Beginner Paragliding Course – Learn to Fly with Paraglide Africa
If you've ever looked up at a paraglider soaring along a mountain ridge or hovering effortlessly over the ocean and thought, "I wish that was me," — you're in the right place.
Our Beginner Paragliding Course is designed for complete newcomers with zero prior experience. This is where your flying journey truly begins, with expert instruction, top-tier equipment, and a relaxed, professional learning environment.
Whether your dream is to fly for fun, explore the world from the air, or work toward a license — we’ll get you there safely, confidently, and with a whole lot of adventure along the way.
Expectations
Learn to fly
- Our beginner training is immersive, hands-on, and absolutely unforgettable.
- You’ll start on the ground with ground handling and canopy control before moving on to low flights, then full soaring flights — all under the watchful guidance of our experienced instructors.
- We keep training groups small so you get the attention, coaching, and airtime you need to build skills fast and fly with confidence.
Theory and Practical
What you would learn
- Online Theory before arrival
- Ground handling & canopy control
- Equipment use and gear setup
- Launch & landing techniques
- Ridge soaring, site awareness and basic thermalling
- Flight planning basics
- Airspace, safety, and emergency procedures
- Confidence & decision-making in the air
Where and why
Wilderness
Our main training sites are based along the Garden Route (Wilderness & Sedgefield) one of the top 10 places in the world for learning to paraglide and guaranteed the most scenic and reliable flying region in South Africa.
Our training sites offer:
- Consistent wind & coastal ridge lift
- Gentle training slopes and dunes for takeoff practice
- World-class soaring and thermalling opportunities
- Breathtaking views that’ll keep you inspired all course long
Unique features of learning with
Paraglide Africa
- SAHPA-certified instructors with decades of teaching experience
- Focus on safety, decision-making, and flight independence
- Optional travel and flying tours after training — in SA and abroad
- Training on modern, high-quality gliders from Flow Paragliders and Ozone.
- Personalized coaching with radio communication in the air
- Learn alongside passionate, like-minded students and instructors
Ready to Learn to Fly?
No experience needed. No jumping off cliffs. Just clear, step-by-step training at your pace, with full instructor support every step of the way.
By the end of your beginner course, you'll not only have flown solo multiple times — you’ll understand what it means to be a pilot and have the tools to continue your journey.
Complete your Application form below after selecting your preferred equipment needs and training dates. Applying early to avoid disappointment.
What to expect during training
Continuous learning
After your beginner course, we offer options to:
- Continue with our XCPC course
- Join fly-guiding days for extra airtime with supervision
- Travel with us on guided paragliding tours in South Africa or Europe
- Rent or buy gear with student discounts and expert gear advice
Equipment options
Equipment options
Having your own equipment provides a faster learning process and ensures you are comfortable on your equipment after school to continue your flying progression safely. Get in touch to discuss your equipment needs and budget with one of our expert instructors.
Any more Questions?
Learn to fly your Paraglider
Now is the time to learn a new hobby! Take to the sky for the ultimate outdoor activity!
Our paragliding training programmes will guide you through all you need to
know from start to finish. After the training you will be a proficient pilot that can fly almost anywhere in the world with a IPPI(International proficient pilot card).
Our online learning platform ensures no important theory is missed and present it in a fun and easy to understand way to ensure everyone grasps the fundamentals of flight. The theory can be learned safely at home before arrival to allow for more practical airtime during training.
From there we progress to the practical learning in Wilderness which is ranked as one of the top 10 best places to learn in the world, with highly experienced instructors and excellent syllabus to progress to the basic pilot level. All while learning about the environment and equipment that will keep you in the sky.
In the process you might just have discover a new lifestyle and a true love of flying.
Paragliding gives you the freedom to effortlessly fly like a bird, being
part of nature and enjoying breathtaking views. It has never been this easy to become a pilot! It is relatively quick, cheap and easy to learn paragliding and is by far the most accessible aeronautical sport in the world.
Paragliding technology has advanced significantly in the 20th century; making the equipment safer, lighter, and with better aerodynamic performance.
With our learn to fly courses you’ll get to dive into all you need to know to learn to fly solo.
