Our Courses
Thermalling course
$720
What’s included:
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Four classroom lessons
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Two days on the hill
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Small group course
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Varied dates - we follow the weather
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Gear check including reserve “pull out” test
You will need:
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To be profficient in taking off and landing unsupervised
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PG2 rating
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Own gear - Wing & harness with current WOF. Reserve repacked within last 12 months. All to acceptable safety standards
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Hiking level fitness. May include hike and fly sites
Come and learn with us in a structured way.
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How It Works:
Reach out through the "Contact" section, and Ondra will get in touch for a quick chat to understand your current experience and see if the course is the right fit for you.
Theory First:
We'll start with two theory sessions to prepare you for flying. These sessions will help set expectations and establish the language we'll use on the radio. Two additional sessions will take place during the course. All sessions are held on weeknights at Progress PG HQ in Mt. Pleasant.
The Flying:
We don't set dates in advance; instead, we monitor weather patterns and organize group flying days when conditions are ideal. You'll receive a video weather briefing the night before. On flying days, we'll cover key aspects like LZ, TO, and weather briefs, with guidance provided over the radio.
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Theory sessions (4x1.5hrs) are tailored to the group and include topics such as:
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How to spot ‘the day'
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Choice of flying site
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Weather forecasting
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Thermal entry
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Optimising your gliders performance in the thermal - pitch, roll, turning rate etc.
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Compensating for wind
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Joining a gaggle
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Use of varios and mobile apps as instruments
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Setting safe margins
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When we go out to put these skills into practice, we will follow the weather, not the date. These may be hike and fly sites, and can also be weekend or weekdays. Once you get yourself in the air, we will be on radio, guiding you in and around thermals and coaching you how to make the most of them to get the best height.
When booking your hill days, you will have the choice of choosing the day when options become available, so it doesn't rule out weekend warriors :)
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Course Availability:
We’re offering only two courses for the 2024/2025 season, each with limited spots.
September - October: Sign-up deadline is September 1, 2024.
February - March: Sign-up deadline is December 31, 2024.
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required at registration to secure your spot.
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Acceptance subject to suitable skills.
4 day clinic in Wanaka
$TBC
Join us to refresh your skills or learn something new amidst the beautiful vistas of Lake Wanaka.
Thermalling Clinic in Wanaka:
This clinic offers hands-on experience with thermalling, combining theory and practical flying sessions. Each day begins with a morning weather briefing and site selection, followed by flying during the day. Afterward, we’ll have a debrief and Q&A session. If the weather isn't suitable for flying, we’ll dive into additional theory to maximize learning.
Dates: November 9-12 & 13-16.
How It Works:
Reach out through the "Contact" section, and Ondra will get in touch for a quick chat to understand your current experience and see if the course is the right fit for you.
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Theory and debriefs will be integrated into the day based on flying conditions.
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required at registration to secure your spot.
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Acceptance subject to suitable skills.
XC Course
$1090
What's included:
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Four classroom lessons
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Three days on the hill
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Small group course
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Varied dates and sites - we follow the weather
You will need:
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To be profficient in taking off and landing unsupervised
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PG2 rating
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Previous thermaling experience
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Own gear - Wing & harness with current WOF. Reserve repacked within last 12 months. All to acceptable safety standards
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Hiking level fitness. May include hike and fly sites
“Just point where you want to go”
Sometimes, it's not that simple!
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Whether you are just ready for your first little XC hops or you want to increase your efficiency in the air.
Come and learn about the little things that make you fly more efficiently.
Theory sessions (4x1.5hrs) may include topics such as:
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Setting expectations for the day
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Gaggle flying
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Climbing efficiency
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Choosing the next trigger
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When to leave a climb
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Gliding and transitions
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Speed to fly
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Task setting
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Group communication
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Inreach training
… and other tips and tricks
On a flying day you can look forward to:
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Landing zone briefing (+ other landing options)
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Launch site briefing
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Weather break-down and signs to look out for
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Setting expectations for the day
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Guidance over radio once in the air
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Gaggle flying
All going well we will all top out our first climb and follow a planned route we set together, flying as a team. You will be given guidance over radio.
Retrieves are not part of the package.
Planned route will aim to lead us back to cars.
Carrying GPS tracker is highly recommended.
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​Acceptance subject to suitable skills.
Taster Day
$350
What's included:
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Intro theory lesson
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One day with the class on the hill (usually the consecutive day)
You will need:
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to be profficient in taking off and landing unsupervised
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PG2 rating
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Own gear - Wing & harness with current WOF. Reserve repacked within last 12 months. All acceptable by Progress Paragliding standards.
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Hiking level fitness. May include hike and fly sites
A taster to the real deal! Here we run a classroom lesson and a consecutive day on the hill to prepare you and your gear for a day out in the hills.
You will learn about the skills and gear you will need and the basics everyone should know before venturing out to the wild.
We will also perform a reserve pull out check and make sure your gear is in shape.