Some of life’s most unforgettable moments happen when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. They might start with a shaky breath, sweaty palms, or the voice in your head saying, “I can’t do this”—but they often end in exhilaration, pride, and a story you’ll tell for years.
For two of us, paragliding off Table Mountain in Cape Town was one of those moments. It was a chance to challenge our fears, grow together as a family, and create a memory that will forever be stitched into our travels.
Flying High
On our first day in Cape Town, we strolled along the boardwalk when Mason’s eyes locked on the bright, billowing sails of paragliders drifting down from Table Mountain. At eight years old, he didn’t hesitate. “I want to do that,” he declared.
At first, the idea of letting him jump off a mountain sounded terrifying. But as Derek and I talked it over, we realized this was exactly why we’d encouraged the boys to save their own trip money—so they could choose their own adventures. Mason was determined, and he was willing to spend his savings on it. That settled it.
A few days later, as I watched paragliders gently land on the grass next to the seawall, I surprised myself by thinking, That actually looks… peaceful. Despite my intense fear of flying, I decided I didn’t want to miss the chance to share this moment with Mason. When I told him I was in, the rest of the family decided to join too.
Jump Day
We met our pilots at the top of Table Mountain, where they checked the wind. Derek and Mason were all excitement. I was quietly terrified. Jackson—who has a fear of heights—was even quieter. But determined not to be outdone by his younger brother, he put on a brave smile and got ready.
The wind wasn’t quite right, so we waited. And waited. An hour ticked by as our nerves simmered.
The Leap
Mason went first, running straight off the cliff without a moment’s hesitation. He was floating down before the rest of us even started.
My turn
The pilots’ instructions were clear: Keep running, no matter what. Even if you feel yourself lifting, don’t stop, or the pilot will trip over you. I was so focused on not messing that up, I barely noticed I was running off a cliff.
And then… I was in the air. No stomach-dropping lurch. No sense of falling. Just smooth, effortless floating. The mountain dropped away beneath me, and Cape Town stretched out in every direction—the turquoise water, the rugged coastline, the curve of the bay. I laughed with my pilot, took photos, and soaked in the view.
When we were out over the water, the pilot spun us into a few playful roller-coaster turns before we landed softly on the grass. The five-minute ride felt like it passed in seconds. I wanted to go again.
Next Up: Derek & Jackson
Mason and I watched from below as Derek and Jackson floated down, tiny specks against the sky. We couldn’t see Jackson’s face until he was nearly at the ground—but when we did, it was clear. His fear had melted away, replaced by awe. By the time his feet touched the grass, he was grinning from ear to ear, and we knew he’d loved every second of it.
Paragliding in Cape Town
- Where: Launch points vary with wind conditions; common spots include Signal Hill and Lion’s Head (rather than Table Mountain itself).
- Age Limits Vary: Most operators we considered require children to be at least 8 years old, but always confirm with your chosen company before booking.
- What to Wear: Loss, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and a light jacket (it’s cooler up high).
- Cost: Varies by company; ours was around CAD 130pp.
- Photos & Video: Many operators offer GoPro footage for an additional fee.
- Best Conditions: Flights depend entirely on wind—be ready to wait or reschedule.
Digging Deep: Pushing Past Fear
For me, our World Trip was all about having new experiences and growing as a family. Anyone who knows me knows I have a fear of flying. Every time I get on a plane, I think about all the ways it could go wrong. I worry it may be my last day, then rejoice when the plane lands and we’re all alive. But I keep boarding anyway, because I refuse to let fear close off the world to me.
This was the same. I wanted to show the boys, especially Jackson, that you can be afraid and still take the leap. And so, with the help of the thrill seekers in the family, Jackson and I soared off Table Mountain, taking one giant leap towards conquering our fears. Because being brave isn’t about not feeling fear—it’s about feeling fear and doing it anyway.
If you get the chance to try something that scares you, take it. It might just become one of your most treasured memories.
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