Parakite Club Pilot
New for 2026 / 2027
The Revolution of the Parakite
New for October 2026! Developed in partnership with the BHPA, Sky Riders is thrilled to introduce the brand-new Parakite Training Course and Parakite Club Pilot (CP) rating .
Who it’s targeted at: This course is built for anyone wanting to learn from scratch specifically to parakite—meaning you can now bypass the traditional paragliding hill-training step entirely.
Whether you are an experienced kitesurfer, a skydiver with existing kite control skills, or completely new to canopy handling, this streamlined route gets you flying faster.
We also offer a conversion course for existing paraglider pilots looking to try parakites for the first time.
What is a Parakite?
What is a parakite? A parakite is a compact, highly responsive canopy designed for dynamic handling, strong ground-handling command, and versatile foot-launched flying.
The 3 Levels of Parakite Wings: Equipment selection is categorized into three distinct levels:
- Beginner: Engineered for maximum passive safety, predictable behavior, and forgiving recovery characteristics for students starting from scratch.
- Intermediate: Suited for pilots with solid control or those transitioning straight across from paragliding (this level is completely fine for PG-experienced pilots).
- Advanced: Built for expert pilots looking for high-performance dynamics, speed, and agility.
How it differs from conventional paragliding: While traditional paragliders focus primarily on maximum glide efficiency over long distances, parakites offer a more direct, agile connection and are specifically designed for coastal flying. They excel in higher wind ranges, smaller launch footprints, and offer a completely different, adrenaline-focused feel in the air.
This isn’t to say that parakites are all about wagga and low level foot-dragging the beach. You can still soar gently like a paraglider, whilst opening your wind window and enabling more opportunity to fly on those windy days!
Course Details
Course Highlights:
- Ground Handling: Master pre-flight checks, site assessment, and essential equipment handling including forward, reverse, and cobra inflation techniques. Learn to run with the canopy, manage strong wind launches, execute controlled landings, and rapidly depower the wing to prevent dragging or re-inflation.
- Dynamic Soaring Techniques: Parakite flying is all about having fun, soaring the coast with a fun, agile wing. You will progressively build your skills from ground-skimming hops and mid-slope launches to gentle soaring, mastering 180° and 360° turns, top/slope landings, and dynamic control of the wing’s energy range.
- In-Depth Theory: Expand your understanding of meteorology, principles of flight, and air law through structured lectures and theory sessions. Learn to make informed, safe decisions when assessing weather conditions, ridge protocols, collision avoidance regulations, and soaring the coast in strong winds.
BHPA Club Pilot Rating:
Upon successful completion, you’ll achieve the BHPA Club Pilot Rating. This rating allows you to fly independently within a club environment.
Key Facts
Course Price: £1,200
– Train at several of the South West’s stunning sites
– Max 4 students per instructor
– Full access to our dedicated e-learning platform
– Minimum age: 18 years old
– Once started, you have 12 months to complete your course.
All Sky Riders students will get exclusive equipment bundle discount offers from our shop.
Ready to buy your first Parakite?
We will provide kit for your parakite training. However, if you are looking to purchase your own setup? Head over to the Sky Riders online store to browse our range of recommended parakite wings across all three performance levels (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced).
