"Theory:
Ondra provided a helpful agenda summary before each theory lesson and asked if we had any specific topics we wanted to cover. This helped to focus our efforts on the weeknight theory sessions. He gave our equipment a thorough and practical check, including the unimpeded deployment if the reserve container and bridle. Theory included a mix of lecture and pairs activities - kept it engaging and easier to understand complex concepts. The homework included guidance on what to practice at soaring sites to build muscle memory for controlling pitch, roll and yaw in thermal flying. The weather lesson provided insights about not just what makes a thermal day flyable, but also what to look for to improve safety margins. The wrap up after the two practical flying days helped to group all the major learning points into six themes, keeping them alive beyond the course. 

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Overall, I came to heaps of insights through Ondra's theory coaching, despite have already read many of the major books on paragliding theory, and they were things I could immediately use to progress my flying. Comprehensive, well-timed and scaffolded theory was a massive point of difference from previous paragliding training I had experienced. 

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Practical: 
Ondra tailored flying days to the optimum weather, with video weather briefs the night prior summarising how to read the forecast on multiple websites, working broad patterns to fine detail. Later in the course he encouraged students to give their interpretation to consolidate learning. 
This was only one part of a theme Ondra encouraged: visualising the day. He shared a podcast on this theme and reinforced it throughout each discussion. Carpooling up from Christchurch to launch helped to share what we were expecting (including what we might be worried about). Having covered the theory in advance, my brain could fully absorb the site briefs and focussed teaching points on the walk up to launch. Using a hike and fly launch helped to check gear choices and practically apply the weather and terrain analysis on the hike in. Ondra also reinforced etiquette and xc safety as we shared the launch with local pilots not attending the course. He encouraged us to select our own launch areas, conduct our own checks and launch on our assessment of the best timing within a thermal cycle. Once in the air he provided nudges via radio, where it helped us to core and link thermals. His ability to keep track of, and provide advice by radio to, four pilots simultaneously while in the air himself was impressive and confidence-inspiring. The debriefs were tailored to the energy levels post-flight and included a comparison of expectations and reality based on our weather assessment during planning. 

 

Overall, the practical sessions helped my progression in all stages of the thermal flying experience: planning, the hike in, launch, flight and landing. Ondra facilitated a safe sessions, tailored to my goals and full of positive energy that shared his passion for the sport."