Everything about paragliding courses in India | A beginner's guide

So you are interested in paragliding courses in India. That's a great choice. Paragliding is a thrilling and rewarding sport that allows you to soar through the skies with just a paraglider and the wind.

I assume you're a beginner, so taking a paragliding course is the best way to learn and get started. In this blog, I'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to find and enroll in a paragliding course in India as a beginner.

Find a reputable paragliding school or instructor.

The first step to learning paragliding is finding a reputable school or instructor. But you will be surprised that Paragliding and Paramotoring are not regulated by DGCA or Aero Club of India.

However, all pilots must maintain a logbook to show their experience level.

Look for a school or instructor certified by the Paragliding Association of India or a Regional Association mentioned here.

You can also ask for recommendations from experienced paragliders or search online for reviews of local schools. You should find out as much as possible about the course. I have collated a list of questions that I asked the schools:

1. What is the duration of the course, and what is covered in it?

2. What are the course's prerequisites (e.g., age limit, physical fitness requirements)?

3. What is the instructor-to-student ratio during the course?

4. Is the course conducted in small groups or individually?

5. What is the pass rate for the course?

6. Are there any additional expenses I should know (e.g., equipment rental, insurance)?

7. Is any accommodation provided during the course, or should the user arrange it separately?

8. Is there any follow-up support or guidance provided after the course is completed?

9. Are there any discounts available for the course (e.g., for students, military personnel)?

10. Are there any package deals available that include accommodation and other activities?

You can refer to the following data sources:

Visit School's Website

A user can learn more about a paragliding school in India by visiting the school's website. This can provide information on the school's location, courses offered, pricing, and other relevant details.

Call up the School

Another option is to call the school directly and speak to a representative to ask questions or clarify doubts.

Google Map Reviews

Google Maps allows users to leave reviews and ratings of businesses, including paragliding schools. A user can check out the reviews left by other customers to get an idea of the quality of the school.

Instagram Following

Every paragliding school has an Instagram account with reels and posts about their offerings. Users can follow the school's account to stay updated on new developments or events.

Referral from friends

Nothing beats a good old referral from a friend. A user can also ask for recommendations from friends or acquaintances who may have experience with paragliding schools in India. This can provide a firsthand account of the school's quality and services.

Don't rush, do some research. Take your time and plan well before joining the course.

Some good schools in India for Paragliding

India has many paragliding schools that offer beginners and experienced paragliding courses. Some of the top schools that have a reputation for high-quality instruction and strict safety standards include:

1. Skylark School of Paragliding, Bir

2. Travel Bir Billing by Arvind Paul, Bir

3. TT School of Paragliding, Bir

4. Temple Pilots, Kamshet

5. Indus Paragliding, Kamshet

It is advisable to choose a paragliding school that has experienced instructors, well-maintained equipment and is affiliated with one of the paragliding associations in India. This ensures that the school has a good reputation and a proven safety track record.

Choose the right course for your skill level and goals.

Most paragliding schools offer a range of courses for beginners, including ground school, flight training, and advanced courses. Be sure to choose a paragliding training appropriate for your skill level and goals.

You wouldn't have been here if you knew paragliding, so I assume you are a beginner. You'll likely start with a ground school course to learn the basics of paragliding, such as how to set up and fly a glider, followed by radio-assisted flights. P1 and P2 are two levels of paragliding courses in India commonly offered by schools for beginners.

1. Introductory/Discovery Course (P1): Also known as ground training. This short course is meant to introduce beginners to the sport of paragliding. It usually lasts 2-3 days (5-6 hours/day after 10 am) and covers the basics of paragliding, including takeoff, landing, and primary flight techniques.

2. Novice Course (P2): Usually done with P1, this is a more comprehensive training covering all paragliding aspects. Here you will take your first radio-assisted solo flight. It usually lasts 7-10 days (3-4 hours in the early morning) and is suitable for those who want to become proficient at paragliding.

3. Advanced Course (P3): This course is for those who want to take their paragliding skills to the next level and fly longer distances. It covers advanced flying techniques, such as navigation, weather prediction, and flying in different conditions. Read more about the science behind paragliding here.

The P1 and P2 courses are typically conducted over 3-7 days, combining ground school and in-flight instruction. The P1 course may be shorter in duration than the P2 course, as it covers fewer topics.

