Speed Riding courses
To learn how to speed ride, it really helps to be a proficient skier. Paragliding skills help, too, but are not as essential.
Contact us if you would like to come along or sign up for a FREE TRIAL!
start downhill
drop your glider on the snow
Skiers
An experienced skier is already used to skiing fast down the slopes. Learning to speed ride means to get used to handling the small glider and to get used to the idea of planning your runs carefully as you have to be aware that you can't just "stop" mid-air.
Landing and launching are both very easy, once you are taught how to set up the glider, put on the harness and a few other basics. Landing just means to run the speed off on the skies, stopping as per usual and slowing down your glider.
A speed riding course with 40 flights is $1,200. You can do a couple of days training in Auckland before you go to the mountain. An introductory course is included with the speed riding equipment purchased from Wings & Waves.
the canopy pops up
off - the canopy follows you. When you go fast enough or the slope is steep enough, you will fly.
Paraglider pilots
As a pilot, you need to get used to the idea to the higher speed of a speed riding glider, and speed close to the ground. Still, if you choose one of the larger canopies for starters, e.g. a 14m Gin Nano, you will find it relatively tame. A trim system allows you to vary the speed of the glider, depending on your level of experience.
PG pilots will find the launch and landing characteristics extremely easy. The handling of the gliders is easy, precise and safe as you get perfect control over the pitch and roll of the canopy. The level of control and safety is one of the reasons why the Gin Nano is the benchmark in the speed riding market.
A conversion course from Paragliding is $570 pre person for 2-3 days on the mountain and included in the price when you purchase speed riding equipment from Wings & Waves.