did I fulfill my dreams but also, I did overcame a little bit of my phobia.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read such a long post, I appreciate your time, support, and thanks for such an honor...
Oh, I get you, believe me! I can't look down when I'm on a 5-6th floor of a building... I still have no idea how I can fly in an airplane... lol... So, not sure that I will be as brave as you were and do something like you did!
Great job in overpassing your fears!!! 💪
If we sit near the window, we don't look down directly, and the inside of the plane is an enclosed area, so after take-off, it feels stable.
That's my theory by the way to console myself 😁
Maybe one day if you feel like doing something crazy and reckless like me... 😁
Wah! Great photos! 😍 I love the view, but at the same time, as someone who is afraid of heights, I am scared to look below. 😆
Yes, and that was my biggest mistake. When I started looking down, I started feeling dizzy and got scared. Gradually I felt sick and at last told my pilot that no more fly. It's recommended always that those who have height phobia, shouldn't look straight below.
I am happy you liked the photos... Thank you and have a good weekend...
Absolutely incredible! Facing and overcoming such a real fear takes so much strength of character and bravery and what a way to do it. The scenery is spectacular and the photos are breathtaking. It goes without saying that your write up is superb as usual.
Can't wait for the parachuting now!
This really is living your best life so keep going and take care always.
Best wishes and congratulations to you, superstar :-)
Bravery or foolishness I don't know yet because nowadays I kinda dare to do challenging kinds of stuff. I guess it's the effect of my intense therapy 🤣; I am becoming a new person completely 😂 because I still can't understand why I took such a reckless decision 😂. But I guess I have seen a lot of audacious things in life so I am now trying to achieve something challenging for myself.
You should because those 15 minutes are actually a lifetime achievement...
I consider myself lucky always for this reason. Thank you...
Thanks my friend for such wonderful words, I wish you a lovely weekend...
Congratulations, your post has been added to the TravelFeed Map! 🎉🥳🌴
Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!
Want to have your post on the map too?
- Go to TravelFeed Map
- Click the create pin button
- Drag the marker to where your post should be. Zoom in if needed or use the search bar (top right).
- Copy and paste the generated code in your post (any Hive frontend)
- Or login with Hive Keychain or Hivesigner and click "create post" to post to Hive directly from TravelFeed
- Congrats, your post is now on the map!
PS: Pinmapple is closing down and together with @worldmappin we are continuing Pinmapple's legacy. You can also import your previous Pinmapple posts to the TravelFeed map.Opt Out
Congratulations, your post has been added to WorldMapPin! 🎉
Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!
Want to have your post on the map too?
Thanks...
Love to see more "flights" like this @priyanarc
Congratulations @priyanarc! You received the biggest smile and some love from TravelFeed! Keep up the amazing blog. 😍 Your post was also chosen as top pick of the day and is now featured on the TravelFeed front page.
Thanks for using TravelFeed!
@for91days (TravelFeed team)
PS: TravelFeed is in social media to reach more people, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Thank you so much...
Congratulations @priyanarc! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)
Your next target is to reach 23500 replies.
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPCheck out our last posts: