Paragliding
paragliding south africa

Extreme Sports Cafe's newest paragliding school is located in South Africa. A captivating world of lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches gently unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains… These are all elements that characterize the Wilderness National Park. The Wilderness National Park has five rivers and five lakes, two estuaries and 18 km of Southern Cape coastline, which, are all protected, within the Park.
Extreme Sports Café can now offer you the chance to experience freeflight and a bird’s eye view of this diverse and picturesque location. Paragliding Tandem flights, Introductory courses and learn to paraglide courses are all available at our partner South African Paragliding Centre. .

South Africa is located at the southern most region of Africa, with a long coastline that stretches more than 2500 kilometres and across two oceans. (the Atlantic and the Indian) South Africa is a popular tourist destination, and a substantial amount of revenue comes from tourism. Among the main attractions are the diverse and picturesque culture, the game reserves and the highly regarded local wines. In recent years, tourism in South Africa has seen high growth with the first five months of 2007 showing the highest levels of tourism in South Africa since 1998.

The Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of the southern coast of South Africa. It stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River, which is crossed along the N2 coastal highway over the Paul Sauer Bridge in the extreme eastern reach of the Western Cape. It includes towns such as Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley.
Wilderness is a seaside town in the heart of the Garden Route on the southern Cape of South Africa. It lies 445km east of Cape Town and 15 km east of George (The administrative and commercial hub) between the Kaaimans River and the Goukamma Nature Reserve. Wilderness is renowned for its vast stretches of beach, its tranquillity, mystical beauty and deep blue seas. Wilderness sports many types of wildlife, in particular birds. Many types of water birds breed here and this makes it ideal for bird-watchers.

Discover the sensation of what its like to fly like a bird with a Tandem Paraglider Flight, or try the 1-Day Paragliding Course. For those who know they want to soar like birds, start with our Beginner Pilot Course.

This region is the most scenic coastal region on the country-Garden Route and the flying site overlooks the sea and is one of the top 5 places in the World to learn how to fly.

Extreme Sports Café’s partner South African Paragliding Centre has fully S.A.H.P.A. qualified and trained instructors available that can teach in German/French and English. The two chief instructors are brothers and have between them over 25 years experience.

The town experiences an extremely mild climate, typical of the Garden Route and has little temperature variation, seldom dropping below 10ºC and above 28ºC, with year-round rainfall. It has a maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the richest year-round rainfall areas in South Africa, most rain falling in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean rising and releasing their precipitation along the high mountain ranges just inland of the coast.

Paragliding is a weather dependent sport therefore Paragliding Flights will/can only be done if the weather conditions are right for paragliding. (Wind direction, intensity)
Please do allow an extra day or 2 for bad weather...just in case.
Extreme Sports cafe's South African partner Paragliding center operate for tandems and course from October to April.

Come and experience some amazing bird’s eye views of the most scenic coastal region on the country-Garden Route with a Tandem paragliding Flight. Paragliding Tandem flights are the easiest and safest way to experience the thrill of soaring like a bird you have an experienced instructor with you for the whole flight..
No experience needed. A simple safety briefing, a few steps and you’re airborne, flying in a Paraglider.
People doing a Tandem Paragliding flight don’t need anything but comfortable shoes. (Boots with ankle support are recommended)

We offer two types of Tandem Paragliding Expriences.....

Tandem Paragliding Flight R450-00
Tandem flying is fun, safe and easy. Within in a few minutes you could be soaring like an eagle over the beautiful Wilderness coastline.
A tandem rated pilot will fly with you and you can sit back and relax while they share the joy of flying with you. Anyone can do it from 3 years to 100 years old.
Duration: 15-20 minutes

Tandem Paragliding Flight Adventure R750-00
This is a great flight experience and is a longer Tandem flight with detailed instruction and a chance for you to actually have a go and fly yourself in a controlled and safe environment. The Instructor will give you the control toggles and guide you so that you can fly the paraglider safely.
Duration: 30 minutes

Not sure if Paragliding is the sport for you? Would you like to know a little bit more about Paragliding? Experience paragliding flight in a simple and safe way by learning basic Paragliding techniques and Paragliding safety.

Paragliding Introduction Course R1500-00
This Paragliding course gives you an introduction to the paraglider and associated equipment, basic weather information, and ground handling that will lead to your first solo flights giving you a taste of the freedom of flight.. Instructor supervision required for all flights.
After successful completion of this course you can continue your training further with the Basic Paragliding Course.
Course Includes:
• Rental of all Paragliding Equipment needed.
• 4-8 flights from the training dune.
• 2-3 high flights depending on conditions.
Duration: Between 1-3 days. (Excluding Student License Fee.)
Paragliding is a weather dependent sport and we only fly in suitable and safe weather conditions.
Please do allow an extra day in case of poor weather conditions.

If you want to become a certified pilot and fly solo, unsupervised, then this is the Paragliding course for you.

Basic License Paragliding Course R7500-00
After successful completion of this course you are legal to fly anywhere in South Africa and around the World without instructor supervision. The Basic License is recognized by SAHPA and internationally through its association with FAI and is equivalent to an IPPI 3 rating.
Course Includes:
• Rental of all Paragliding Equipment needed.
• 35 training flights (minimum) under instructor supervision. (Can be more.)
• Student Flying Manual.
• Pilot Log Book.
• Theory lessons.
• Marking of exams.
Duration: 2-3 weeks depending on weather. (Excluding Licence Fees.)
Min 2 weeks is required in case of poor weather.

