Here’s an excerpt from the website of photographer, reporter, and paragliding enthusiast Ole Dalen:
On my many trips to Gran Canaria, I’ve always felt incredibly lucky to share the skies with Christian Fernández del Valle. Considered by many as the most active tandem paragliding pilot in the world, Christian has been flying for over 25 years and has logged more than 30,000 commercial flights. Flying with him isn’t just an experience — it’s a masterclass in calm, control, and passion for free flight. From legendary spots like Los Giles, Agaete, or Las Coloradas, he offers unforgettable and safe tandem adventures. Every year I return to the island not only for the landscape, but because there’s always something new to learn when flying with Christian. Gran Canaria, with him as your guide, is without a doubt one of the best places on Earth to grow as a pilot and as a person.
My Professional Paragliding Career in Gran Canaria
My journey as a professional pilot in Gran Canaria includes working with the island’s most respected and long-standing paragliding companies. If you’re thinking of taking a tandem flight in the Canary Islands, I encourage you to contact any of them — they are all active, certified, and uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Supporting them with my name is a great source of pride.
Fly in Canarias: Paragliding Pioneers on the Island
Fly in Canarias was the first paragliding company in Gran Canaria and remains a true reference in tandem flying and pilot training. With a solid history, it leads the way in offering safe, professional, and unforgettable tandem experiences as well as paragliding courses tailored for visitors eager to get started or improve their skills. Flying with Fly in Canarias means discovering the island from the air with those who paved the way.
Aventura en Canarias: Paragliding and Outdoor Adrenaline
Aventura en Canarias began as a company focused on outdoor adrenaline activities, and from the very beginning I had the privilege of leading the paragliding division. For nearly 15 years, I’ve worked alongside some of the world’s most respected pilots, building a strong and high-quality flight offering. Today, Aventura en Canarias is not only known for providing top-tier active tourism in the Canary Islands, but also for being a go-to reference for tandem paragliding in Gran Canaria, fully committed to safety, professionalism, and passenger satisfaction.
Parapente Gran Canaria: Local Excellence and Flights for Residents
Parapente Gran Canaria was founded following the success of early pioneers and the rapid growth of the sport in the Canary Islands. Founded by Iris Pasamón, the company quickly earned a strong reputation thanks to the excellence and experience of its pilots. Today, Parapente Gran Canaria performs the most tandem flights for local residents in Las Palmas, offering professionalism, approachability, and an unmatched flight experience.
Paragliding Gran Canaria: Tech, Integration & Leadership
Paragliding Gran Canaria represents the modern evolution of the sector — the natural merger of the island’s leading paragliding companies. This innovative platform has transformed the way tandem flights over Las Canteras are booked, offering a smooth, fast and user-friendly process. Its commitment to bringing together Gran Canaria’s most respected pilots has been key to its steady growth and reputation as a leader in free flight across the islands.
Adventure Experiences: Outdoor Tourism & High-Altitude Flights
Adventure Experiences is a dynamic, modern platform focused on adventure tourism in the Canary Islands. Offering a wide variety of outdoor experiences, it has become a favorite among visitors seeking authentic thrills and lasting memories in nature.
Among all its activities, paragliding is one of the most demanded and profitable, and I’m proud to lead this section. Being part of such a forward-thinking, professional team strengthens my commitment to developing paragliding in the Canaries.
Working with a platform that prioritizes quality, safety, and responsible tourism is both a personal and professional achievement.
If you’d like to fly with me, don’t hesitate to explore my offer of tandem paragliding flights in Gran Canaria.
FAQs – About My Professional Paragliding Career
How long have you been flying in Gran Canaria?
I’ve been flying for over 25 years and have completed more than 30,000 tandem flights in Gran Canaria, making me one of the most active commercial pilots in the world.
Which paragliding companies have you worked with?
I’ve had the privilege of working with the most reputable companies on the island, including Fly in Canarias, Aventura en Canarias, Parapente Gran Canaria, Paragliding Gran Canaria, and Adventure Experiences.
What makes your experience as a pilot unique?
Beyond numbers, it’s about quality and consistency. My focus is always on delivering a safe, professional, and emotionally memorable experience—every flight, every day.
Do you also offer paragliding courses?
While I mainly focus on tandem flights, I frequently assist in training new pilots and offer insights and guidance for those looking to advance their skills.
Can I fly with any of the companies you mention?
Absolutely. All the companies I’ve worked with maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism. I recommend them with full confidence.
What is your most memorable flight?
That’s hard to answer—every flight is unique. But flying through a rainbow over Las Coloradas during an early morning takeoff remains unforgettable.