The First Steps of Paragliding:

Torrey Pines Gliderport is the largest and most successful paragliding training facility in America. This success was achieved by providing first class service in flight education, flight training, quality equipment sales, and some of the most consistent soaring conditions in California. Torrey Pines Gliderport is recognized as a world class soaring site and has been in continuous use for flight operations, since 1928.

Our staff of eight full time instructors are each United States Hang Gliding Association certified and trained. Lessons are offered seven days a week, therefore, the paragliding certification programs can be custom tailored around your work and family commitments. The basic beginner program (paraglider one rating) is a 3-5 day program that costs $895.00. The program includes the Paragliding Student Manual. This program is basic and designed to provide you a basic understanding and limited experience with your paraglider. This is not a solo certification and as a result is only good for training purposes. Actual solo certification comes at the Novice stage.

The novice rating is a 12-16 day program, which includes your beginner and novice certification (Paraglider one and Paraglider two) for $1625.00 or $900 additional for those enrolled in the P1 program. This package includes an Icom IC-V8 2meter radio and the Paragliding Student Manual. The novice program is the primary goal for most new pilots. Once the student has received a novice rating, they are technically qualified to fly without an instructor.

The program at Torrey is very intense. We have found that on average our program takes longer to achieve a than most of the schools in the US. That is because our Master rated instructors hold students to a much higher standard. Torrey Pines Gliderport wants to produce exceptional pilots that will become an asset to the Free Flying community.

Please look at the comparison between the U.S.H.G.A. minimum requirements and the Torrey Pines Gliderport minimum requirements. We publish our internal curriculum for you via the net because we know that other schools may try to copy us, but they will never come close to what we provide. Torrey Pines Gliderport also offers a full range of advanced certification courses for existing pilots looking to further their understanding and skills.