It’s one of the most common questions people ask when choosing between these two incredible air sports: “Which one is safer — paragliding or skydiving?” At first glance, both activities sound risky. You’re either running off a mountain or jumping out of an airplane. But the answer isn’t as simple as “this one is safer” — because it depends on how you define safety, and which part of the sport you’re talking about.
Let’s break it down, side by side.
Short Answer
Statistically, tandem skydiving is slightly safer, thanks to built-in backup systems and highly controlled conditions. Paragliding is calmer and less intense, but more affected by weather and pilot decisions. Both are very safe when done with certified professionals — just different in style, risk type, and experience.
Tip: What is paragliding?
The basic difference: how you fly
To understand safety, we first need to understand how each sport works:
- Skydiving: You jump from an airplane (usually at 10,000–14,000 feet), freefall for about 30–60 seconds, then open a parachute and glide down.
- Paragliding: You launch from a slope or mountain using a fabric wing and wind currents. You don’t jump—you glide from the start.
Skydiving is more intense, faster, and higher. Paragliding is more gradual, quiet, and slower.
Equipment and backup systems
Skydiving comes with more built-in safety systems:
- Two parachutes: a main and a reserve
- Automatic Activation Device (AAD): deploys the reserve if the main isn’t pulled in time
- Highly regulated equipment and training for tandem instructors
Paragliding has:
- One main wing
- A reserve parachute (carried in case of emergency)
- No automatic deployment systems (pilot or passenger must act)
So from an equipment standpoint, skydiving has more redundancy, especially in emergencies. That adds a layer of safety, particularly for beginners.
Tip: Why is paragliding so expensive?
Who controls the flight?
In both sports, first-timers fly tandem with a professional.
- In skydiving, the instructor controls the jump, the parachute, and the landing. You just enjoy the ride.
- In tandem paragliding, the pilot handles takeoff, steering, and landing. You may even get to try light steering once in the air.
Both are highly controlled, but skydiving involves more rapid changes (freefall, parachute deployment), while paragliding is more steady and peaceful. So neither one is “riskier” just based on who’s flying — both put you in very experienced hands.
What do the statistics say?
This is where things get interesting — and a bit complicated.
- Skydiving fatality rate (USPA, USA): roughly 1 death per 220,000 jumps
- Paragliding fatality rate (global average): estimated 1 death per 11,000 to 15,000 flights
By the numbers, skydiving appears statistically safer, especially when comparing tandem jumps to solo paragliding.
However, most paragliding accidents involve:
- Solo pilots, not tandem passengers
- Flying in extreme or changing weather conditions
- Attempting advanced maneuvers or poor judgment calls
Tandem paragliding, like tandem skydiving, is far safer than those raw numbers suggest.
Tip: Why not to do paragliding?
The role of weather
Paragliding is more sensitive to weather conditions than skydiving.
- A sudden wind shift or thermal can make takeoff or landing more challenging in paragliding.
- Skydiving happens from above the clouds — by the time you jump, the air is usually stable and predictable.
So while both sports depend on weather, paragliding can carry more risk if conditions change mid-flight, especially without proper judgment or training. That’s why choosing the right location and provider is key.
Tip: Paragliding VS skydiving compared
So, which one is safer?
If we’re talking raw statistics:
– Tandem skydiving has the edge in terms of equipment backups, automation, and controlled environments.
If we’re talking about the actual feeling of risk:
– Many people say paragliding feels less scary, because it’s calmer and lacks the intense freefall of skydiving.
If we’re talking long-term risk (like for solo hobbyists):
– Paragliding can be riskier due to more exposure to weather, terrain, and human decision-making.
Tip: How scary is paragliding?
Final thoughts: different sports, different risks
Paragliding and skydiving are both remarkably safe when done with certified instructors and proper precautions.
- Skydiving is faster, higher, and statistically safer per jump.
- Paragliding is slower, longer, and feels less intense — but requires more weather awareness and pilot skill.
Ultimately, it’s not about which is “better” or “safer.” It’s about choosing the experience that fits your comfort zone and curiosity.
Tip: If you’re not sure where to skydive, you should check some of our reviews.