Courses
It's Time to Start Your Adventures
Tandem Trial Flight - $220
Experience and learn about paragliding by taking a trial flight with one of our experienced instructors.
Intro Course - $350
Nelson Bays Paragliding's Introduction Course is designed to give beginners a hands-on experience with the basics of paragliding. In this course, you will learn essential skills such as ground practicing wing control, take-off, steering, and landing a paraglider.
After completing your ground training, you'll advance to one of the following:
- One or two solo flights on a training hill.
- A Tandem Trial Flight to experience the sensation of flying.
The Introduction Course is typically completed within 1 day however a second day may be required, depending on weather conditions.
If you choose to continue your training and enroll in the PG1 Course after completing the Introduction Course, the cost will be $500, reduced from the usual $800. Additionally, any flights completed during the Introduction Course will count toward your PG1 qualification.
ShopIntro + PG1 Course - $800
The student PG1 course is your first step towards obtaining a full pilot’s licence. If you have completed the Intro Course, the cost is $500. The course takes 2-7 flying days to complete and consists of a minimum of six flights.
Instructors will guide you on both take off and landing. By the end of the course you can expect to be proficient in inflating the paraglider wing, basic launching, smooth flight turns, and landing safely on your feet. The course also includes theory covering basic aerodynamics, suitable flying conditions, and essential information about equipment.
The PG1 licence is issued by delegated authority to the NZHGPA (National Association) from CAA (Civil Aviation Authority.) Students must have a student or full membership during training and can join at nzhgpa.org.nz.
PG2 Course
Are you ready to take your paragliding skills to the next level? After completing the PG1 Course, it's time to dive into the sport fully and become a safe, competent, and confident solo pilot.
The package includes purchase of a new wing & new harness design using the latest technology in paragliding. Prices vary depending on availability and your choice of manufacturer. We will help you with choice of gear while you are completing the PG1 and as we gain insight into what we think will work best for you. Before you start flying from Barnicoat, a reserve parachute will also be required and options for this can be discussed well before the flight.
This course follows your completion of the PG1 course and, upon graduation, will enable you to fly unsupervised. The course includes, at a minimum:
During the spring, summer, and autumn months, students should complete the course within four months. Additional training beyond this period may incur extra charges on a per-day basis at the instructor's discretion, as long breaks during training can hinder progress and necessitate relearning previous skills.
Our primary focus is on teaching you to be a safe pilot. By the end of the course, you will be able to demonstrate the required PG2 skills and pass the three necessary theory exams.
The components above are the minimum requirements. Most pilots will complete more than the required 40 flights and five hours of training before graduating. Typically, once the core requirements are met, we will progress to teaching additional skills such as wingovers, top landings, and cobra launches.
After graduating from the course, we remain available for advice. On most teaching days, we welcome you to rejoin us for additional help and mentoring to ensure you can confidently fly independently.
Instructors: Your primary instructors will be Hamish Dicker and Steve O'Shaughnessy, both of whom are qualified NZHGPA paragliding instructors. If additional or replacement instructors are needed, they will also hold the necessary licences issued by the NZHGPA.
ShopSpeedflying
Speedflying uses small, high-performance wings to descend at speed down mountains or soar in stronger winds. We do not teach speedflying however our PG2 course is the best start to getting your speedflying licence. We will coordinate with expert speedflying instructor Jamie Lee on a pathway for you.
Before you can complete a speedflying licence, a PG2 licence plus an additional 40 flights is required.
Why Nelson Bays Paragliding?
Comprehensive training, experience, a focus on safety and a great learning environment. Learn more about the instructors here