Paragliding
courses

What is paragliding?
A paraglider is an inflatable canopy that you launch for soaring flight by running. The canopy is made from wear resistant material like, ripstop nylon and the lines are Kevlar. It is relatively easy to launch and land, as well as being small enough to transport without much difficulty.

Extreme Sports Cafe now offers paragliding courses in Asia and Europe... In the UK, Spain and Thailand.

How does paragliding work?
As you run forward on a gentle hillside with the canopy behind you the combination of the wind and forward motion will inflate the ram air wing to float above your head. If it hasn’t opened properly you can abort the flight before you lift off the ground.

Is paragliding hard to learn?
It is possibly the easiest form of flying to master the basics. As you progress to more advanced levels it becomes more challenging as you need to understand a greater level of piloting skills e.g. weather and aerodynamics.

Is paragliding frightening?
Nothing in paragliding is sudden or abrupt. Launches are slow and gentle as one drifts into the air. Landings are as equally controlled. Once in the air you will find it calm and peaceful. The altitude should not be a problem, as one does not get a sensation of falling.

Is paragliding the same as paramotoring, parachuting or parasailing?
Paragliding is similar to paramotoring with the difference being that you do not have a motor strapped to your back. Parachuting is generally done from a plane, where a canopy is used to descend through the air and parasailing uses a modified parachute dragged behind a boat.

What is the difference between paragliding and hand gliding?
Hang gliders are made from a rigid frame of aerospace aluminium that is covered with a polymer fabric. The pilot shifts their weight in a prone position to control direction and speed. A paragliders is a non-rigid aerodynamic canopy, where the pilot is suspended in a sitting position and steers with their brake toggles. The difference in weight allows paragliders to be carried to places that would be difficult with a hang glider, for instance, up a mountain or even on a plane or bus.

How far and high can I go?
When the conditions allow flights of 1-3 hours are not uncommon, with altitudes up to 15,000’ being gained. The record is over 11 hours in the air with nearly 200 miles being reached. What happens if the wind drops?
Because the paraglider is not dependent on the wind it can be flown in no wind at all. To stay afloat a paraglider is dependent on air pressure being maintained by air entering through the openings at the front of the wing. This ram air pressure maintains the shape of the canopy.

Is there an age limit?
If under the age of 18 you need your parents written permission. There is no upper age limit as long as you are relatively fit.

Do I need a licence to fly a paragliding?
It is important that you receive proper training so that you can fly safely and not cause injury to either yourself or others. There are regulations that have to be followed in the UK, which come under aviation law. These are to do with equipment as a pilot you have to carry, where you can fly and how paragliders are flown and launched. Malaysia has just had recent changes to their regulations and laws. The safest thing to do is look at the relevant regulations and Air Laws for that particular country.

Is it Safe?
As long as you are sensible and follow the training you are given and make sure your equipment is safe. Modern paragliders are flight tested and certified to international standards. The average life span of a canopy is about five years. Most pilots carry a reserve parachute for the very rare emergencies.

What will I learn on the course?
Initially you will learn how to control and inflate your canopy on the ground. When you feel comfortable and competent at doing this you will carry out your first flight. This will be done from a small incline and hopefully you will rise a couple of feet off the ground for a couple of seconds. As you practice and perfect your techniques for controlling your speed, height, steering, take-off and landing you will progress to higher hills and longer flights.

So how do I learn to paraglide & experience what it is all about?

Fill out an enquiry form on this site and we will contact you with more information.

How long are the courses and what do I get?

Courses are available from experiences (one day) to full pilot training.

Check out our new dedicated Paragliding and Paramotoring pages for Thailand.

Get in touch for more paragliding information.
Who runs our paragliding courses?

Extreme Sports Cafe and it's partners run paragliding and paramotoring courses in the UK, Spain, Cyprus and Thailand. We are quite confident that we have the UK, Europe and Asia well covered with a range of exciting, challenging and fun courses for you to learn to paraglide and paramotor in most parts of the world and will have centers in Australia and elsewhere soon... In Thailand we have adventure days where our skilled guides will take you to locations perfect for this sport...

Where do I take it from here?
You can go on more advanced courses, like our "Stunt Flying" in Thailand, join a club and / or buy your own equipment and fly whenever you want. Let us know how we can help...

You could also look at putting power behind your paragliding experience and learn to paramotor...