Imagine gliding through the skies, free as a bird, over Hong Kong’s breathtaking landscapes. I recently had this experience with Hong Kong Hike ‘N’ Fly, a tandem paragliding operator based in the city’s New Territories. Emil Kaminski, the chief pilot, invited me to join him for a session at the Ngong Ping plateau in Ma On Shan, and I eagerly accepted.
Paragliding has a devoted following in Hong Kong, having taken off in the 1990s. The sport involves a harness attached to a large “wing” that lets pilots steer through the air by adjusting control lines and shifting their weight. Kaminski notes that mastering this skill takes time, as it relies heavily on motor memory.
My adventure began with a hike to Ngong Ping’s take-off point, where patience is essential, as flight timing depends on wind conditions. Some pilots may wait hours for the perfect moment to launch, so Kaminski advises bringing snacks and water. Luckily, conditions were ideal, and after a brief wait, we were airborne.
The sensation of soaring over Hong Kong was both thrilling and peaceful. Unlike the adrenaline rush I expected, the flight felt calm, offering stunning aerial views of familiar sights like the beaches of Sai Kung, the skyscrapers of Tseung Kwan O, and even Sha Tin in the distance. The wind dictated our route, constantly shifting the views and adding to the excitement of the experience.
Ngong Ping is one of eight government-authorized paragliding sites in Hong Kong, including Dragon’s Back on Hong Kong Island and locations in Sai Wan and Lantau Island. Ideal sites require a clear, open space for launching and safe landing options. At Ngong Ping, we had a flat, grassy area for take-off and could use nearby Sai Kung for emergency landings.
While some pilots, like Kaminski, can perform stunts, I was content to simply enjoy the views on my first flight. For those looking to try tandem paragliding, there are a few CAD-licensed operators in Hong Kong, including X Fly Paragliding and Phoenix Paragliding. Hong Kong Hike ‘N’ Fly was the first to receive commercial authorization in 2015 and is certified by the Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors.
Paragliding may not be ideal for short-term visitors, given the unpredictability of flight timing. However, for Hongkongers or those staying longer, it offers a unique perspective of the city, unlike anything seen from the ground. Paragliding is becoming more inclusive as well, with Hong Kong recently celebrating its first disabled licensed pilot, Ajmal Samuel, who qualified in April and embodies the spirit of freedom this sport offers.
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