Basic Training & Tandem Flight Experience

2-3 Day Course | $500
Your wings already exist.
All you have to do is fly.

Book Now

Request a Callback

We’ll give you a call to discuss the best flying options for you:

    Enjoy the real Magic Carpet Ride!

    Give us a call to schedule your first tandem flight experience!

    Book Now
    Julio-Vega-Instructor-Tandem-Pilot.j

    Julio Vega

    Your Instructor

    You don’t need mountains to fly. You need a soaring spirit, a good instructor, determination and commitment. I’ve been blessed with the gift of flight and I want to share it with others. It is one of humankind’s greatest gift. So I give it with great care and joy.

    Julio Vega began to fly his paraglider in 2007 while soaring from the mountains of Central America. Since then, he has flown from many mountains throughout the world. Today, however, he lives in Palm Beach and flies the Florida flatlands. Vega is an USHPA & USPPA Certified Instructor and he wants to share the gift of flight with you.

    What We Will Cover

    Basic training usually takes from 2-3 days to complete. At the end of this course you will have enough knowledge to decide if flying is for you.

    Introductory Tandem Flight

    Experience Flight for the first time.
    Silence the mind, sharpen your senses and enjoy the Real Magic Carpet Ride! No experience necessary. If you are fit to dance you can fly. Maximum weight 210 lbs. Ages 17 and under need parents present.

    Paragliding 101

    An introductory lesson into the Sport of Paragliding where we define basic vocabulary, terms, parts of the glider and equipment, introduction to aerodynamics, introduction to weather, soaring, thermaling, turbulence, ground-handling, care of equipment.

    Ground Handling

    G.H. is key in building solid skills and developing muscle memory faster. It is very important to learn to handle the wing in ever changing wind conditions. Practice forward inflations for calm and light winds. Wind speeds (0-6 mph). Practice reverse inflations for moderate to strong winds. Wind speeds (7-12 mph)

    Flight Simulator

    Strap into a real harness and become familiar with flying only 3 ft. from the ground. The lesson focuses on brake pressure and how it affects the wing. We also discuss different in- flight techniques and scenarios, the turning sequence, takeoff and landing sequence, active piloting, canopy control, reserve deployment techniques, and stalls.

    Second Tandem Flight

    After the student become more familiar with the sport, the general flying sensation, and ground handling of the wing, the “student pilot” is ready to take the controls in the air and steer the wing. The instructor might also share the throttle at this point. Students should continue to grow even more familiar with the glider as well.

    Ground School

    Weather
    The Atmosphere
    Weather on the small scale
    The Wing in the Air
    The Airfoil
    The Complete Wing

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost?

    $150 Tandem Fight only for a 25-30 min flight

    $500 Basic Training Course (Includes 2 Tandem Flights)

    -30 Day USHPA Student memberships with third party Liability insurance (3PLI).

    -All safety, communication and paragliding equipment plus 2-3 days of instruction by a trained professional.

    Let’s have fun with the numbers, if you’re the type of person who prefers to quantify the risks undertaken. In countries where these statistics exist, they say that for every 11,000 pilots annually one person has an accident. When compared with regular car driving, where for every 10,000 drivers annually, one person has an accident. We can see that paragliding is safe as much as driving a car. Even when we compare with other ‘’extreme’’ activities data shows that horse riding is more dangerous than paragliding.

    Will I be certified after this course? No, you will only have USHPA temporary membership that will expire at the end of 30 days

    Affiliate/Student, Pilot, and Rogallo USHPA members enjoy third-party liability coverage for recreational activities under USHPA’s General Liability Policy.

    Insurance coverage available as a result of USHPA membership is available through Recreation RRG.

    All USHPA members have third party liability coverage under the USHPA GL policy as a member benefit. This covers claims made by third parties (such as spectators, bystanders, etc.) for damage or injury caused by member actions while paragliding or hang gliding. It also covers the costs and fees associated with any legal defense (for example, if the damaged party decides to sue the member or USHPA).

    Insurance coverage under the USHPA GL policy is automatic with membership. Affiliate/Student (30-day) members are also covered.

    Yes. We are available every day all day (7 am-8 pm), for both tandem flights and training.  Need more flexibility? Hmm… maybe you should rethink if flying is really for you.

    Appointments only.  Schedule your flight or training schedule with our instructor.

    What will my skill level be after completing this course?

    The “ student pilot”  understands the basic principles of flight and the basic principles of paragliding.  The Student knows how to safely handle a paragliding wing in light wind conditions.  The Student understands the differences and similarities between free flight (paragliding) and powered paragliding (Para-motoring),   and some of the pros and cons associated with each when flying in flatland Florida.  At this moment, the student pilot will be realistic with his/her economic possibilities, his/her time availability and his/her general commitment to the sport.   Your knowledge at this time should help you have an honest conversation with yourself and hopefully motivate you to buy gear and continue with the training program.

    Paraglide Florida trains in different training sites.  We base our decisions based on student needs and weather conditions.   We use some local beaches in Palm Beach County where we can train in diverse wind conditions.  We use some public airports like HGA in Homestead and Belle Glades.  This offer huge take off and landings areas that suit students on their first fights.  We use other local nearby fields that are suit for practicing or ground-handling in light wind conditions.

    Our students in training will be part of a “WhatsUp” Group Chat named “ParaglideFloridaTraining” where we will share all pertinent details for any scheduled activities.

    Most Important, a positive attitude.  Dress sporty, comfortable, protecting your ankles is always better. Wear shoes for active people.  Check your weather forecast and bring water, hat, sunglasses, face scarf, and an energy snack.  Remember its Florida. It gets very hot sometimes.

    No, You will only have  USHPA temporary membership that will expire at the end of 30 days

    We rise by lifting others.

    Make flying possible for you today!

    • 305-984-2747