Anyone know anything about paragliding?

[Glaucus]

One of my new years resolutions is do some new stuff. Going to Australia on my own is one.

But this has also caught my eye and wondered if anyone has done it or knows anything about it. Things like how hard and cost of training, if you could just walk up a mountain and fly down.

[Will]

I've done it once, in France - but using friend's rig (he's an instructor too) so it cost me a pint! So that's not very helpful I'm afraid! Great fun though, just like being under canopy after a skydive really. :)

Often you do a few tandem flights, and become competent then you can take a rig out yourself. However, this is just off the conversation I had with him - he's on holiday at the mo, and probably can get just as much info of t'internet as from him, but I can drop him a line when he gets back if you want?

[IainB]

if you could just walk up a mountain and fly down.

Errr no :evil:
They do it at the same place I fly (the kites) inland..Dunstable Downs, and as I see it, its a HUGE kite....
I did hear a story of someone who bought one off E-Bay, went to try it in his local park, then got lofted into some trees, which didnt end at all well
I would love a go, but even though im quite happy sticking up a 16m kite (and strapping either a kiteboard / landboard onto my feet) , I wouldnt go near a paraglider setup without someone doing a tandem first....muchos potential for something to go wrong

[Glaucus]

Errr no :evil:


I kind of meant after the training and certification. As in is flying paragliders restricted by law or is it pretty much what ever you feel you are capable of.

I can't find much to do with price, just that it very roughly costs 500-100k for basic training and takes about 10 days in total. That sounds very cheap if it takes 10 days and using there kit.

[Mark]

One of my new years resolutions is do some new stuff. Going to Australia on my own is one.

You won't regret it. Just use the usual caution and you'll enjoy it!

I kind of meant after the training and certification. As in is flying paragliders restricted by law or is it pretty much what ever you feel you are capable of.

Well, flying into restricted airspace is unlikely to get you in anyone's good books, but other than that, I know nothing. :)

[Jonny69]

A colleague at my old work did all his training. I seem to remember it cost him quite a lot and the kit set him back several thousands. Looked like a very expensive hobby to me.

[Glaucus]

It's not cheap, but compared to some sports it's not horrendous.

Finally found some prices.
£170 for faster day
£1000 for basic and club license.
~£3500 for equipment or 2k second hand.


From this flight school if you buy the equipment from them they train you in both licenses for nothing.
So high start up cost, but after that I imagine its pretty much free.

[Jingo]

Might it be worth paying for a couple/handful of ~£100 experience days or similar?

It would be awful to part with a huge lump of cash only to find it's something you might only partake in twice a year :)