I recommended that you do both P1 and P2 together. So that you can implement the theory of P1 into the practicals of P2. Otherwise, you will need to do it all over again. Also, I recommend doing P3 asap (within 3-6 months) to reinforce the learning.

Do let me know if you want to learn more about the advanced paragliding courses in India.

How much does the paragliding course cost in India?

The price of paragliding training in India may differ based on the course type and the training length. Here is a rough estimate of the costs of various paragliding courses in India:

1. Introductory/Discovery Course (P1): These courses typically cost around INR 10,000-20,000 and last 2-3 days.

2. Novice Course (P2): These courses usually cost around INR 15,000-40,000 and last 7-10 days.

3. Advanced Course (P3): These courses typically cost around INR 30,000-70,000 and last 10-14 days.

It is advisable to do P1 and P2 together. If done together, they cost between INR 20,000 - 35,000 (excluding accommodation/food/transport).

In addition to the course fees, students may also be responsible for paying for their accommodation and meals during training. It is advisable to contact the school and request a detailed breakdown of costs before enrolling in a course.

Prerequisites for learning paragliding

Physical fitness

Paragliding can be physically demanding, especially during takeoff and landing. Focus on leg exercises, such as squats, lunges, and calf raises, and core/balance exercises, such as sit-ups, planks, and single-leg deadlifts. Furthermore, mental health is just as important such as practicing meditation, which will help eliminate negative thoughts.

Weight limit

The weight limit for paragliding courses is an important safety consideration as it determines the capacity of the equipment and the pilot's ability to control it.

Typically, the weight limit for a paraglider is between 45-95 kg, depending on the type of glider and its design. The weight limit includes the pilot's body weight, gear, and any additional equipment.

Age

Some schools may have an age requirement for paragliding courses in India, such as a minimum age of 16 or 18. Find it out from the schools

Language

Most paragliding courses are conducted in English/Hindi, so a basic understanding of either language is necessary.

Medical clearance

All schools require a medical clearance from a doctor before enrolling in paragliding training. This ensures that the student is physically fit to participate in the sport. Get the medical form from the school well in advance.

Clothing

Wear shoes with good grip and knee protection when paragliding, such as hiking boots. It is also a good idea to wear clothing that provides some protection against abrasions.

For sun protection, choose appropriate clothing for the season that offers maximum protection against the sun. Additionally, consider wearing clothes with zippers to help prevent the loss of personal items such as phones or money during takeoff and flight.

Time commitment

You will need 10 days for P1, and P2 courses and it is recommended to get leaves. The P1 course needs extreme ground training for 5-6/day, and you won't be able to work. The P2 course happens during the morning between 6-10 am after which you are free to work.

Previous experience

While having prior experience in paragliding is not necessary, some schools may recommend tandem paragliding before you enroll for the course.

Ground school and flight training

Once you arrive at the destination (probably in the morning), you can start your training in the same morning. Here is an overview of what to expect during a paragliding course in India, including ground school and flight training:

Ground school

This typically includes classroom-based instruction on topics such as equipment, meteorology, and flying techniques. The instructor may also demonstrate different maneuvers and procedures on a simulator or training device.

On-ground flight training

This involves hands-on training and practice of paragliding skills under the supervision of an instructor. This includes exercises such as ground handling, inflation, takeoff, and landing.

Safety drills

The instructor will also cover safety drills and procedures to follow in emergencies.

Radio-assisted solo flights

As the student progresses through the course, they will have the opportunity to practice solo flights under the instructor's supervision through a radio.

Cross-country flying

For intermediate and advanced paragliders, the course may include instruction on cross-country flying techniques, such as navigating and using thermals. (This rarely happens in P1/P2 course so you need to wait till P3)

Debriefing and review

After each flight, the instructor will debrief the student and provide feedback on their performance. The paragliding training may also include reviewing the material covered in the ground school.

P.S: They also record your videos on mobile, so you get to keep some memories too :) Keep all the valuables in the harness bag, or you will lose keys mid-air (yeah, personal experience). You can read about my personal experience of the paragliding course here.

This was just about the beginner's course. I will write about the advanced paragliding course soon.

In conclusion, paragliding is an exciting and rewarding sport that allows you to experience the beauty of the outdoors from a unique perspective. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can choose the right course for your needs and take the first step towards experiencing the thrill of flight.

So what are you waiting for? Go and learn paragliding in India :)