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INTRODUCTORY COURSE

WALLEND-AIR IS A SAHPA REGISTERED PARAGLIDING SCHOOL

 

NOT QUITE READY FOR THE WHOLE SHEBANG ?

TRY OUR PARAGLIDING INTRO COURSE

This two-day introductory course, based in the Wilderness, is designed as an introduction to a basic paragliding license in South Africa. It will give you a taste of what the sport is about along with some basic theory.

Upon completion, if you decide you want to continue to your Basic Paragliding Licence qualification, you can!

Learn more about our Basic License course here.

  JOIN OUR INTRO COURSE NOW! 

UPCOMING COURSES:

Events

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

2 DAY INTRO COURSE

EQUIPMENT

Get to know the equipment, features and controls, in a practical and theoretical way.

GROUND CONTROL

Control the glider overhead in different wind conditions while completing tasks.

LAYOUT

Assess wind direction, wind strength and topography and the layout of the glider relative to the wind and topography of the area.

PARAGLIDING LICENSE SOUTH AFRICA SAFETY

Understand the necessity for safety checks before and after a flight and how to conduct them.

PULL-UPS

Practice forward launches and reverse pull-ups with and without the front risers, using body weight to steer the glider while getting a feeling for the wing.

GROUND SKIMMING

Progress to doing ground skimming flights off the dunes in Wilderness.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TRANSPORT

We provide all transport from Wallend-Air Base Camp to flying sites during the course
Note: For transport to Wallend-Air Base Camp, options are to drive or fly into George Airport and arrange transport from there. We offer shuttle services at a nominal fee.

ACCOMMODATION

Bed & Breakfast at the Wallend-Air Base Camp in George: R450 p/n sharing
Enquiries should be made when booking the course.
Overflow accommodation is booked into a lodge that’s a 3-minute walk away.
We will assist you with confirming accommodation.

WHAT TO BRING

* Closed shoes like trainers or hiking boots.
* Long or mid-length jeans or shorts.
* Long-sleeve tops, jacket, flip flops, sunglasses, hat and buff.
* Sunscreen, lots of water, snacks (apples, nuts, energy bars, biltong),
* Basic license manual, pen, and camera phone
* Proof of payment.

INTRODUCTORY COURSE

INTRODUCTION TO PARAGLIDING
R4,500
  • Two-day course (Sunday & Monday) in Wildnerness
  • INCLUDES: Rental of all equipment. 8-10 dune training flights. 2-3 high flights, depending on weather conditions

  I WANT TO LEARN TO FLY

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?
Join us for a refresher course if you are rusty or have not had enough flights to renew your paragliding licence.  If your licence has not been renewed for 5 years then you will have to redo your full basic paragliding course. We take you through the steps to become a confident pilot again.

How does training work? What can I expect?
Wallend-Air instructors start the students with ground training on the beach and progress from there to ‘bunny hops’ & ground skimming flights off the dunes.  Once this is mastered, we progress to higher take off sites for the students to fly their first high solo flights.

Our instructors will do instructional tandem flights with our students. In between we continue with 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 requirements to complete your 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 become a safe 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 level 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.  Unfortunately we do not control the weather and we will try our best to accommodate and work with the weather during the course using every hour of the day productively.

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.  Staying with us at Wallend-Air Base Camp, breakfast is included in your daily B&B rate.

Do you have a different question? Ask it here.

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