MountAIR Paragliding: Paragliding Training and Tandems in Wilderness, Western Cape

MountAIR Paragliding operates as a specialist provider of paragliding instruction and tandem flights along South Africa’s Garden Route, with Wilderness serving as a prominent base. The offering is framed as accessible to beginners while delivering opportunities for more experienced enthusiasts to pursue cross-country flying and competition activities through a structured training programme. The provider emphasises the blend of practical flight experience with the enjoyment of scenic coastal and mountain landscapes.

The core services are presented under the categories of Paragliding Training and Tandems, with a clear emphasis on a guided, safety-focused learning environment. An instructor who is SAHPA-accredited conducts sessions using two-way radio systems, supporting real-time communication between the instructor and student throughout the course. This setup reinforces a safety-first approach and positions the training as a careful progression from ground-based preparation to actual flight. The site stresses that safety is a priority and that learners are guided through a process designed to build confidence and skill in a controlled setting.

The training programme is organised to progress from introductory to more advanced stages. The basic course outline includes equipment familiarisation, ground skimming, and introductory flights, culminating in a tandem introduction flight to showcase the experience. For learners seeking a more comprehensive commitment, the Full Basic Course expands on equipment handling, ground-skimming exercises, a substantial amount of flight practice (40 flights) along with two tandem experiences, full theory, and an exam. A dedicated Sports Licence course is also offered, combining practical elements with theory to certify more advanced capability in the sport. In addition, the range extends to Speedfly/Parakiting, which combines practical and theoretical components for specialised disciplines within the paragliding family.

Alongside formal courses, MountAIR Paragliding provides tandem flight experiences, marketed for various occasions and group formats. The tandem offerings are described as instructional or adventure-oriented, catering to individuals, couples, groups, or corporate team-building events. The range of locations for tandem flights includes Garden Route destinations as well as Cape Town, with particular emphasis on Wilderness as a main operation hub for training and flights. A video component is highlighted for tandem experiences, suggesting an emphasis on capturing the flight from user-friendly perspectives.

The business presents a flexible travel footprint, noting that instructors travel to small towns across South Africa for cross-country flying, training, and guided tours. This mobility supports a broader reach beyond a single site while maintaining Wilderness as a central training and flight venue. The programme also references participation in regional events such as flying festivals and competitive flying, with mentions of activities like Gatskop and other garden-route-based gatherings, illustrating engagement with a broader paragliding community beyond routine lessons and flights.

Customer experiences are framed through the lens of enjoying nature and the sensation of freedom associated with flight. Descriptions highlight the view from above—coastal scenery, marine life, and mountain backdrops—as well as practical elements such as the option to add aerial photography to tandem flights and the appeal of a sunset finish to a sporty day. The service positioning suggests a balanced itinerary that combines learning with adventure, photography, and the opportunity to savour the natural environment of the Western Cape.

Practical considerations for prospective participants include attire suitable for a modest workout and the expectation that beginners can expect a guided, supportive approach that helps them manage any initial apprehension about heights. The presence of a female pilot among the team is highlighted, contributing to the impression of an inclusive and approachable operation. In periods when flight is not possible, the site suggests alternative relaxation options, such as a Kinesio-massage, to ensure visitors still have a meaningful day in the area.

Main services offered

• Paragliding training courses (Introduction, Full Basic, and Sports Licence)
• Tandem flights (instructional and adventure varieties) in Wilderness and surrounding areas
• Ground handling and equipment familiarisation
• Cross-country and competition flying opportunities, and participation in flying festivals
• Group tours, guided experiences, and customised team-building flights

How requests typically work

Requests for training or tandem experiences are channelled through direct contact with MountAIR Paragliding, which operates across multiple locations including Wilderness, Garden Route towns, and Cape Town. Potential flyers are guided through a structured programme that begins with equipment briefing and ground training, followed by practical flights under SAHPA‑accredited supervision. For those pursuing longer courses, a staged progression through more flights and theory culminates in certification.

Practical tips for customers

• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and suitable footwear for short ground runs.
• Expect safety to be reinforced through close instructor supervision and the use of two-way radios during training.
• Bring a positive mindset toward learning, with acknowledgement that nervousness is common for first-time flyers.
• Check the weather and wind conditions ahead of sessions, as flying windows can be weather dependent.
• Consider incorporating a tandem experience as a way to sample the sport before committing to a full course.

MountAIR Paragliding presents itself as a versatile provider for beginners and enthusiasts alike, combining structured training, guided tandem experiences, and a broad geographic footprint that leverages the scenic beauty of the Wilderness region and the wider Garden Route.