Getting Started in Paragliding: Preparing for Your First Flight

Paragliding is the air sport that flies with the simplest equipment. It's also clearly a risky activity, so the starting point isn't buying gear — it's formal instruction.

1. Instruction comes first

This isn't something you can learn alone from books or videos. You need to learn systematically from a qualified instructor at a certified school. Training builds up equipment checks, takeoff and landing, emergency response, and weather judgment step by step.

2. First experience: a tandem flight

Before fully committing, we recommend a two-seat (tandem) experience flight with an instructor to test your feel for flying and your interest.

3. Ground handling

Ground handling (kiting) — standing the canopy up and controlling it on the ground — is the core fundamental of getting started. A feel for handling the wing on the ground translates directly into stability in the air.

4. Beginner gear

Start with school equipment, and decide on a purchase in consultation with your instructor. Gliders generally start at the highly passively-safe EN-A class. (For ratings, see the paraglider EN rating guide.)

5. First solo flight

Once you've completed training thoroughly, start with short flights on gentle slopes and gradually build altitude and distance. Keeping to the steps without rushing is the fastest way to grow.

6. Safety mindset

Judging "can I fly today?" and holding off when in doubt is part of skill. (Pre-flight weather check)

Logging your flights in FlyWise from the beginner stage lets you keep your growth as data.