Why Every Paragliding Pilot Should Consider Flying in Competitions

"I Don't Want to Race…" and Other Common Misconceptions

When most people hear the word "competition," they picture elite pilots gunning for gold, risky manoeuvres, and high-pressure flying. But a paragliding competition is far from that. Think of it more like a multi-day flying festival — with structured tasks, professional safety oversight, daily weather briefings, and an incredible sense of community.

Let's bust a few myths:

• "Competitions are for racers." Just like thousands of people run the Two Oceans or ride the Argus without trying to win, you can fly a comp without racing. It's about showing up and participating. Compete with yourself first.

• "Competitions are dangerous." In fact, they're some of the safest places to fly. You've got medics, task committees, live tracking, retrieval support, and experienced pilots all around you.

• "They're expensive." For what you get — weather support, retrieves, briefings, a site to fly, medics, and a week of guided progression — it's incredibly cost-effective. Especially compared to coaching or guiding trips.

• "I'll benefit more from private coaching." One-on-one instruction is great, but competition gives you daily flying, real-world decision-making, and peer learning — all at a fraction of the cost.

• "I need a high-end glider." Not at all. Many comp tasks can be flown on low- to mid-level gliders. It's not about speed — it's about smart decisions and reading conditions well.

• "If I don't win, I'm a loser." That couldn't be further from the truth. Most pilots show up just to challenge themselves and progress. And nobody remembers the scores — only the stories.

What You Gain from a Paragliding Competition

Social benefits:

• Meet other pilots from all over South Africa and beyond
• Fly and chat with top pilots
• Become part of the greater SA flying community

Travel and adventure:

• Explore new flying sites across South Africa
• Opportunity to travel abroad with a purpose
• Discover areas like Porterville, Barberton, or far-off destinations in new ways

Skill development:

• Learn to make your own weather calls
• Improve takeoff timing and route selection
• Sharpen your thermal flying, decision-making, and goal-setting
• Refine your technique through repetition over multiple days
• Remove excuses — no blaming conditions, just learning

Safety and support:

• Medics on site
• Weather checks by task committees
• Structured flying routes
• Dedicated retrieval teams
• Other pilots flying similar routes for mutual safety

Why I Now Require Competition Flying for Instructor Candidates

As a full-time instructor, I've watched paragliding competitions transform pilots. The benefits go far beyond airtime, from building decision-making confidence to teaching how to analyse conditions critically. It integrates into our community and network, which makes your journey as an instructor way easier. But it's not just about an easier road down the line — it's also about the future of our sport. When you and other instructors need to collaborate or debate the future of regulations, we'll do a lot better as a community if we know each other in a social setting.

That's why I've made it a requirement: any pilot who wants to go through Air School Paragliding for an instructor rating must have flown at least one South African paragliding competition within the past two years.

If you're serious about teaching or leading others, comp experience is one of the most effective ways to test and build your own skills under pressure — while still having fun and being part of our community.

Benefits for Every Level of Pilot

Newly Licensed Pilots

• Build confidence and fly XC for the first time
• Improve takeoff decisions and thermal skills
• Make friends and get support from experienced pilots
• Learn route planning in a structured, safe environment

Intermediate Pilots

• Hone your XC flying in varied conditions
• Learn from peers and top pilots
• Get a gentle ego check — and that's a good thing
• Push past your comfort zone in a supportive setting

Sport Licence Pilots

• Improve technical flying and tactical decisions
• Use scoring feedback to pinpoint areas for growth
• Transition from following others to leading your own route

Assistant Instructors

• Test your knowledge and instructive thinking in real scenarios
• Learn new tools, tips, and tricks from other skilled pilots
• Bring back valuable insights to your students
• Meet the community — from top pilots, other instructors, and upcoming pilots

Grade C & B Instructors

• Take a break from teaching — fly for yourself again
• Socialise and stay connected with other instructors
• Re-evaluate your flying style and improve
• Be part of the wider South African paragliding network

Grade A Instructors

• Come out, enjoy flying, and have fun — your score doesn't matter
• Lead by example with humility, curiosity, and joy
• Stay current with trends in technique and decision-making

Final Thoughts: Paragliding Competitions Are for Everyone

Whether you're brand new to XC or you've been flying for decades, a paragliding competition offers something you can't get anywhere else: a week of structured learning, community, and skill-building in the sky.

It's not about winning. It's about showing up.

Let's fly. — Ria