When I first decided to visit South Africa in 1999 as a Paraglider, I was in
many ways a complete stranger. I knew the flying potential that
the country offered but apart from the Dam where I had seen hang gliders
as a child, I had no idea who to contact or where to go. It is
not that easy when you come in from the cold, South African or
not. Knowing that there should be flying in a certain area, or
even where the area was, still didn't help if you consider that most
South African sites are deserted during the week.
I went through a similar nightmare when I tried exploring the States and Portugal as an independent flyer. The contacts were there but replies were not always as forthcoming. Complicating matters were different license standards and requirements. It was very difficult to equate my experience to foreign conditions and seasonal influences from abroad. Adding to the complexity was my partner who also wanted to go. Ending up in a spot in the middle of nowhere for the entire trip was just not a realistic possibility. So, I decided some time ago to put a site like this together in an attempt to prevent anybody else from going through the misery of simply exploring another flying country on the internet when all you have heard are a few names. |
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I am a South African. Born and "mostly" bred. I have spent roughly 3/4 of my life (20+ years), at varying ages, living in different areas and traveling extensively in South Africa. My other home is Europe where I have spent the remaining 1/4 of my life, first as a teenager and later as an adult. As bizarre as it might seem I learnt to fly in the South Downs in England. I currently live in the North of South Africa. I therefore believe that I have a unique cultural/ flying mix that enables me to relate flying and fun in South Africa to pilots and their friends based in the UK and Europe. I am fluent in two of the official languages and have a very good geographical, cultural and social knowledge of South Africa. It means I can get "stuff" done as a local. This site is designed for foreign Paragliding / Hang-Gliding & PPG pilots interested in visiting South Africa. All hyper linked dots on the guide map are points of contact. The links are to experienced and friendly pilots who run paragliding schools or paragliding clubs in South Africa and who operate and live in close proximity to flying sites. They all offer educated and friendly advice on flying in South Africa. |
South Africa is a superb country to visit for all year round flying. It has something to offer to all styles and types, from low airtime coastal soaring to experienced XC. Coming from Europe, South Africa obviously offers sunshine, game viewing, sandy white beaches and a multitude of other non-flying activities. If you are planning to do sight-seeing outside your paraglider then consider picking your flying sites in proximity to these activities. South Africa is quite big, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town will take around 16 hours. It is impossible to see the whole country in a short space of time. |
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This site is not intended as a paragliding sites guide but rather for those who want to visit and are looking for help in planning their trip, information on joining a guided group or simply to find a few contacts as a starting point. I hope that you will find this site useful. If you have any suggestions and comments please feel free to contact us. The web-site is here to help you enjoy paragliding in South Africa. There are over a 100 official launch sites in South Africa for hanggliders and paragliders. |
Like many sites in the world some of these are sensitive to abuse. Please do not turn up unless you have spoken to a local who has an understanding and current knowledge of the do's and don'ts. If you are interested in a sites guide on Paragliding and Hang Gliding in South Africa then you can purchase a copy of Greg Hamerton's "Fresh Air Sites Guide". A few practicalities:
Please look at the section on Safety. Fly Safe |
There are many flying sites that offer relaxed and pleasant flying. If you do not like strong thermic flying or are inexperienced then do not go to the BIG XC flying sites. If you are a low air-time pilot or unsure of what to expect from the conditions in South Africa then I recommend that your first trip should be guided. However, if you do wish to "go it alone" then please contact the people on the map or speak to us. They are all very friendly and will be glad to help. Flying in South Africa can be very different to flying in the UK and parts of Europe. |
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Some of the sites are very unforgiving and take few prisoners. Be careful. Know your limits and adhere to them. Be aware that similar to the UK, qualification standards in South Africa are designed around local conditions. In addition to the UK Club Pilot curricula, the entry level license in South Africa, called a "Basic" license requires flying in thermic conditions and rear riser steering. Some paragliding schools also insist on B-line stalls and asymmetric (above big-ear) training. Do not assume that your paragliding license will put you on the same level or that the locals know what is involved in obtaining your qualification. Use your own judgment. |
The South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association or
SAHPA is the national body that controls PG, HG & PPG in South
Africa. SAHPA currently (2011) has around 600 subscribed members. SAHPA require all foreign pilots to become temporary members. Membership provides you with a radio license and permission to fly. You will need to produce your national paragliding license and flying logbook. |
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Find them on the web at www.sahpa.co.za for information and regulations pertaining to foreign pilots including temporary membership applications. |
South African hang gliding and paragliding competitions have a structure
allowing all levels of pilot to compete. One can compete in:
With the exception of the Novice class your classification depends on the rating of your wing. Events therefore cater for all, from fledglings to sky-gods. To compete you will need your flying gear including a radio, GPS, SAHPA membership and medical insurance. If you wish your points to go to your world ranking you will also need a FAI Competition license for FAI/CIVL sanctioned events. |
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Competitions are held year round all over the country and vary from FAI to "Fun Comps". |
If you or your party are considering South Africa as a flying desitnation without contacts then you have one of three options available to you: |
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For more information contact: |
Paul Penning
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See you in Africa...
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