Training Closed for the Season:
We are now closed for tandems and lessons for the season and look forward to seeing you for our next season in Mid March to October 2025.
Through the winter we are open for gear sales and service and have a full in-stock compliment of paragliding equipment to get you fitted with the right gear. With multiple brands of gear to try before buying, seeing the difference in quality between brands makes sure the gear is right for you.
We carry used inventory if that helps the pocket book and if there is something you are looking for we can source it for you so please ask.
So if you are looking for; Advance, AirDesign, BGD, Charly, Flow, Flymaster, GIN, HighAdventure, Naviter, PHI, Skywalk, SupAir, Woody Valley, XCTracer, come have a look and get fit for your gear.
Japan tour dates 2025, Starting Feb 10 and Feb 24th.
Japan tour details are now posted and available under the course section. If you would like to join us in Japan and experience the best of culture, friendship and paragliding please sign up for the 10 day tour that works best for you. Be sure to book some extra travel days to explore more of Japan, let me know if you need some suggestions.
Note: Several of the pilots from Japan that were here this summer and are looking forward to reciprocating the hospitality shown here so look forward to that.
Start watching those flight deals and let's do Japan!
Thermaling and XC courses 2024:
This season we ran two courses for each class and had tremendous positive feedback and pilot progression. I see that already many pilots made significant improvement after attending the courses. The theory is crucial to developing as a pilot and after many years of seeing the frustrations of pilots trying to figure it out on their own, I am extremely happy seeing the progress of pilots that attended the courses, and will continue to coach as you see necessary and provide mentoring.
Jonathans' Bursary:
I just want to thank all who attended the X-Alps Presentation and BBQ in May. It was wonderful to see you all and listen to Team Canada give some amazing details and background of the race and how the team responded to the challenges of such an epic adventure. James and team were able to become the first Canadians to finish the Redbull X-Alps event since it's beginnings. Amazing to say the least.
Unfortunately, Team Canada lost a member in a tragic accident in December 2023 and a tribute was paid to Jonathan Klimow at the presentation. He was an amazing pilot, friend, and brother to many.
At the presentation I announced Paraglide Canada will be starting a Bursary in Jonathan Klimow’s name annually. As he was a close friend to many of us, a very talented pilot that touched the many communities he visited, it's with great honour and privilege that the bursary will continue to inspire and support many pilots in the future.
This Bursary will be given by nomination each year in the spring and go to a pilot that is representing Canada on an international stage to help with competition fees, gear, or anything the pilot needs to properly represent Canada and our communities.
I’m pleased to announce that funds raised at the BBQ and other events since have raised over $4000 dollars in donations, so I’m extending this out to the rest of our flying communities to contribute and grow this bursary. Each year going forward, there will be an allocation of the funds to a HPAC pilot who represents not just Canada but Jonathan’s spirit and amazing personality.
If you wish to contribute please reach out to me or an e-transfer can be made to info@paraglidecanada.com in Jonathan’s name.
P1/P2 Training:
Our end of the season for training has arrived so please check our 2025 course dates if looking for training. See upcoming P1/P2 Training dates here.
This season we had the opportunity to train and work with some of Canada's future top pilots. The courses went well this year with weather and exceptional progression of the students. King Eddy really shines as the best training hill in Canada and as the community of Okanagan pilots continues to grow we love seeing it very active. What stands out for me is how we get to share in seeing the transformation of our students on launch and the confidence they have after finishing their course. Very proud Instructor here.
Instructor Training/Recertification:
Starting in mid March after our return from Japan we will have an early kick at the instructor training followed by a course in April and May to complete the spring training. Check our course listings for official dates.
Instructor Notes:
This season we graduated some very talented and skilled pilots, met some incredible new friends, and took part in some amazing experiences with our community. Jerry and I constantly talked about how we see great improvement and passion from the students and the great feedback from other communities who recognize pilots that trained with us by their amazing skills.
It's a blessing to have a business based mostly off referrals and to have the opportunity to work with pilots from all over Canada. Working with them through progression of skills and upgrading of equipment to achieve their goals is the reward for the hard work.
I sincerely thank all of you for your continued support and endorsement of our school and gear sales. We look forward to the return of those already planning for next season, and I am honoured to serve our community and those around us.
Thank you-Merci and have a safe winter. Bon Vol!
Norm