Paragliding in Turkey (Oludeniz)

[Travel Strong]

Any recommendations for slightly off season (next week, early april) paragliding in Oludeniz?

We had booked Gravity Paragliding, as my partner flew with them some years ago.

However despite agreeing a price, they have contacted me today on whatsapp and *doubled* the price with no rationale provided except that ‘the decision has been made to increase the price’.

This does not sit well with me, so considering options!

[NorthernLass]

I can’t help with your query but do you need to add it as an extra to your travel insurance? It looked to be extremely popular when we were in Dubai and OH fancied having a go at a future date.

[Travel Strong]

It differs by policy, but is often excluded. HSBC excludes it (not sure if there is an option to pay to extend it), Nationwide cover it and other activities for an additional £45.

I’m wondering what else to expect from Turkey.
Expect the airbnb host will be demanding double the payment next!

[memesweeper]

Inflation is 60%? Anything quoted in local currency is going to move frequently.

If anyone doubled the price in Euro I’d walk away.

[Travel Strong]

They doubled the price in USD.

However I also can’t find a better deal elsewhere.

[can2]

was the original quote in turkish lira? if so, I am not surprised. Despite the “official” inflation of 60%, the real inflation is much higher there. I feel like it is a country where every economical and political issue have an official and practical explanations, which are often very different from each other.

[Travel Strong]

No. All agreed in USD. They state it is because of a ‘board decision due to high inflation’, but really I think they were not charging enough in the first place compared to the competition.

I’m not adverse to paying the new price.
But I am hesitant to use the company, and may book for the same price via a new firm instead on principle.

[can2]

well, it is odd…

I’d walk out of principle, too.

[NorthernLass]

I wouldn’t be happy if the price went up AFTER booking, and I think I’d be leaving a review to that effect!

[cin3]

There are lots of dodgy operations in Oludeniz. Take the cable car up and google the models of some of the tandem wings they are using. Many have 100s of hours in high-UV settings, haven’t have a line trim for years and are using ancient aerofoil technology.

You’ll get a better price just bargaining in person and there’s no need to book in advance. For a simple tandem the operation I recommend is Sky Sports. For CP course I don’t know but try for a BHPA instructor.

Also, the inflation is crazy at the moment and they have massively increased the prices on Babadag in general so it’s probably the correct price.

[cin3]

Also many of the tandem pilots are excellent acro pilots. Let them know if you are interested and they can probably sort you out with a SAT or even maybe some infinity tumbles.

[cin3]

Oh also if you want a slightly longer flight try to aim for a launch between 11:00 and 14:00 when the air is more thermic.