Paragliding : The Beginner's Guide

The most complete training manual aimed at new pilots and those learning paragliding.

The essential of keeping safe

Published in 2020, Paragliding The Beginner's Guide has been designed to be the one book you need to help you learn flying safely and quickly.

“As a new pilot entering this beautiful 3D game, it’d take years of research and conversations with experts to glean all the information this book provides. Coupled with an easy reading style, this book is an absolute must” – Wally Arcidiacono, Bright Flight Paragliding.

Bastienne Wentzel and Ed Ewing's book compile several expert advices and tips to help you learn the essentials to progress. In addition, it follows the teaching syllabuses of the BHPA (UK), USHPA (USA) and other national paragliding bodies so it is suitable for pilot worldwide.

“...a substantial 320-page guide with clear illustrations on every page to help the reader understand what can be quite tricky concepts.” - Ed Ewing, co-author

What's inside the guide ?

With over 300 pages, the book includes 8 chapters illustrated with photography and clear diagrams and colour-coded for an easy navigation:

Getting started

How does a wing fly? What happens on a paragliding training course? How do you safely launch a paraglider in different conditions? Turn? How do you come down? The book answers all the new-pilot questions in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way.

All the gear you need

Understand the difference between the different types of paragliders and harnesses. Learn about flying instruments, helmets and reserve parachutes – as well as specialist kit for acro, accuracy, hiking, mountaineering and powered paragliding.

Understanding the air

Learn how the air moves and what happens when you fly through it on a paraglider. Aerology is essential to keeping you safe and helping you pass your flying exams, and diagrams and easy-to-read explanations throughout make everything clear.

Learning about the weather

The book is an excellent meteorology primer, explaining weather systems and the art of forecasting. You’ll learn to read the clouds and the sky, how valleys and hills affect the wind, and how to use apps and other technology to your full advantage.

Becoming a qualified pilot

Learning to fly independently from an instructor is when your learning curve really takes off. In other words, it’s time to learn advanced manoeuvres that will keep you safe in a range of conditions. In the book you’ll learn about advanced training, techniques, and safety clinics.

Going places

Air law and airspace can be a dry topic, but here the editors have made the essentials really simple and clear so you can stay safe and legal. Also, find out about the different kinds of instruments available, from basic altimeters to hi-tech flight computers.

Getting your licence

Paraglider pilot training across the world follows the same basic principles. The book follows the broad teaching curricula of the BHPA (UK), USHPA (USA) and other national paragliding organisations, including Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, it is suitable for pilots worldwide.

The story of paragliding

From pioneers to world record flights. Learn how paragliding grew from an experimental activity in the French Alps to the incredible adventure sport it is today.