SCHEDULING
Our complete P2 Novice program takes approximately 10-14 days of fine weather. Typically, people start with 2 consecutive days of training ( akin to the 2 Day Intro Course ) and then continue as their schedule and the weather allows. We will do our utmost to remain flexible to your needs. Choose from 1 or more days at a time, spreading out your training over the season, or even multiple seasons, or you can come and stay for up to 3 consecutive weeks. People arriving from out of state often begin with at least 1, and up to, 3 weeks. Email us to schedule info@paragliding.us.
Scheduling training for a weather dependent sport can be challenging. Here are some general flexibility guidelines:
We are open 7 days a week from April-October
To schedule, contact us and let us know which dates you are available
We’ll book you in for mutually free days and confirm a few days before that the weather is appropriate
First 2 Days
It’s possible we will have to reschedule if the weather doesn't cooperate.
We don’t have specific dates for starting. Bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis
Your first 2 days at The Ranch are the most crucial to schedule as they require a lower student to instructor ratio.
Once you’re scheduled we will send you an email to help direct you into the gated property.
We don’t publically post access details as we operate on private property. You may only gain entry permission by means of a reservation- We do not accept walk-ins.
There is affordable lodging nearby; please ask for details if you’re interested.
REQUIREMENTS
Paragliding is a very inclusive sport and enjoyed by a wide range of ages, physical shapes, and abilities. However, there are some considerations to acknowledge before enrolling at our school:
Weight limits: minimum 110lbs to maximum 250lbs
Minimum 18 years old
Capable of short hikes
Able to run for 10+ paces
Capable of jumping from a height of a few feet
WHAT TO EXPECT
With each new training day being different from the one before, below is what you can expect on a typical day, with good weather conditions at The Ranch:
Morning training session, 8:00am-noon:
We all meet at the classroom parking area 8:00 am, sharp.
If it's your first day, you will receive an introduction to our Ranch facilities, to your instructors, and to the flying equipment, followed by some paperwork. After a brief demonstration of your assigned gear, we will have you don a helmet and hook into a harness and wing. Here we'll begin with some basic 'ground-handling' to help you understand the importance of your control inputs. Once we confirm the weather is cooperating we'll head up to the training hills.
Ground handling training leads to a 'launch and landing' sequence where you will fly on your own while your instructor communicates with you by radio.
We will continue these low-level flights until you're ready to progress up to the higher training terrain.
Around noon we’ll take a mid-day break as the heated conditions are no longer appropriate for flight training.
Lunch break, 1-3 hours, varies.
We suggest you bring lunch with you unless you prefer the drive to town (approx 20 min)
This is often a good time to watch rated pilots take advantage of the more advanced conditions.
On most days we will conduct P2 ground school classes and work through the required USHPA written tests.
It's also time to relax and get ready for more flying!
Afternoon, 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm, varies with the season.
Now that the stronger conditions have settled down, we head back out to the hills to continue where we left off.
You’ll be working on launching and landing skills, as well as your in-flight techniques.
The fun continues until the sun drops low and the warm airflow, we’ve been using all day cools, slows, and eventually switches direction.
We'll then pack everything into the truck, return to the classroom parking area and store our gear away for the night.
You're off to eat, sleep and recover in readiness for another great day, even better than this one!
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
In general, there is no specialized outfit you need to wear. Dress to be comfortable, as if you were spending the day out on a hike, and you will be set. Below are some more specific guidelines:
Top
Lightweight, long sleeve active shirts work best but cotton t-shirts are fine
Sleeveless shirts are not recommended, because the harness rests on your shoulders and could be uncomfortable when rubbing on bare skin
A windbreaker or jacket (if windy/cold)
Bottom
- Hiking / outdoors pants / jeans
Shorts are fine but should be long enough (mid-thigh) that they won’t bunch up short of the harness leg straps.
Shoes
Enclosed footwear
High, sturdy boots are fine if you're concerned about ankle support
Any outdoor athletic / hiking shoe
You will be moving around on uneven ground, mostly grass and loose dirt.
Bring
Crushable hat/cap, when not wearing a helmet, the sun can be strong.
A pair of gloves (optional)
Lunch and possibly snacks, depending on what your appetite and energy needs are. There is a refrigerator available for storing food and drinks.
A book or computer to entertain yourself if desired during your breaks. We have Wifi. There is limited telephone reception at the Ranch however there is an available landline.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are highly recommended - there's limited shade on the hill.