If you’re learning to paraglide or would like to learn to paraglide, then good on you! It’s a great hobby/sport/form of flight. It’s adventurous, yet somewhat relaxing and it leads you to spend time in some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
Decide if You Really Want to Paraglide
If you’re deciding whether paragliding is something you want to learn, it’s a good idea to try it in its most non-committal form. This is a tandem paragliding flight. Unless you have some good connections with a highly experienced pilot with a tandem paragliding harness, your first taste at paragliding will probably be tandem paragliding through a tourism operator.
You’ll get a good view of the experience of taking off, being in flight and landing. You won’t have the responsibility of controlling the paraglider and you won’t know the full thought process and decision making a pilot makes. But if you’re not focussed on the amazing view you’ll be able to watch and see what a pilot does. It’s a good opportunity to ask what your pilot is doing and how they fly to the conditions.
Most people enjoy these experiences, but how many act on this enjoyment and take up paragliding? Realistically not many – when most go home they go back to their regular lives. Ask yourself – when you return home do you still have a strong urge to learn to paraglide? Do you wish that on your tandem flight that you were in control and not just a passenger?
Paragliding Courses
If you said “yes” to both of these questions, this is when you should act on this feeling, enroll in a training course and commit to learning to paraglide. Most countries and popular paragliding locations have providers who offer training courses, particularly mountain or coastal locations. In comparison to other forms of human flight such as skydiving, the barriers to entry are low. Some courses can be conducted in as little as 8 days, where you are then free to fly by yourself.
Where not against these quick courses, as long as they’re taken with the intention of them being the first step in learning to paraglide. The advantage is that they teach you the basics and get you up in the air quickly. The downsides is that you are unlikely to experience flight in a number of conditions. Soaring, thermals, flying over water, flying in mountainous regions, flying in wind, flying when there is a lack of thermal activity, the list goes on. There are many conditions which require different skills. You could also experience changing conditions while you’re in the air – you need to know how to use your equipment and knowledge and make smart decisions while in the air.
It’s a good idea after your training to continue flying with some experienced paragliders. They can help recommend places to fly in your local area which are suitable for your ability. They are also good to fly with when flying in new conditions.
Many countries have paragliding clubs and associations where you can meet experienced pilots who are willing to offer advice. These include the USHPA in the United States, SAFA in Australia, and the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association in the United Kingdom.
It’s also a good idea to learn about meteorology. Learn about different clouds and their effects on thermals. Learn to prepare for your flight even before you’ve taken off. A sound knowledge of the best weather for paragliding will enable you to not only enjoy paragliding more, it’ll keep you safe so you actually can paraglide more!
Purchase Your First Paraglider
There are similarities in purchasing your first paraglider and your first car. If your first car was a Ferrari, you’d probably end up in a crash! If you purchase a paraglider wing that’s designed for speed, you’ll probably struggle to control it and be at a high risk of crashing.
There is temptation for those with a bit of money, to purchase a really good wing now and not need to buy again for many years. It’s recommended that beginner pilots start of with an EN Rating A rated paraglider wing. These are easiest to control and to regain control when it’s lost. It can be tempting to purchase a fancy intermediate level wing so you don’t need to upgrade as early, but really you’re putting yourself at risk and reducing your enjoyment.
Read more about the different types of paragliders.
One area you shouldn’t scrimp on is safety and equipment, make sure you get a radio, sat nav and reserve parachute.
Paragliding Licenses & Memberships
In most countries paragliding is considered a ‘self regulated sport’ with no licence required for solo flying. However, some clubs and associations may ask to see some form of certification stating that you have undertaken training before you can join.
Some paragliding launch areas will request all pilots have national accreditation (e.g. USHPA, SAFA, British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association etc) as well as the local club membership members or purchase a visiting membership. This is to ensure that pilots have adequate levels of skill to fly and manage the hazards at that site and not put themselves or others in danger. There’s no need to feel down about this or not want to take advice from other paraglider pilots, the paragliding community is a friendly and welcoming place. Meet new people, paraglide in new locations, challenge yourself in different conditions and enjoy!
You are also required to abide by the laws in your country regarding restricted airspaces such as flight paths, airports and military bases. Pilots should also avoid flying too low over buildings, roads, powerlines and schools.
