PARAGLIDING

What is Paragliding?

Paragliding is the simplest and purest form of flying there is. Whether you dream of soaring above the hills of the Derbyshire Peak District, or taking your canopy on holiday with you to explore exotic locations from the air, we can help you.

Paragliders were developed from freefall parachutes and have been refined to make them easy to fly with the best possible performance whilst keeping them small enough to carry in a back pack. Weighing around 9 kg, all the equipment you need to soar like a bird is easy to take up to the top of a hill. As you take off with the canopy above your head, you feel the irresistible freedom of the skies. Experience it for yourself - the excitement of learning to fly is within your grasp.

In sensible hands, Paragliding can be amongst the safest of adventure sports. The expertise you need to keep you safe starts with the school you learn with. Parapente Flying School is registered with the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (school no. 126). At Parapente Flying School we aim to equip you not only with excellent flying skills, but also with the knowledge to keep you flying safely whilst having maximum fun!

Learning to Fly a Paraglider

Parapente Flying School is based in the Derbyshire Peak District town of Buxton. The friendly atmosphere and excellent teaching means you will enjoy fulfilling your dream of learning to fly.

You will begin your course by being shown what a paraglider is and how it works. This will be combined with an introduction to the complexities of meteorology and air movement so that you know when and where to fly. Then it's off to the hills for the practical airborne sessions. Teaching is progressive, learning how to control the paraglider on the ground before moving on to low level 'hops'. Only when these skills have been mastered will you move further up the hill to make higher and longer flights. You will fly with a radio so that your instructor can coach you, ensuring that you progress safely.

Starting from straightforward downhill flights, you can soon move on to soaring above a ridge using the prevailing wind, then progress to thermal flying and travelling cross country. You are the pilot. You decide what you want to do. We will teach you - it is as simple as that!

Paragliding Instruction

Paul Allmark - Chief Flying Instructor

Paul is one of the most experienced instructors in Britain and has been teaching people to fly since 1987. He is a skilled hang glider and paraglider pilot with a couple of thousand hours under his belt. He has also competed internationally as a member of the British Team. Paul is a patient and thorough instructor and is easy to get on with; he will assess your needs and train you to the level you choose for yourself. Paul's favorite trick after a hard day teaching is to take off at the bottom landing field and fly back up to the top. It beats walking!

Chris Dawes - Senior Instructor

Chris has been flying both paragliders and hang gliders for 15 years and has been a member of the British Paragliding Team. Chris also won the 1995 British National XC league. On recent monumental flights, taking off in the Peak District , he flew 165 Km (landing south of Milton Keynes) , and 142 Km (landing in Snowdonia). Chris is a leading authority on seaweed and as such has travelled world wide. Taking advantage of this, he has flown some of the most breathtaking sites imaginable, including Cerro Torre in Southern Patagonia, where he and his wife, Judy Leden enjoyed some epic flights in the company of Andean Condors. With his sound communications skills and dynamic personality Chris makes an A1 instructor.

Jim Green - Instructor

Jim has been flying since 1975 and has experience in all the foot launched disciplines. He has flown in many competitions and inspires his students with his love of flying.

Simon Allmark - Trainee Instructor

Simon has been flying paragliders for years. Like his older brother, Chief Flying Instructor, Paul, Simon is easy going which makes him a patient and good instructor.

Paragliding Courses

1). Taster Day

A chance to try out paragliding. You will be introduced to the sport and the equipment and will then be taught the techniques for take off and basic canopy control. By the end of the day you should be flying solo. A taster day gift voucher makes an ideal present for those looking for something different (and it is the first day of the EPC course - see below).

2) Two Day Taster

As above but with an extra days flying and some basic theory with flights up to 20 feet solo.

3) Elementary Pilot Certificate Course (EPC)

This is a 4-7 day course (depending on ability). By the end of the course you will have completed at least six high flights of more than 100 feet. You will be able to turn the paraglider and land in a designated area. There is also a written exam to be completed.

Further Paragliding Courses

Club Pilot Certificate - this follows the EPC and takes a further 5 days. You will make longer and higher flights, increasing your skill level and your theoretical knowledge to prepare you for flying in a club environment.

Foreign Trips - The school also runs courses in the south of France for those wanting to fly in mountainous areas under the guidance of our very experienced instructors. Here an introduction to thermalling and cross country flying can be given with airborne radio tuition. You will benefit from the local knowledge of the instructors and their vast experience in mountain flying, taking the "trial and error" factor out of learning to fly in the Alps.

BHPA Membership and Insurance

The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association is the governing body of our sport and membership includes third party insurance cover. Membership of the Association is compulsory for all students in the UK. The price for this cover depends on the time scale for the flying experience you want; for example, a one day taster course will only require one days cover, whereas an EPC course will need a minimum of a "training membership". We will arrange BHPA membership for you on the first day of your course.

Weather

Good weather is a big factor in learning to fly paragliders. We assess the weather conditions each day. If, due to bad weather you cannot fly, we will rearrange your booking as soon as possible. Should the weather interrupt flying during your course, any unused flying may be taken at a future date by arrangement. We do not refund deposits or course fees, however you have a full twelve months in which to complete the course, or you can pass it on to a friend if you decide not to take it up yourself.

Accommodation

The Peak District National Park has plenty of hotels, B & B and camp sites. We have an accommodation list if you need it.

Basic Requirements for Paragliding

You don't have to be super fit (you will be fitter by the end of the course!) Your initial training will involve running around on open ground so bring sturdy footwear (walking boots will do). In the summer it can get hot so bring lighter clothing and plenty to drink. If the weather is cool, bring an extra fleece and lightweight windproofs are advisable. Don't forget the most important thing of all - a picnic lunch!

Facilities

Our shop stocks a huge range of paragliding equipment. We offer a wide range of paragliders, both new and second hand. We also stock helmets, harnesses, books, videos, boots, reserve parachutes, instruments, flying suits and all round cool clothing. Whatever your budget, our advice and support will always be available, with your safety and fun our prime consideration.

How to book

Just phone the shop on 01298 23021 to book a place. A deposit will be needed to confirm your slot.

Cost of Paragliding Training

Prices

How to find us

We meet at our shop "On The Edge", which is on the Market Place in the centre of Buxton, (next to the Town Hall). Click here for maps