If you have spent any significant amount of time in Cape Town, you have likely looked to the sky to see people paragliding Signal Hill or Lions Head. Perhaps, during a hiking trip in the area, you have been envious of individuals who were able to glide away from a high peak instead of climbing the way back down.
If you are interested in enjoying this exhilarating airborne sport, learning how to paraglide is not as difficult as you might imagine. Adults of nearly any age can successfully learn how to take flight and enjoy the surprisingly relaxing experience of soaring over Cape Town using a paraglider.
Getting Licensed to Paraglide in South Africa
Even if you have a friend who paraglides in Cape Town and he helps you practice your skills, it is not legal to fly on your own without receiving a license in South Africa. It is necessary to receive at least a basic license from the South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA), which is the governing body for multiple airborne sports in the country.
To receive a license, you will need to receive the proper training, learning how to safely paraglide in Cape Town under the guidance of certified instructors. The knowledge that you gain from these experienced trainers will not only allow you to fulfill the requirements and pass the exams required by SAHPA, but it can also equip you with the vital knowledge of how to safely operate and land a glider.
What to Expect When Starting to Train
The initial stage of any paragliding training course will be to familiarize you with all of the components that you will need to use in order to paraglide. This includes the glider, as well as the harness, the controls, and all of the necessary safety equipment.
Before you ever take to the air, you’ll need to become very knowledgeable about these structures and how they are meant to function. This allows you to be able to operate all of the controls appropriately while flying, and also allows you to quickly and easily detect if there are any problems with the glider or your paragliding equipment.
Flying Tandem with an Instructor
After you have gone over all of the fundamentals of paragliding, it is time to get some first-hand experience. Of course, your trainer is not just going to send you out to paraglide over Cape Town without any supervision. To give you an introduction to what it is like to operate a paraglider, an instructor can fly tandem with you, operating the controls during the session.
Gaining Experience
Before you are able to receive your basic license and begin paragliding in Cape Town on your own, you will need to put a considerable number of supervised gliding hours under your belt.
Many individuals are able to complete their training in as little as a dozen days, which are often spread out over the course of two to three months. You can always go at your own pace, and only take the leap to a licensed paraglider when you are definitely ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tandem paragliding, and how does a tandem paragliding flight in Cape Town work?
A tandem paragliding flight pairs you with a highly experienced pilot who controls the paraglider while you enjoy breathtaking views over Cape Town. This is perfect for your first flight, a scenic sky safari, or a safe introduction to the sport before enrolling in a paragliding course.
How can I learn to paraglide in Cape Town?
Learning to paraglide starts with an instructional tandem flight, then progresses through a basic paragliding training course that includes theory classes, practical requirements, and supervised flights. A full training program covers everything from paragliding safety to equipment use and weather understanding.
What’s included in the basic paragliding license course?
The basic paragliding license course in Cape Town includes ground handling lessons, theory sessions, and solo paragliding flights under instructor supervision. Completing the course earns you a local license and, if applicable, an international license card for flying abroad.
Do you offer paragliding lessons for complete beginners?
Yes. Paragliding lessons in Cape Town are designed for those with no prior experience. Easy to learn paragliding techniques are taught by a certified paragliding company using a comprehensive training program that’s safe and engaging.
How long does the full training period take?
The full training period varies, but most students complete their paragliding pilot requirements in several weeks, depending on weather and personal schedule. Additional training is available for those who want more time before qualifying.
What can I expect from my first paragliding flight?
Your first flight, often a tandem paraglider experience, includes a safety briefing, take-off with your pilot, and breathtaking views while learning how the paraglider responds in the air.
Can I book a course or future training dates online?
Yes. You can book a course, arrange your first tandem flight, or reserve future training dates directly through our website.
What is the path from a tandem paragliding flight to becoming a paragliding pilot?
Many students start with a tandem paragliding flight, then move into a basic paragliding training course. Completing the course, meeting the practical requirements, and passing theory tests qualify you for a local license and open the door to solo paragliding.


