Dress Right, Fly Right
One of the most common questions we get at OCPD is: "What should I wear?" Good question — wearing the right gear makes your paragliding experience much more comfortable and enjoyable. Here's our complete guide.
Footwear — The Most Important Item
DO wear:
- Sneakers / running shoes (best option)
- Hiking shoes / trail shoes
- Any closed-toe athletic shoes with good grip
DO NOT wear:
- Sandals or flip-flops (you need to run for takeoff!)
- Heels or wedges
- Loose slippers
- Crocs (they can slip off during launch)
Your shoes are crucial because takeoff involves a short run down a gentle slope. You need shoes that stay on your feet and grip the ground. If you arrive in sandals, we may not be able to fly you — so plan ahead.
Clothing — Comfort Is Key
Upper Body
- T-shirt or athletic top — breathable, not too loose
- Light jacket or hoodie — it can be 3-5°C cooler at our 1,739 ft elevation, and the breeze while flying adds to the chill
- Avoid: Very loose shirts, scarves, or dangling accessories that could get tangled in lines
Lower Body
- Long pants or joggers — recommended to prevent harness rub on your thighs
- Leggings — great option, comfortable and won't get caught on anything
- Shorts — okay but the harness straps may press into bare skin
- Avoid: Skirts, dresses, very loose baggy pants
Accessories
Recommended:
- Sunglasses — the sun at elevation is strong. Use a strap/retainer so they don't fly off
- Sunscreen — apply before you arrive. UV is stronger at altitude
- Hair tie — if you have long hair, tie it back. Wind + loose hair = messy photos and limited visibility
- Small pocket for phone — zip pocket preferred if you want to bring your phone (though the pilot/GoPro captures everything)
Leave Behind:
- Bulky bags/backpacks — store them at our cafe before the flight
- Dangling jewelry — necklaces, large earrings, bracelets that could snag
- Hats without chin straps — they WILL fly off. Cap + retainer strap is okay
- Expensive loose items — anything not secured to your body could end up 1,700 feet below
Weather-Specific Tips
Hot Season (March-May)
Still bring a light layer. The mountaintop is breezy and the wind chill while flying can surprise you even on a hot day in Oslob town.
Rainy Season (June-November)
Bring a rain jacket just in case — but if it's actively raining, flights will be postponed. The drive up to the site can get misty, so a light waterproof layer is useful.
Cool Season (December-February)
The coolest months in the Philippines. A hoodie or light fleece is recommended for the flight, especially for morning slots.
Quick Checklist
- ✅ Closed-toe shoes (sneakers/trainers)
- ✅ Comfortable pants or leggings
- ✅ Breathable shirt (not too loose)
- ✅ Light jacket or hoodie
- ✅ Sunglasses with strap
- ✅ Sunscreen (applied)
- ✅ Hair tie (if needed)
- ❌ No sandals, heels, or loose shoes
- ❌ No dangling jewelry or scarves
- ❌ No unstrapped hats
Don't Worry About the Camera
You don't need to bring a camera or phone for photos. Our Package B and C include GoPro video and professional photos captured by your pilot during the flight. The footage is stable and stunning — much better than trying to hold your phone while flying!
Ready to fly? Now that you know what to wear, book your tandem flight at OCPD. We'll take care of the rest.