Paragliding courses & paragliding training

Cumulus Paragliding Ltd. is operated by fully qualified NZHGPA instructor and tandem pilots. We offer all training required for paragliding certificates.
We run courses all year round whenever weather conditions allow us to train. As Nelson offers the best training conditions in New Zealand, we get almost seven good days a week starting from late spring to late fall.
Most of our training gliders are less than a season old. All instruction is given by radio for instant feedback. For high flights we operate with reserve parachutes attached to offer you the safest training possible.

The syllabus

This is an approximate overview on our courses and how they build up:

You can enrol online for all courses or give us a call on 0800 FLY TODAY or (03) 929 55 15.

Introductory paragliding course

If you want to get a taste of solo paragliding or if you are not yet sure whether the sport's for you, this intro course is ideal.
We teach you the basic skills and theory for handling a paraglider on our training grounds.
All equipment is provided for the duration of the course. If you decide to continue with a PG1 course, fees for the introductory course can be deducted.

PG1 - Beginner paragliding course - 3 to 4 days

This certificate is the first step in your paragliding career. It enables you fly solo under the supervision of an instructor.
We teach you the basic skills and theory for handling a paraglider on our dedicated schooling grounds. Once you are confident, you take several 50m high flights and try basic manouvres under the supervision of an instructor. Theory (e.g. meteology) required to pass the exam will be provided.
It is possible to split the course into two segments (e.g. weekends) but we recommend taking the course in a block. All equipment is provided for the duration of the course.
These are the formal requirement for a PG1 certificate: [PG1 requirements].

Please click on the pictures to see a larger version of it. Check out more impressions on our courses.

PG2 - Full paragliding pilot license course - average from 10 to 14 days

A PG2 certificate enables you to fly from most sites on your own.
We teach you all the required skills and theory regarding airmanship, meteology, aerodynamics and law. This will be accompanied by the required number of flights under radio supervision.
A PG1 certificate is a prerequisite to enrol. You can take a block course or join us whenever we are out training. All equipment is provided for the duration of the course or a course fee deduction applies if you have your own, or purchases your own equipment from us.
These are the formal requirement for a PG2 certificate: [PG2 requirements].
Please click on the pictures to see a larger version of it. Check out more impressions on our courses.

PG3 - Advanced paragliding pilot course

A PG3 certificate is an advanced paragliding license allowing you to launch from all sites.
Please feel free to ask us for assistance with PG3 assessments, licensing, SIV and thermal training courses.
You will need your own equipment for this course and the PG2 certificate is a prerequisite to enrol. These are the formal requirement for a PG3 certificate: [PG3 requirements].

PP1 - Non commercial tandem paragliding pilot course - 4 days

Take your mate out - on a tandem flight.
We fly together with you during the first ten flights for your certificate and teach you the tandem techniques described in the Passenger Pilots Manual.
A PG3 certificate is required to enrol. You will also need a PG2 pilot as passenger to support you for ten flights.You are required to provide your own equipment for this course. (Rental equipment is available.)
These are the formal requirement for a PP1 certificate: [PP1 requirements].

SIV - Safety maneovres paragliding course - 2 days

This course is ideal for getting to know a new glider, trying acrobatics or completing the required section in your PG3 certificate application.
We instruct you over radio while you perform manouvres that you may require as ermergency decent or glider control techniques. Since all moves are performed over water, a boat will be available should you land in the water.
You will need your own equipment for this course and the PG2 certificate is a prerequisite to enrol.

Thermal training paragliding course - 3 days

Barnicoat with its reliable resident thermals and huge top landing area is the best thermal training site in New Zealand.
In addition to meteo and XC-theory we will teach you how to center the thermal and climb to cloud base in the most efficient manner. From there you will glide to your next thermal and so, take your first steps to a "cross country flight". You are supported on two way radio aside your thermal training instructor.
At the end of your course, we may be able to fly from Inwoods Lookout. The route from Inwoods Lookout to Hanmer springs has more XC km flown on it than any other XC site in the country. We will fly along and show you where the next thermal is.
This site has earned many pilots the first 20km flight for their advanced PG 3 license.
You will need your own equipment for this course and the PG2 certificate is a prerequisite to enrol.

Enrolment

You can enrol online or give us a call on 0800 FLY TODAY or (03) 929 55 15.
Nelson offers the best conditions available in New Zealand however please be aware that weather conditions can affect training schedules.