SOLO FLIGHT TRAINING
2 Day Introductory Course
Our two day introductory course is designed for those who would prefer learning to fly completely ‘solo’. If you are already sure that paragliding is for you, than this is a great way to get started.
The first day begins with a brief discussion about glider components, after which the student will spend several hours gaining ground handling experience. The normal day ends with a few short flights from either our training hill, or from our tow system.
The second day builds on the skills of the first, allowing ample time for longer and higher flights. New techniques will be introduced, including tricks for higher winds and some alternative launch methods. The two-day course does not need to be on consecutive days, but information retention is best if completed within 2-3 weeks.
The fees for this course are 100% transferable to our Beginner and Novice programs, so it’s a no risk way to figure out if the sport is for you!
BEGINNER
Our 4-5 day Beginner Training Program takes you from your first day up to the point where you are ready for that first mountain launch from a higher elevation, typically greater than 1000′. It provides a great introduction to most aspects of paragliding flight, with a strong emphasis on ‘ground handling’ which helps you confidently control your glider during those critical moments right before your feet leave the ground!
With our winch and tow training programs, you will also get ample flight time, with each flight lasting up to 10 minutes as we progress through many in-flight techniques designed to maximize your personal safety and overall skill progression.
Not quite sure you’re ready to commit for the full Novice training program, but know you want more than the Two Day Intro? This course is the option for you! If in the end, you find you still want to keep learning, the fees for this course are also 100% transferable towards your Novice Paragliding Rating.
NOVICE
Our Novice Training Program takes you from the first day to a level of experience where you are capable and qualified to make your own flight decisions. As you progress through this program you will be introduced to coastal and thermal flying sites, tow launching, beginning ridge and thermal soaring techniques, tandem instructional flights, practical flight theory, and much more. We take great pride that our Beginner and Novice programs are the most complete in the area, and that our graduated students consistently reflect this fact.
On graduation, you will be issued your USHPA P2 (Novice) paragliding rating, which allows you to fly without instructor supervision at the many flying sites we have in the Northwest, and beyond!
ADVANCED TRAINING
Let our USHPA and USPPA Master Rated Instructors take you beyond the basics with our ‘Higher Learning’ programs.
Special Skills Courses. We offer a variety of clinics and special events to help you work towards the rather varied list of ‘special skills’ offered by either the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, or the United States Powered Paragliding Association (or both!)
ADVANCED RATINGS
After earning your Novice Rating, your learning and skill building can continue as you work towards your Intermediate and Advanced ratings. Perhaps eventually gaining enough experience and expertise to earn your own Master Rating. Regardless of how ‘experienced’ any of us are, it’s a big sky up there, and the learning never stops. It’s genuinely one of the major factors that makes paragliding such a lifelong obsession for many of us. Not only is paragliding a LOT of fun, the learning process is also continually very rewarding!
PARAGLIDING COURSES FEES: USPHA CERTIFIED
Discover our complete array of training programs. All of our Paragliding training programs include a 30 day membership to the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. Pilots wishing to continue their training can, if necessary, purchase an additional 30 membership for $12/ea, or an annual USHPA pilot membership (with additional benefits).
2-Day Introductory Course*
- 2 days
- Getting Started
P1: Beginner Program*
- Up to 5 days
- Learning the Basics
P2: Novice Program**
- Up to 12 days
- Full Training Course
Reserve System Training
- 8 hours
- Theory, simulator deployment, and repacking.
Special Skills Courses
- Varies
- Higher Learning!
* Course fees are cumulative and are applied to the Beginner and/or Novice packages.
** Novice course must be completed within a 12 month time frame, or additional fees may apply.
** Lesson/Equipment discounts are also available with equipment package purchase.
