In short
- Hang gliding weight limit is roughly 85kg.
- Paragliding weight limit is roughly 110kg.
- Minimum age is 14 to 16, with parental consent for minors.
In this article
Before you book your flight over Rio de Janeiro, review the safety restrictions. Tandem operators strictly enforce the Pedra Bonita weight limit to ensure safe takeoffs and landings. All passengers must also present a physical ID to verify their age at the CSCVL club headquarters.
What is the Pedra Bonita weight limit for hang gliding?
The maximum passenger weight for tandem hang gliding is roughly 85kg.
Flight operators strictly enforce this limit for safety. Hang gliders fly faster and handle differently than paragliders. The exact cutoff can fluctuate slightly on the day of your flight based on wind speed and direction.
What is the weight limit for paragliding?
Passengers can weigh up to roughly 110kg for a tandem paragliding flight.
Paragliders have a larger canopy and generate more lift at slower speeds. This makes it the standard choice for heavier passengers. Like hang gliding, the daily wind conditions can affect the exact maximum limit.
| Flight Type | Approximate Weight Limit |
|---|---|
| Hang Gliding | 85kg |
| Paragliding | 110kg |
How old do you have to be to fly at Pedra Bonita?
The minimum age is typically 14 or 16, depending on your specific flight operator.
All minors under 18 must have formal parental consent to fly. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the beach headquarters to sign the liability waiver. You must bring a physical government ID or passport to prove your age.
Are there health restrictions for tandem flights?
Yes. People with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or who are pregnant should not fly.
The takeoff requires a short, committed sprint off the wooden ramp or sloped deck. You also experience moderate G-forces during the flight and a seated or standing impact upon landing at Praia do Pepino.
Do wind conditions change the restrictions?
Yes. Instructors may lower the maximum weight limits if the wind is too weak.
Stronger, stable winds provide more lift, making it easier to launch with heavier passengers. If the wind drops suddenly, your pilot might delay your flight or switch you from a hang glider to a paraglider.
Where do you weigh in and register?
All registration happens at the Clube São Conrado de Voo Livre (CSCVL) headquarters.
You will meet your instructor at this beachfront office before driving up the mountain. Here, you pay the R$ 120 club fee, show your ID, and sign the waiver. Instructors visually assess or weigh passengers during this check-in process.
Questions travellers ask
Can I fly if I weigh more than 85kg?
Yes, but you will likely need to book a paragliding flight instead. Paragliders have a higher weight limit of roughly 110kg.
What happens if I lie about my weight or age?
Operators check physical IDs during registration. If you exceed the safety weight limits upon arrival, the instructor will cancel your flight without a refund.
Do I need physical strength to launch?
You do not need upper body strength. You only need enough mobility and leg strength to sprint a short distance off the launch ramp.
