In order to start flying and discover why birds sing, there is a compulsory step: the beginner course in a school. In this article, we will present you the criteria we advise you to take into account, the general course of the course and the continuation after the course. Please note that this applies to a majority of schools, but not to all.

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That’s it! You’re ready to take the plunge and spread your wings, but your first step will be through the front door of a paragliding school to take part in the famous introductory course. It’s essential to go through this step because, for obvious safety reasons, learning to paraglide on your own is not recommended. During this course, you’ll learn the basics of paragliding while ensuring your own safety and that of other users of the sky.

Choosing a School

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In France, there is a wide selection of schools—about 150—affiliated with the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL); as a result, there are no “bad” schools. However, we encourage you to consider various criteria:

• The school does not have an obligation of result but of means, it is then necessary to choose a school which is up to date on the material and on the learning techniques

• Some schools offer an alternative activity in case of bad weather

• A school close to your home would be a plus as you can go there more regularly and you benefit from the local flying site knowledge

The Schedule

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The initiation course lasts on average 5 days, the flight part is usually done in the morning because at that time the conditions are calm and adequate for young beginners.

Upon arrival, you will be provided with all the necessary equipment: a paraglider ( EONA 3 or BIRDY model), a harness ( ACCESS 2Bump/Airbag model) equipped with a reserve parachute ( START or SHINE model), a helmet ( SCHOOL ABS model), and a radio. Under the guidance of two state-certified instructors, you’ll spend the first three days on what’s known as the “training slope”—a gently sloping hill—where you’ll practice takeoff, learn how to inflate your wing, and take your first short jumps. Then, during the last two days, after spending some time in the classroom (or almost) for theory lessons, the big moment will arrive: the start of your first real flights. These are actually what we call “ploufs”—flights lasting several minutes without using thermals. You’ll be in constant radio contact with your instructors (one at takeoff and one at landing), and in the very rare event of a radio failure, you’ll be guided with flares, just like airplanes.

After take-off, depending on the environment, you will have some time to get away from the terrain and to discover the feeling of flying. Once you have reached your altitude loss zone, your instructor will guide you through a few exercises: tracking, 360° and 380° turns, pitching and rolling (don't be afraid, these terms will be explained to you during the theory course). Then he will guide you through the approach and landing phase landing. At the end of your flights, your instructor will debrief you in order to give you feedback on your good and/or bad actions and on the ways to improve for the next Flight. At the end of this course, you will be given a flight passport which will show your progress.

Indeed, at the end of the initiation, few students are able to fly independently, you will have to continue your learning thanks to a progression course. In some schools, it happens that the training sessions are not given with the maximum number of students, in this case, ask your school to know if you can join the two days of the big course flight, if places are available.

If you feel ready to take the plunge, watch this video to see what's in store for you, and feel free to reach out to our partner schools located throughout France.