Ascending to the Gods

The moment I set foot in Kemer, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. The air was thick with anticipation, and the towering silhouette of Tahtalı Mountain loomed in the distance, beckoning me to its summit. As a former professional athlete, I’ve chased adrenaline across the globe, but the promise of soaring from one of the highest launch sites near the sea was a siren call I couldn’t resist.

The journey began with a ride on the Olympos Cable Car, a ten-minute ascent that felt like a prelude to the divine. As we climbed, the landscape unfolded beneath us, revealing the lush expanse of Beydağları Coastal National Park. The anticipation was electric, and I could feel my heart pounding in rhythm with the cable car’s ascent.

At the summit, I met Önder, my pilot for the day. His calm demeanor and infectious enthusiasm were immediately reassuring. With a quick safety briefing and gear check, we were ready to take the leap. Standing at 2,365 meters, I felt a sense of reverence, as if I were standing on the doorstep of the gods themselves.

The Flight of a Lifetime

With a few swift steps, we were airborne, and the world fell away beneath us. The sensation of flight was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It was as if I had stepped into a dream, where the boundaries of earth and sky blurred into a seamless tapestry of blue and green.

The views were nothing short of spectacular. The Taurus Mountains stood sentinel behind us, while the Mediterranean stretched endlessly ahead, a shimmering expanse of turquoise. Below, the ancient city of Phaselis and the glittering Three Islands added a touch of history to the breathtaking panorama.

Önder’s expertise was evident as he guided us through the air with effortless grace. His calm professionalism was matched only by his ability to inject fun and excitement into the experience. As we glided silently above the coastline, I felt a profound sense of freedom, a liberation from the constraints of gravity and the mundane.

A Landing to Remember

As our flight drew to a close, Önder asked if I was up for a bit of acrobatics. My heart leapt at the prospect, and with a nod, we were off. The maneuvers were smooth and exhilarating, a perfect crescendo to an already unforgettable experience.

The landing was as smooth as the flight itself, a gentle return to earth on the sands of Tekirova. As I touched down, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and joy, a testament to the incredible journey I had just undertaken.

Reflecting on the experience, I realized that this was more than just a paragliding adventure. It was a sensory journey, a dance with the elements that left me breathless and yearning for more. If you find yourself in Antalya, Kemer, or the Olympos area, don’t miss the chance to soar with Escape Adventures. And if you can, request Önder by name. His skill and passion will ensure that your flight is nothing short of extraordinary.