FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to take my course all in one go?

No, you can take it over different days or weekends, as long as you complete it within six months.( CP & SPL courses only) 1 or 2 day must be taken within 3 months. It is better to complete it over a short period then you do not regress in your training.

What if my course is cancelled due to unsuitable weather?

Credits are given for lost days and are to be taken within 6 months (please note, we do not give refunds!). So if it is cancelled please contact within 1 month to re-book. 

When should I check for weather updates?

If you telephone after 1930hrs the night before or after 0730hrs in the morning before your course starts, we will give you a weather update (usually via recorded message) and confirm that it is flyable.

Where and what time ferry should I catch for a collection?

We operate a free collection service every flyable day on request; please catch the 1025hrs Wightlink ferry from Lymington (arrives in Yarmouth at 10.55hrs) and a white mini bus will collect you. There is plenty of parking at Lymington.

What is the cost of the ferry?

Day return as a foot passenger is at present around £11.50, please contact Wightlink for Car price as they vary depending on the time of the year, we recommend if you are only coming for a couple of days you take advantage of our pick up service.

What time do I need to be at the centre?

10.30am and it finishes around 1730hrs

Where can I stay?

Click on 'Location' in the top navigation bar, this gives details of local hotel and B&B accommodation and camping sites. We are based at Fort Victoria. Please make your booking direct.We recommend you do not make any booking until your course weather has been confirmed, unless it is a bank holiday it is not normally a problem. If you are on a day course we suggest you come down early morning and leave in the evening after the course.

How do I make a booking for paragliding?

You can down load a booking form from our web site (click on "Bookings") or we can post you one. Complete and send in the form, but we must have a credit card number to secure your place.

How do I know if you have any spaces?

Complete the enquiry form on this site (click on "Enquiry"), telephone or e mail us,.In the winter the office is closed so e mail is the best way to contact us.

Do we jump of cliffs?

NO! We start your training on a nice flat grass field and then as the day progresses and you gain confidence, you gradually move up a gentle slope completing low flights.

What dates do you operate from and what day do the courses start on?

This sport is WEATHER DEPENDENT! We try to operate from March - November, but the weather over the winter is not very kind,  From May through to October we operate 7 days a week, again subject to weather and student numbers.

Will I be the only beginner?

We like to start first day students on a Saturday, Monday or Wednesday to ensure that you are not the only beginner. However, if you have 3 or more in your party, you can begin your training on any flyable day.

How many people are on the courses?

During the week we average 5-8 students and at weekends 8-10. Students tend to be at different levels and so the instructor to student ratio for beginners, is normally 1 to 3 students.

Do you have to be fit?

You will need a basic level of fitness and be in good health (ie no problems with bones, knees and backs). This is an adventure sport in the country side with an attached risk, broadly on par with ski-ing. When you fly down the slope, you will need to walk back up perhaps up to 8-10 times in one day. Unsure! consult your doctor or ask us.

Can women do it as well as men?

Yes and they are usually better at it! You do not need a lot of strength, but coordination and doing what your instructor asks of you helps!

Is there a weight and age limit?

Yes, at High Adventure you must be aged over 14. Upper age limit is around 60, we advise anyone in an older age bracket to visit their doctor for a health check - remember there is a reasonable amount of exercise required to keep walking back up the hill! Maximum weight is around 120kg (17stone) as the training canopies are not built to take people any heavier.

What is the difference between Paragliding and Hang-gliding?

They both work on the same principles: hang-gliders are a framed delta shaped glider, being heavy to lift and cumbersome to carry; Paragliders are in lay terms, similar to a parachute, being lighter to carry and more portable and proving much easier and quicker to learn. We have stopped teaching hang-gliding this year due to the low numbers, as most people opt for paragliding.

What equipment do I have to bring?

We provide all your Flying equipment, you need to bring strong walking boots and clothing for the weather conditions. You will also require a packed lunch and plenty of water

 

Link to the adventure directory

US
The School instructors rogues gallery.
Phil Keen, Paul Street, Paddy Court, Neal Smith,Nic Nicholson, Aidan Davis.