Paragliding Advanced X Country Course R1500-00
This course is for pilots who have finished their Basic Licence and want to progress and get their Sports Licence.
It is also suitable for the Basic pilot who would like to start Cross-Country flying.
Lectures/Theory will be done during the evenings and in the mornings with the flying being done during the day. The Course will cover extensively thermal flying and in flight safety with some basic manoeuvres.
Duration: 2-3 days depending on weather. Please do allow an extra day in case of poor weather conditions.

Transport to flying sites is included if you are staying in our guest house or in Wilderness.
If you are not staying with us pick up can be arranged for extra fee depending on distance.

Instructors and courses are certified by the S.A.H.P.A (South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association), which is the equivalent of the BHPA. (British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association)
S.A.H.P.A. is the only controlling body empowered by the Civil Aviation Authority to issue hang gliding & paragliding licenses in South Africa.
They ensure pilot and instructor training standards and provide technical support such as airworthiness standards, run coaching courses for pilots... and a host of other services and including all other aerial sports within South Africa.
The Basic License is recognized by SAHPA and internationally through its association with The FAI.
All Paragliding Courses and Tandems are also insured though The S.A.H.P.A. (Third Party Only)

Deon Borrett Chief Instructor:
I’ve been flying since 1995 and my enthusiasm for the sport hasn’t waned one bit. I have now made my passion for the sport a profession, and I love what I do. I have taken part in the National Paragliding league for 9 years and have learnt a lot about flying in all types of conditions and terrain. I have also taken part in the local competitions and have won the Sky Wings Cup 5 times in a row. My knowledge of the local sites and conditions is as good as you will find in the area.
I have travelled to France, Turkey, and Reunion for flying holidays. I use these great experiences to improve my flying skills. I believe I am a student of the sport and will remain that way until the day I fly to the Big Sky above.
I am an active member of the flying community and have been a committee member of Sky Wings Paragliding club for many years. My goal is to make Wilderness the paragliding Mecca of the World so that tourism can grow and benefit all communities with job creation.
My other interests are mountain biking, gym and partying. I enjoy reading SF as well as painting now and again.

The Dolphin accommodations have a variety of options from house rental to 'backpackers’, catering from luxury to basic accommodation. All accommodation is not further than 15mins from the paragliding flying sites.
Dolphin House is situated central to all the Paragliding sites in Wilderness with the nearest site Kleinkrans being walking distance away. The Dolphin House is beachfront accommodation and has stunning views of the ocean and the beach is only 50m away. The beaches are safe and suitable for long walks and runs.
The Dolphin House has:
• 6-Rooms - Suitable for couples.
• 2 bed-roomed flat - Can accommodate 6 people
• Bunkhouse for 8 persons
The Dolphin House is flexible and can make and change sleeping arrangements according to groups and tours.
Accommodation Prices:
Main house R140 per person - Includes full breakfast.
2 bed-roomed flat R140 per person - Includes full breakfast.
Bunks R120 per person - Includes full breakfast.

Breakfast may vary from day to day but will be a combination of cereal, fruit salad & yogurt followed by toast and eggs, bacon or fish, mince etc.

Please contact us for more info...

International Air Services
The air transport system is well developed with a large number of local carriers. More than 60 international airlines operate to and from South Africa including South African Airways who operate non-stop flights between many European and North American cities to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Examples of flight times to Johannesburg are; New York 17.5 hours, Paris, London and Frankfurt 11 hours, Perth 9 hours.
The country's major point of entry is Johannesburg's International Airport, which also serves Pretoria. Durban and Cape Town airports also have International status. Once you're in South Africa domestic flights connect all the key destinations.
Domestic Air Services
Among domestic centres served by South African Airways are, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, George, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Upington. Comair, Nationwide and SA airlink, and other small airlines serve the lesser towns and main tourist destinations.
George Airport (IATA code GRJ) is situated approximately 7 km from the city centre and has scheduled flights to Cape Town International Airport, Durban International Airport and Johannesburg International Airport.
Passports and Visas
Citizens from the EU, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada do not require a visa for a visit for up to 90 days in the country. All travellers must have a return ticket and should make sure their passport is valid for six months after the intended date of return.
Driving/Getting Around
South Africa has the best-developed transport system in Africa, but not as well developed as in Europe or Japan. Major cities have bus services and inter city bus transport is readily available. Taxis are available on call.
Driving is on the left and the roads are rarely congested outside the main cities, making self-drive holidays so easy and pleasurable.
Car hire services are available in all cities and most of the larger towns.
Drivers must have an international driver's license and a minimum of 5 years' experience.
Cars can be hired from airports or arranged through travel agents. Avis, Imperial (incorporating Hertz), Budget and other, rental firms are well represented in the major centres, Airports and some of the bigger game parks.
Time
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT, one hour ahead of Central European wintertime and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard wintertime (USA)
Provinces
There are nine provinces in South Africa.
Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape in the west and south.
Free State in the central region.
Limpopo and North West in the north and northwest.
KwaZulu-Natal in the eastern region.
Gauteng and Mpumalanga in the northeast.

Health for Paragliding..

In any case, if you suffer from heart problems or epilepsy or any other medical condition, which may cause difficulty you should certainly consult your doctor first.

Expect to be asked about health matters before you sign on at our paragliding training school. Piloting and drugs do not mix. Your instructor will not let you flyif you have consumed alcohol that day, or if they suspect that you have taken drugs.

All of our Paragliding Courses can be booked online.