Beginner Paragliding Training
!! LEARN TO FLY A PARAGLIDER !!
Learning to fly is an investment. Adventure sports and paragliding are a lifestyle.
What do you do? I fly paragliders. Work? Yeah, that’s my side hustle between thermals. Paragliding doesn’t just open horizons—it makes everything else wonderfully irrelevant. Join Wander Expeditions and become part of a crew united by laughter, camaraderie, and the firm belief that the best office has no walls and a 360° view.
Paragliding is the lightest form of ultra-light aviation under the FAA’s part 103. Our training, licensing and operations are overseen by a non-governmental organization, the US Hang gliding and Paragliding Association (ushpa.org) on behalf of the FAA. Once graduated, Wander Expeditions training provides you with your USHPA license which is accepted worldwide.
Contact us for the next training class:
Wander@WanderExpeditions.com
Wander Expeditions has been training paragliding students since 2019. We have never had a serious injury and have certified many beginner and advanced pilots. While we have a culture of safety built into flight instruction, there is ALWAYS risk in adventure sports. Teaching good pilot decision making is key. We try to teach in groups of students each training cycle which makes for great fun and a group of flying friends for many years to come.
PHYSICAL: Boise paragliding requires hike-and-fly: expect 20-60 minutes of hiking with gear before each flight. Your fitness, age, and weight directly affect flying ability, gear, and safety.
Age Requirements: 18 to 60
Height Requirement: 5'0" to 6"4" (1.52m - 1.93m)
Weight Requirement: Under 230lbs (104kg) with a BMI under 30
Training cost is $2,500 USD
Payment plans available
COSTS: There are 3; Training, Gear & Membership
INSTRUCTION is $2,500. Our certified instructors guide you through a structured progression: ground school (theory, weather, safety, equipment), ground handling practice, supervised training hill flights, tandem instruction, and high-altitude solo flying under radio guidance. This methodical approach ensures students develop proper risk assessment, judgment, and technical competence at each stage.
GEAR: A new kit (wing, harness, reserve, accessories) averages $6k-$7k. Used gear is available although we are picky for pbvious reasons, especially for beginners. You’ll purchase your first gear set through the school (new or used), ensuring it matches your skill level and meets safety standards. DO NOT buy unknown gear expecting to train on it. You’ll start on school gear, discover what suits your flying style, then transition to your own equipment so you’re familiar with it by the time you complete training.
USHPA MEMBERSHIP: Required before training begins ($160 annually). Provides national/international ratings and third-party aviation liability insurance. We arrange this when you start.
Like many sports, there’s an upfront buy-in. Once you have gear, knowledge, and license, you’re set until you want higher performance. Gear retains approximately 50% resale value if you leave the sport.
TIME: Paragliding’s biggest investment. Training needs a focused 12-16 week block. After licensing, expect 30-50 flying hours yearly for a normal recreational pilot, more is both encouraged and facilitated! Prime flying season is April-October. Winter is great for training (milder, cooler). Summer flights launch after 6pm which is ideal for the 9-5 crowd plotting their escape.
Lastly, we have a fantastic crew of 40+ pilots and we always have something going on. We mountain fly, ridge soar, go towing in the desert and enjoy many sites around Boise and the PNW. We fly internationally (Mexico, France, Spain, Nepal & Italy) and just about everywhere else we can!
If you are interested in training with us, contact us at Wander@WanderExpeditions.com.
