The Isle of Wight is a proven training ground with many flyable days and 12 sites within a 10-mile radius facing most wind directions. There is a good variety of terrain with cliff sites, thermal ridges, a challenging 15km cliff run and the possibility of flying sea thermals as well as the land based variety.

The Island has been the training ground for a surprising number of top British pilots; Rob Whittall, John Pendry, Bruce Goldsmith, Barney Barnes, Innes Powell and Sarah Fenwick all lived and flew on the IOW in their formative years.

For visiting pilots please checkout the Isle of Wight Handgliding & Paragliding Club www.flywight.co.uk for detailed information, some of the sites are sensitive and you will need up-to-date information and a site guide. Please don’t just turn up and fly!

For complete beginners the Island boasts an excellent school in Butterfly Paragliding, they offer a full range of courses from short 20-minute tandem flights through to Butterfly’s own ‘Superdeal’ which according to their website comprises of you giving them £2600 and in return you get 11 days of tuition up to Club Pilot level, £2000 worth of flying kit to take home (all a beginner needs) and beers all round! They also offer organic B&B and have a really cool simulator. There website is a must just for comedy value! Dr T, mad musings… Butterfly are seriously cool! www.paraglide.uk.com

Butterfly Paragliding If you have ever stood at the top of the cliffs along the back of the Wight and wondered what it would be like to soar above them, Butterfly Paragliding will give you the chance. From complete beginners to pilot courses...