Wellington Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Home
Learn to fly
Hang gliders
Do you have friends (or strangers) asking you about learning to hang glide? Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions:
Where do I take the first step?
In the Wellington area Grant Tatham (06 379 7322) is the only
instructor and instructs weekends only.
It will take six to a twelve, maybe more, days. To fast track go to Nelson
How much am I looking at money wise to get an intro to it?
Introductory 1st day - $110.
How much does it cost to go from absolute beginner to flying solo, just a ball park figure?
You will be solo from the start! Anything from $400 to $800. Your own gear - something round $2000 for good secondhand airworthy glider, harness, helmet. Lots of other bits, but that'll get you flying. During instruction you will use club equipment.
Is there training done in Wellington?
Wairarapa only, though for latter flights, will use Paekakariki and Mt Climie.
Paragliders
To learn to fly paragliders you need to go to Hawkes Bay, Picton or Nelson - no one
teaches flying here in Wellington....
Options are:
Barry Sayer is the HB trainer: www.airplay.co.nz
Nelson Paragliding: www.nelsonparagliding.co.nz
Adventure Paragliding: (Nelson): www.skyout.co.nz
Russ Read (Picton): russread AT ihug.co.nz (He comes across to Wellington for w/e's) 03-573 6383 or 0274 480 888
All the instructors sell equipment, and if you buy gear from them they generall discount the lessons quite substantially! Barry Sayer's web site explains it most fully.
Initially you will be using the school's equipment to learn to fly - so you would not need to buy anything at the very start. To buy equipment you are looking at several thousand dollars... Probably best to buy a second hand wing initially. The instructors are the best people to advise on this though.
Our club has flying sites at Paekakariki, Mt Climie and over in the Wairarapa.
