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Speed flyer banking hard over a coastal cliff

Parakite Foundations (FLARE Programme)

Explore a New Dimension of Wing Control

Starts Oct 5
1,200 New Zealand dollars
Catlins/Kaka Point

Available spots


Service Description

Parakite Foundations (FLARE Programme) Develop Exceptional Wing Control. Expand Your Flying Possibilities. Parakite Foundations is an intensive 3–5 day pilot development programme designed to help pilots build advanced wing control skills, improve confidence in stronger winds, and gain a structured introduction to one of the newest disciplines in free flight. Delivered at Kaka Point by FLARE Partner Pilot Zak Morris and experienced FLARE pilot David Russell, this course combines theory, ground handling, soaring, and practical coaching to accelerate your progression as a pilot. While participants will work towards obtaining their **Speed Wing Pilot (SWP) Rating**, the real focus is developing skills that transfer directly into safer, more confident paragliding and free-flight progression. Why Train on a Parakite? Parakites are exceptional tools for pilot development. Their responsive handling, wide speed range, and ability to operate in stronger winds allow pilots to safely practice and refine skills that can be difficult to develop under a conventional paraglider. You'll improve: * Ground handling and kiting * Launch technique and consistency * Wing awareness and active piloting * Energy management * Wind assessment and decision making * Confidence in stronger conditions What You'll Learn * Advanced wing control and strong-wind kiting * Launch and landing techniques * Weather, site assessment, and risk management * The differences between paragliders, miniwings, speed wings, and parakites * FLARE systems, equipment, and progression pathways Course Outcomes By the end of the programme you will: ✅ Confidently control a wing in stronger wind conditions ✅ Demonstrate improved ground handling and launch skills ✅ Understand the differences between paragliders, miniwings, speed wings, and parakites ✅ Develop stronger decision-making and wing awareness ✅ Obtain your **Speed Wing Pilot (SWP) Rating**, allowing you to fly speed wings in New Zealand Who Is It For? PG2 pilots and above, pilots interested in speed wings, miniwings, or parakites, and skydivers transitioning into foot-launched flight. More than a rating course, Parakite Foundations is an opportunity to become a more capable, adaptable, and confident pilot while exploring a new dimension of free flight. If you have any questions about this course please contact us via contact page


Upcoming Sessions


Cancellation Policy

Cancellation & Refund Policy Parakite Foundations is a fixed-date, small-group training programme with limited spaces available. To ensure the course can be delivered effectively and fairly for all participants, the following cancellation policy applies. Participant Cancellations * More than 30 days before the course start date: Full refund minus any booking or payment processing fees. * 14–30 days before the course start date: 50% refund of the course fee. * Less than 14 days before the course start date: No refund. Participants may transfer their booking to another person, subject to approval and eligibility requirements. Weather & Course Delivery Parakite Foundations is a weather-dependent programme. Every effort will be made to deliver the full course using suitable sites, conditions, and training activities. If weather conditions prevent some flying activities from taking place, alternative training may include: * Ground handling and wing control exercises * Theory and classroom sessions * Equipment workshops * Weather and decision-making training * Flight planning and debriefs No refunds will be provided for weather-related changes where the course is delivered in a reasonable alternative format. Course Postponement If conditions are unsuitable for the safe delivery of the programme as a whole, Para Clinics Aotearoa reserves the right to postpone the course. In this situation, participants will be offered: * Transfer to a future course date; or * A credit valid for 12 months. Participant Safety Para Clinics Aotearoa reserves the right to refuse participation or remove a participant from the programme if their behaviour, skill level, equipment, or decision-making is considered unsafe. No refund will be provided in these circumstances. Travel & Accommodation Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, insurance, and associated costs. Para Clinics Aotearoa is not responsible for expenses incurred due to weather delays, postponements, cancellations, or changes to the programme.


Contact Details

+64 27 314 2790

info@paraclinicsaotearoa.co.nz

16 McCormick St, Wānaka, New Zealand


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