A Spark of Innovation: How Paragliding Nomads Ignited a New Adventure

Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland, 03.06.2024 – A tight-knit community of adventurous souls thrived in the heart of Vík, on the south cost of Iceland, where the rugged coastline meets the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Paragliding nomads, were drawn to the majestic cliffs and the ever-changing winds that whispered tales of freedom in our ears. Ása is one of those. Her immense passion is globetrotting worldwide, exploring and discovering new things. She took up paragliding one year, leading her to this Vík community. She believes in balance, so when she’s not zip or paragliding, you’ll probably find her on her yoga mat meditating. Ása is a guide and a part of the “one-man office team” at Zipline.

“As every paraglider knows, waiting for the perfect weather can be as much a part of the adventure as the flight itself,” Ása says. “During these waiting periods, our bonds grow more robust as we share stories, laughter, and the anticipation of the next flight.”

Weathering the Storm

Turning Rainy Days into Soaring Success During summers, people gather around a bonfire, surrounded by friends and family from all over the world and of all ages, and cook dinner together. “We would enjoy music and share good laughs, stories of the day’s paragliding flights, and the frustrations of waiting for the rain to pass on the hill,” Ása explains and continues, “As often happens, the Icelandic midnight sun was behind the clouds one summer evening. Impatience began to gnaw at our adventurous spirits. Would the rain ever stop?”

In a moment of inspired brilliance, Sammi, Zipline Icelands, co-founder and CEO, suggested an alternative: a zipline tour. “Ziplining allowed us to soar through the air even when the weather was not in our favor and was a thrilling adventure for travelers seeking excitement on rainy days,” says Sammi. “The idea ignited like wildfire among us, each voice adding fuel to the flames until it roared with the certainty of possibility.”

Building Dreams

The Journey from Idea to Iconic Attraction With the unwavering resolve of those who refuse to be deterred by the weather, the team embarked on their mission. “We had secured funding, acquired licenses, and a team of talented designers and builders was assembled; days turned into weeks and weeks into months as we witnessed our dream materialize,” Sammi elaborates; “Finally, in the crisp air of fall 2018, we opened the gates to our zipline tour.”

The anticipation crackled like electricity as the first eager adventurers donned their harnesses and prepared to take flight. From that moment on, the little corner of Vík was never the same. The zipline tour quickly became a beloved attraction for travelers from near and far. “The thrill of soaring through the air, suspended above the breathtaking beauty of the Icelandic landscape, captivated almost everyone who visited Vík,” Ása says. “It was a testament to the power of adventure and the allure of the unknown.”

Flying High: The Community Spirit Behind Vík’s Thriving Zipline Tour

Sammi says that the most rewarding aspect of their newfound venture was seeing how it transformed the community. “Those of us who had gathered around that bonfire so many years ago found ourselves not just guiding tours but nurturing a new generation of adventurers,” he explains. The children who had played at their feet back then were now grown, their laughter and enthusiasm infusing every tour with a sense of joy and possibility. “Our zipline tour had become more than just an attraction- it symbolized our community’s resilience and spirit,” Sammi says.

Flying High: The Community Spirit Behind Vík’s Thriving Zipline Tour

As the years passed and the zipline tour continued to thrive, the team found themselves not only sharing the thrill of flight with others but also creating a legacy that would endure long after we had taken our final flights. “In the end, it wasn’t just about the adrenaline rush or the breathtaking views,” Ása explains; “it was about the bonds we forged, the dreams we pursued, and the belief that anything is possible with enough passion and perseverance.”

If you’re ever in Vík, Iceland, don’t miss the chance to experience the thrill of the zipline tour and discover the community spirit it represents.

Book your adventure on Zipline Iceland’s website, www.zipline.is, today and join the inspiring journey of Vík’s aerial pioneers!

This story is a part of the 100 Stories from Iceland.