[Jim&Karen]

Hi all

I know this may sound a bit adventurous, but one of the things that I really want to do after we arrive in Christchurch is learn Paragliding.:D

I was going to have a go in the UK this year, but there has been too much going on and the weather has not been good.

Has anyone tried this, or any reccomendations on where to learn.

I have found a couple of websites, but local knowledge is always good

Cheers
Jim

[Mels]

Hi Jim,

Being completely biased, I would rather go 'proper gliding'. My OH has flown in Taupo at the gliding club there - great views.

It's great fun and it's suprisingly fast to go from an absolute beginer having lessons with an instructor to flying your first solo. I remember my first solo and I still can't quite believe I could take off and land a 'proper plane', and not only walk away but re-use the plane!!! :D :raebanana

This site might be worth a look, and there may be others nearer to you

http://soaring.co.nz/Southern_Soaring_Omarama.html

good luck

[roseandrob]

Well I'm going to give a very biased view and say Nimbus paragliding (http://www.nimbusparagliding.co.nz/) as my dad is the instructor (Steve). I went out with him a few times in February this year and it was awesome but VERY scary (for me anyway!). Those things can go really high and dad reckons on a good day he can soar all the way to Akaroa. He lands and has to hitchhike back (don't think he does this with clients though!). And they can do some really scary but exhilarating side to side swinging things (not sure what it's actually called!) (but again very scary especially over the sea!). So if you like rollercoaster rides etc then I am sure you will like paragliding! It can also be quite therapeutic sitting in the air quitely soaring around.

Hope that helps!

[Mels]

as my dad is the instructor (Steve).

I had a look at web site, does look good and hitching home sound good, doing that with glider on your back is always going to be tricky!!!! not much fun landing in field where cows have been either!!! you stand a better chance of avoiding the, ummm squashy bits methinks, :uhoh

but I'm feeling my age and I need a little bit of weather protection :laugh

[roseandrob]

I had a go at carrying his glider (he has to carry his seat and the seat of the person he's flying with) and it weighs over 50kg! good fun walking back UP the port hills to the van although that was just with me, usually they have someone waiting at the bottom to pick them up.

Last time he hitched the guy driving was a traveller and dad gave him a free fly which the guy really appreciated!

We did a pretty rocky landing and ended up falling in a welcoming gorse bush.. probably would have preferred some of the soft stuff tbh!

[Mels]

usually it's horses that chuck me off into gorse bushes!! :wah
I've decided they are best admired from afar, and preferably up-wind :D

[NoelMC]

Hi Mels

Just wanted to say hello to another glider pilot, any more on the forum?

Noelmc

[Park City Partner]

I took a lesson in Cch on our recc in 05 but we never got to fly because of the wind. Then this year when I was in Queenstown I did a tandem there....absolutely fantastic! And someone else did all of the lugging of gear, I just sat back and enjoyed. One of the greatest things I have done....another great one is doing the Kituna River, complete with 7m waterfall, in a Taupo Duo Kayak...no experience necessary as the guide in the back is expert...so fantastic!

[jo-and-jeff]

We did this with Flight Park off Coronet Peak near Queenstown, and it was fabulous! The instructors picked us up at our hotel and were just great people -- they even let us steer the chute part of the way down. I can highly recommend this company

http://www.everythingqueenstown.com/item/20/Coronet+Peak+Tandem+Paragliding

Jo