FAQs

CAN I PAY WITH MY DEBIT/CREDIT CARD?

Yes, as of 2023, we are now accepting ALL major credit cards via our secure payment partner, STRIPE.

Added convenience for our clients at no extra cost.

WHAT WEEK SHALL I CHOOSE?

This vastly depends on a pilot's experience and aspirations. In an ideal world pilots should think first about honing their thermalling skills before venturing on an XC course. This would be the first step to real progress. Once pilots are happy with their basic thermaling we run XC Intro courses in the summer. Many of our concepts and ideas can be found in our book 'Mastering Paragliding.' XC Intro weeks are an opportunity to polish these thermal techniques first hand, straight from the horse's mouth. Also we'll discuss some simple 'understanding aerology' ideas.

However, should a pilot already feel confident in their technique wishing to just fly XC, then I would first recommend joining us in the ultra-fun and ultra-reliable area of Bassano for the 'Pure XC' weeks. Once a pilot can stay with our moderate speeds in this forgiving area then it may be time to increase your ambition to some more Alpine surroundings. On the other hand, many of our regular pilots choose to fly in Bassano time and time again due to its fun factor.

If a pilot feels their thermal technique is up to scratch, have some moderate XC successes under their belt, then why not join us in Greifenburg. These Alpine XC courses are designed to take the guess work out of the where's, why's and how's of Alpine XC. Principles from 'flow of the day' to 'Bridge principle' to 'understanding aerology' are all explained. Though we don't touch on the thermal techniques these weeks as we prefer that pilots have this in hand. Hence the first step to progress is to get our thermaling dialed in.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘PURE XC’ & ‘XC INTRO’?

The main differences between the 'Pure' and 'Intro' XC weeks are not only the length of the routes we'll be attempting to fly but the immense content diversity of the courses.

The 'Intro' XC courses mainly concentrate on short achievable XC routes, designed to build confidence, we will also try to work on any gaps in a pilots thermal technique. From simple rules of thumb to enable pilots to turn the glider efficiently. Once achieved we then work on a concrete mapping technique.

Pilots can then practice these concepts as we fly short fun XC routes, mainly along the Bassano ridge and flats in front. XC routes are excellent for lower airtime pilots but also fun for experienced pilots to just have a relaxing flying holiday, plus tweak there thermalling skills under our coaching.

The 'Pure' XC courses in Greifenburg & Bassano (and surrounding areas) assume pilots can thermal to a reliable level as these courses are more XC orientated. If pilots need some help we are always on hand to explain the rules, but after in a debrief. The theory discussed in these weeks includes Flow of the day, Magnet and Bridge principles. We help pilots picture the day and understand why the routes we are flying have been chosen. Not to mention an in depth look at how to understand the aerology in which we fly.

WHAT SHALL I BRING WITH ME?

Please bring with you your insurance details plus BHPA or governing body's Paragliding license.

Plus a suitable EN certified glider for your level*, harness with back protector, reserve parachute & 2m Radio are required. Our frequency is usually 147:500Hz

HOW DO RETRIEVES WORK DURING THE COURSE?

Whether you are on our Bassano (preAlps) or Greifenburg courses we provide full retrieve back to base.

Retrieves are done via WhatsAPP, just share your 'location' with our driver & he will come and collect you from anywhere along the set route.

* We, at ‘MASTERING PARAGLIDING’, reserve the right to withdraw and refuse coaching from pilots we feel have insufficient skills to safely complete the course, this includes pilots deemed to be on unsuitable equipment. Due to being too demanding characteristics (higher than necessary aspect ratios) or simply unairworthy, with NO refunds. Thanks.