Why is Paragliding and Parasailing so Famous in Olu Deniz?
If you visit Olu Deniz you will notice two things – firstly, the scenery is stunning, and secondly, if you look upwards you will see countless flying contraptions soaring overhead. This is because Olu Deniz is considered the country’s premier paragliding and parasailing hotspot, if not one of the best in the world.
Would you do it?
Firstly, we need to look at what paragliding and parasailing are, and the differences between the two.
What is Paragliding?
Paragliding is flying through the air, off the top of a mountain or cliff, attached to a free-flying aircraft. You use lines and toggles to steer yourself through the air. From that description, you can gather that paragliding is not for the beginner, although it possible to do a tandem paraglide, with a professional doing the steering.
The weather conditions need to be perfect, and the wind needs to be blowing in the right direction, in order for paragliding to be possible, and this is why Olu Deniz is considered one of the best spots during the summer months for the sport to be practiced. There are countless trips that organise this for tourists, a just four hours away from the resort you will find Honaz, which is where the World Air Games are held. This region is therefore a true hotspot for flying fun!
What is Parasailing?
Many people confuse paragliding and parasailing, but there is a huge difference – if you book a trip for the wrong one, you’ll be in for a surprise! Basically anyone can do parasailing, and this is a leisure, recreational activity that is widely available at most large tourist resorts along the south coast. Having said that, Olu Deniz is a fantastic spot to enjoy it, because of the scenery you’ll be passing by.
Parasailing can either be done off the back of a boat, or from the beach, but either way, you are towed by a speed boat. You are attached to a parachute via a safety vest and lines, and as the boat takes off, you are winched out into the air. You will go higher and higher, until the boat basically pulls you around the coastline, before winching you back in at the end.
There are many watersports centres who offer this activity, so it’s a case of shopping around for the best deal. Children are usually not suitable, but it does depend on their age, so check with the particular watersport centre in terms of what their policy is. Some centres allow you to do tandem trips, but it depends on your combined weights, so again, check with the particular centre.
Why Olu Deniz?
So, now we know what these activities are, and we know that you can do parasailing at most large resorts, why is Olu Deniz considered the best place?
Basically, it’s about scenery. Olu Deniz is one of the most beautiful resorts you’ll set eyes on, and it’s also the spot where the Blue Lagoon is situated. This is a stunningly blue stretch of water and white sand that is protected, and which you will need to pay a small fee to enter. When you do parasailing, and particular paragliding, you’ll be able to fly over this lagoon, and really get the best view possible.
In terms of paragliding, we’ve mentioned that the weather conditions are fantastic in this region, but it’s also down the huge Babadag Mountain, which runs from Fethiye, and down to Olu Deniz. There are several ‘jump’ points from here, and how strong the wind is depends on which point your instructor will take you to. The drive up the mountain takes around an hour by jeep from the resort centre, and the views on the way are something to behold – remember your camera for the drive!
So, are you brave enough to try it?
