Paragliding guiding in Tenerife
Skilled flying, with a guide who knows every thermal.
For certified pilots visiting Tenerife. Shared transport to sites, radio support in the air, and the kind of local knowledge that takes years to build.
A note up front
Guiding is not automated adventure tourism. It depends on the group's skills working together safely in real air. We keep groups small and vet carefully, not every inquiry will get a spot.
Who this is for
Licensed pilots with intermediate skills and their own kit.
- Licensed pilots only, SafePro Level 4 or international equivalent (BHPA Pilot, USHPA P3+, etc.)
- Intermediate-plus skills: comfortable with thermalling, active piloting in moderate conditions, standard landings
- Your own wing, harness, reserve, and current third-party insurance
Not a licensed pilot yet? The School bootcamp is the way in. Want a tandem instead? See the Full Day Experience.
What to expect
Tenerife flying conditions
Tenerife is a year-round thermal and coastal site. Knowing what to expect prevents wasted days.
Strong thermic development
Thermals fire reliably from 10-11am between April and October. Cloudbase sits at 1,500-2,500m above the takeoffs. The island's topography channels and amplifies lift in predictable patterns once you know the terrain.
Coastal ridge and trade winds
Ifonche and the eastern sites offer consistent NE trade wind lift most afternoons. When thermals shut down on thermal days, coastal flights keep the day going.
XC potential
On good thermal days, south-to-north runs of 25-45 km are achievable. The Teno massif in the northwest is a classic far goal. We navigate both routes depending on conditions.
Your equipment
What you need to bring
- Glider class
- EN-C, EN-D or CCC only. EN-B gliders are not suitable for Tenerife thermic conditions, active piloting is required throughout.
- Wingload
- 3.5 to 5.5 kg/m² recommended. Low wingload gliders struggle in broken thermals.
- Reserve parachute
- Must have been repacked within the last 12 months. We check this on day one.
- Glider inspection
- Porosity and line check within the last 24 months. Older gliders may be grounded at our discretion.
- Instruments
- Variometer with GPS strongly recommended. Instrument sharing is possible on request.
XC routes
Where we fly
Taucho South · Coastal run
From Taucho, following the Barrancos south toward Adeje and the coast. Good for early-season flying when thermals are weaker.
Taucho North · XC
Taucho to El Medano and beyond on strong thermal days. The classic distance route using the island's spine as a trigger line.
Ifonche Triangle
Ifonche north through Vilaflor toward Granadilla. Technical terrain, excellent for pilots developing their ridge reading skills.
In the price
What's included
- Transport to and between takeoff sites (Taucho, Ifonche, others based on conditions)
- Radio support throughout each flying day
- Morning briefing on conditions and flight plan
- Evening debrief
- Recovery transport from landing zones
- Shared accommodation (double room, two pilots per room)
What you bring
What you're responsible for
- Your own wing
- Your own harness and reserve parachute
- Current third-party insurance, mandatory, we can't fly uninsured pilots
- Your international licence or equivalent certification
The flying day
How a guiding day runs
Two to three flights per day
Depending on conditions, wind windows, and the group's pace. We don't force a schedule when the air isn't ready.
Multiple sites per day
We move between Taucho, Ifonche, and other takeoffs when the conditions favour one over another. You see the island by flying it.
Guide stays grounded for radio support
On most flights the guide is on the ground with a radio, not in the air with you. Coaching from below is what makes this work for intermediate pilots.
Pricing
€140-150
per pilot, per day
- Minimum group size
- 4 pilots
- Maximum per guide
- 8 pilots
- Accommodation
- Included
Price varies by season and group size. Accommodation is a shared double room. Meals and personal insurance are not included.
Pilot FAQ
Questions from pilots
Can I bring my EN-B glider?
No. Tenerife thermals are strong and often broken. EN-B gliders require constant intervention that will exhaust you and limit where we can fly. EN-C minimum.
Do you accept PPG (paramotor) students?
No. Guiding is for free-flight paraglider pilots only. Powered paragliding requires separate facilities and permissions we don't have.
I haven't flown in 6 months. Can you assess me first?
Yes, and we recommend it. We run a short skills check on day one before heading to the XC sites. If you're not current, we'll build you back up progressively rather than throw you into rotor.
Is tandem experience with Tony required before guiding?
No. But if you've never flown Tenerife, one tandem flight the day before gives you a feel for the terrain and landing zones before you're responsible for your own approach.
Request a slot
Tell us who you are, we'll tell you what's open.
We review every request manually. Response usually within 48 hours. If the skill match isn't right, we'll say so directly rather than waste your trip.
Flying in Tenerife this season?
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