WE’LL GIVE YOU WINGS
LEARN TO PARAGLIDE IN SA
Earn your internationally recognised licence with South Africa’s Most Established Paragliding School
SO, YOU WANT TO LEARN TO FLY …
You’ve come to the right place.
At Wallendair, we don’t just teach people to paraglide — we’ve been shaping pilots since 1987.
We are the longest-standing paragliding school in South Africa, having trained thousands of students locally and internationally —
from complete beginners to confident, licensed pilots flying all over the world.
We don’t just follow the training manual. We wrote it.
If you’re serious about learning to fly — safely, properly, and with confidence — this is where your journey begins.
I WANT TO LEARN TO FLY WALLENDAIR PARAGLIDING COURSES:
CHOOSE YOUR PATH:
We believe flying is a skill best mastered through practice and controlled progression, in a supportive environment. YES, You will Learn to Fly. But more than that — you’ll develop awareness, control, and confidence that stays with you long after your course ends. Because this is about more than just flying. It’s about becoming the best pilot you can be. Whichever course you choose — this will be immersive, hands-on, and unforgettable.
5 DAY
ADVANCED SKILLS COACHING
FINE TUNE YOUR SKILLS
2-3 DAY
FLARE TRAINING
DIFFERENCES COURSE
The INTRO COURSE
Taste the joy of Flight- Curious about flying… but not ready to commit fully? This is where it starts. Our 3 day Intro Course gives you a real, hands-on experience of paragliding – not just theory, but actual wing control, movement, and your first steps into the air. This isn’t a “tick box” experience. It’s designed to answer one question: “Can I actually do this? YES – YOU CAN
CLICK TO MORE ABOUT INTRO COURSE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All paragliding equipment
- Ground handling training
- Tandem instructional flight
- 4–10 solo flights
- Radio instruction
- Transport to and from all flying sites
Accommodation (with meals) available on request
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Equipment & setup
- Wind awareness & site reading
- Safety principles
- Ground handling (the foundation of all good pilots)
- Dune and low terrain flights
- First controlled flights
Loved it? Continue onto Basic Licence Course.
BASIC LICENSE COURSE
11 DAYS | From First Steps to Licensed Pilot- This is where you become a pilot. Our SAHPA-certified Basic Licence Course is the most comprehensive training available in South Africa. Built on decades of experience, it takes you from zero experience to confident, independent flight. We don’t rush pilots through. We build them properly.
CLICK HERE TO GET LICENSED
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Full IPPI 4 / SAHPA Basic Licence
- All paragliding equipment
- 4-hour theory class & exam
- Student licence & manual
- 35+ flights (solo + tandem)
- Tandem instructional flight
- Two-way radio coaching
- Transport to and from all flying sites.
EXCLUDES: SAHPA & site fees
Accommodation (with meals) available on request
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Ground handling mastery
- Progressive flight training
- Air law & theory
- Weather understanding
- Launch & landing techniques
- Real flight experience
On completion, you will: Fly solo, Understand your wing and environment. Be a certified SAHPA pilot.
Loved it? Continue onto Intermediate Course.
FLARE DIFFERENCES COURSE
FLARE Training — Precision. Speed. Control.- Flaring is fast, technical, and addictive.And it is nothing like standard paragliding. At speed, close to the ground, there is no room for error. And here’s the truth: Some habits that keep you safe in paragliding… can get you into trouble in FLARE. Flare Training is essential. Wallend-air is a authorised Flare Training Partner
I WANT TO LEARN TO FLARE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 2 – 5 days depending on pilot status
- SAHPA Approved Flare Training
- Safe training environment
- All paragliding equipment – Bandit 19/16/13
- 35+ flights
- Two-way radio coaching
- Transport to and from all flying sites.
EXCLUDES: SAHPA & site fees
Accommodation (with meals) available on request
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Technique adaptation
- Speed control
- Precision handling
- Safety systems
- Weather and Terrain impact
- Launch & landing techniques
Click here to learn more about the Wallendair Parakite Differences Course CLICK HERE
WHY WALLENDAIR?
Because experience matters.
Our internationally recognised paragliding courses are run by Pete and Sue Wallenda, in the Wilderness.
Both are highly skilled, experienced and qualified SAPHA Instructors.
Wallendair is the oldest school in the country, offering the most up-to-date, and most comprehensive training available. Our Courses are not designed as a tick-off-list – they are personalised to your individual needs. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced pilot wanting to dust off some cobwebs, upskill or expand your horizons – We have a course for you!
- SAHPA-certified instructors with decades of experience
- Proven, safety-first learning progression
- Small groups, personalised training to suit every need and skill level
- Modern, high-quality training equipment
- Internationally trusted training destination
- Real flying conditions in one of the best locations on earth
WHAT SETS US APART
This is about more than just flying.
It’s about becoming the BEST PILOT YOU CAN BE
We don’t rush students through. We build Pilots.
Confidence as a pilot doesn’t come from tick-off lists and shortcuts –
It comes from understanding, through repetition and progression.
We keep our groups small, so you get:
– personalised instruction
– Constant inflight guidance via radio communication
– Structured progression at your pace
– A supportive, family-style environment
There is no pressure. Everyone learns differently. We go at your pace.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own glider?
No, Wallend-Air provides all your training equipment.
What if I have my own glider, but I am rusty?
If you are rusty or have not had enough flights to renew your paragliding license, join our refresher course. If your license has not been renewed for 5 years then you will have to redo your full basic paragliding course. We will take you through the steps to become a confident pilot again.
How does training work? What can I expect?
All Wallend-Air students start with ground training on the beach, and progress from there to ‘bunny hops’ & ground skimming flights off the dunes. Once this is mastered, we incrementally progress to higher take-off sites until students graduate to their first high solo flights.
Our instructors do instructional tandem flights with each student. Supported by theory and ground training, which is the basis for safe flying. Paragliding is weather dependent, so we adjust the course accordingly. Expect to laugh a lot and have fun. The initial dune flights can be physical and an average fitness level is advisable.
How many times will I fly?
The minimum requirement to complete a course is 35 flights. Our philosophy is to do as many flights as you can, as safely as can be done, by each student daily. Repetition builds muscle memory and confidence to ensure you become a safe and confident pilot.
What if I fail?
If you do not complete your course then you have six months to return and complete the course before you have to re-register with SAHPA as a student pilot. Our instructors will discuss your options before and during your course.
Age, fitness, and weather play a role in completing your course. If you have to return for a second course then a ‘return’ discount will apply.
What if the weather is bad?
Our courses run during the summer months to ensure the best possible weather. But, even so, weather happens! We do try our best to accommodate the weather and adjust our schedules to work as productively as possible, using every hour of the day.
Do you refund if I fail?
The requirement is that you complete the course. No refunds are offered if you do not complete your course.
Can I extend my INTRODUCTORY COURSE to a full PILOTS license?
Yes, you can continue from the Intro course to the full Basic license course.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you can bring your family. It is important to us that your family is involved and supports your paragliding. There are lots of activities for your family to do in the Garden Route while you are learning to become a safe and competent pilot. We often teach families to paraglide – siblings, parents and children, best friends…
Are meals included?
Meals are not included. But, if you are staying with us at Wallend-Air Base Camp, breakfast is included in your daily B&B rate.