INSTRUCTION
At Astro Paragliding we set our students up for success. Having that in mind, we start your progression into the world of free flight in the most forgiving and lowest consequence environment, the sand. All of your training will be under direct radio supervision with our instructors, and our class sizes are limited to small groups. Your first instruction will take place at the coast, where you will learn to '"Ground Handle" or "Kite". At Astro Paragliding we are all about kiting. Ground handling is one of the most important skills a pilot can develop. In this practice, we develop the muscle memory required to be pilots in the air. After a few days at the coast honing ground skills, and taking many small flights, dialing in your launches and landings, we will move to inland sites that offer more altitude. During this process, you will be enrolled in www.GliderTraining.org, to complete your ground school. Our focus throughout the entire instructional process is teaching our students to make good decisions, the hallmark of being a good pilot. Upon completion of your Astro Paragliding P2 course, you will have all the skills required by USHPA (United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) to be a P2 (Paragliding solo pilot) and you will be ready to fly as a solo pilot.
Our courses are designed primarily with the beginner in mind. We are also happy to work with pilots from other canopy sports, and those wanting to progress to P3 and beyond. If you want to add skills such as thermalling, spot landing, cliff launches, etc. we can help. You will discover that the learning never stops! Becoming a pilot will reveal a birds-eye view of the world, adventure awaits those who embark on this journey with us! Always feel free to drop in and further hone your skillset.
BEACH EXPERIENCE
Your first flight with us will be your initial student tandem flight. This is a chance to see if you really want to be a paraglider pilot. After this first experience, most will take their first solo flights at the beach while under radio supervision. These first flights are somewhat self-determining, in that you can fly from as high as you can kite. As your ground skills improve your flights become longer. It is not uncommon for students to experience their first solo flights only a few hours after starting initial instruction. If weather conditions are good, you may log 30 flights in your first few days. With this training and class time, we encourage students to take the P1 exam. At this point, most students will buy their gear. Buying your own gear from the start will always accelerate your progression.
MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
After gaining kiting, launching, and landing experience at the coast, we then move inland to the mountains or high desert sites. Here you will take your first flights in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is calm and still. Like this, we slowly immerse the pilot into the new sites with small steps that build confidence in new skills. You will gradually move to earlier in the day when the air is less stable, more dynamic, or thermic. Along the way gaining knowledge about weather, sites, thermalling, and continuing to hone your decision-making abilities. Ground school will continue as you progress towards your solo P2 pilot rating.