Tandem Paragliding from Pedra Grande, Atibaia

Tandem paragliding from Pedra Grande is a guided flight activity launching from the Pedra Grande outcrop above Atibaia, about 65 kilometres northeast of Sao Paulo, gliding over the Serra da Mantiqueira foothills with certified pilots such as those from O Mundo e Bao - Escola de Parapente e Voo Duplo. No paragliding experience or particular fitness is required for the tandem flight, since the certified pilot controls the wing throughout, though passengers should be able to jog a few steps at launch and landing and the operator typically sets a minimum age and maximum weight. The tandem wing, harness and helmet are provided as standard equipment; passengers should wear closed, sturdy shoes suitable for a short run at takeoff and a warm layer for the cooler air at altitude. Brazilian tandem paragliding pilots operating from established sites like Pedra Grande are certified by the national hang-gliding and paragliding confederation and typically hold large numbers of logged tandem flights; before flying, passengers receive a pre-flight briefing covering launch running technique, in-flight body position and the standard landing technique used if conditions require an unplanned landing. The best flying window is April-September, when steadier northwest winds provide more reliable and longer flights; flights are avoided in strong crosswinds and thunderstorms, which are more common in the summer wet season from December to March.