Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your flight
Tandem Flights
Flights typically last 30–40 minutes, with a minimum of 20 minutes weather permitting. In very light wind conditions, a shorter glide of around 10 minutes may be offered — in that case, you can choose to fly or reschedule at no cost.
No flying experience needed! However, you do need a reasonable level of fitness — you'll need to walk uphill for 15–60 minutes to reach the launch site, and be able to run a few steps on sloping ground for take-off. Jocky handles all the flying.
We recommend ages 14–60, with case-by-case assessment outside this range. You'll need to be fit enough to walk uphill for up to an hour. If you have any concerns about age, weight, or fitness, just ask — we'll find a way to make it work. Wheelchair-accessible buggies are also available for those with limited mobility.
Safety is always the priority. If conditions aren't suitable, we'll reschedule at no extra cost within your 2-year voucher validity period. Jocky will ask you to call or message at 09:30 on flight day to confirm conditions.
Ankle-supportive boots or fell-access trainers (no sandals), warm comfortable layers, and a waterproof jacket. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection for the walk to the launch site. We provide the helmet and harness.
Paragliding has an excellent safety record when flown by experienced pilots. Jocky has over 30 years' experience and 10,000+ tandem flights. Safety is always the number one priority.
Absolutely! Family and friends are welcome to watch from the landing field.
SIV Courses
SIV stands for 'Simulation d'Incident en Vol'. It's a structured course where you deliberately induce and recover from collapses, stalls, spins, and other incidents over water with boat rescue support.
You must hold a valid paragliding licence or ID — BHPA card or national federation equivalent. The course is structured so you only do manoeuvres you are comfortable with, whatever your experience level.
Jocky Sanderson SIV courses are £845. This includes 6 flights with 1:1 in-flight radio instruction, detailed briefings, HD video footage of all flights, group debriefings, lectures, automatic inflatable collar, equipment safety checks, and transport to the lift station where possible. Cable car tolls (~£12 per flight), hotel, and airport transfers are not included.
Maximum 6 pilots per course, ensuring plenty of personal attention and flights each day.
That's completely normal! The course is carefully structured to build up gradually. Nobody is ever pressured into doing anything they're not ready for.
Gift Vouchers
Purchase a gift voucher for any tandem flight package. You'll receive a personalised invitation letter and a printable boarding pass that you can present in a card. The recipient contacts Jocky to arrange their flight.
Gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase.
Yes! We can arrange gift vouchers for any of our services. Just get in touch via WhatsApp.
General
We fly from multiple fell-side locations around the Keswick area including Blencathra, Skiddaw, Latrigg, and Walla Crag. All within 20 minutes of Keswick town centre.
You can book directly through the website — just head to the tandem flights or SIV courses page and checkout online. You can also call Jocky on 07771 783336.
Yes. Jocky carries full public liability insurance and is a BHPA-registered senior instructor.
Photos are included with every tandem flight. Professional GoPro filming is available as a £50 add-on — you'll receive the SD card on landing. You're also welcome to bring your own phone or camera if secured with a lanyard.