FlySpain Paragliding & Paramotoring Centre — Attraction in Algodonales

Absolutely perfect introduction to paragliding, I don't think I could have chosen a better location or school to learn with. Algodonales is beautiful, nestled in the hillside above a valley, it has nice (cheap) places to eat, €10 is enough for food and a beer. The accommodation is really nice, so those on a bit of a budget can opt to get food to cook, the facilities are just right. The rooms are all different, I expected budget hotel type accommodation, I was pleasantly surprised. The bigger house has a 2 tiered outdoor terrace with a pool and shower, from the terrace you can cook on the barbeque with new friends while having a beer and watch the birds of prey thermalling around the cliffs at the back of the property. There is also a roof terrace with great views across the mountains to the south, and the picturesque village of Zahara, a must see place just over the valley from the Eagle's Nest and worth the drive for Pizza!

The classroom is in the basement under the house, so you easily pop back upstairs for a coffee in between theory classes, which are based around the conditions and not scheduled/fixed. They also have a good range of kit, so sitting in the harness you might want to buy while learning about different cloud types for an hour is a good way to see if it fits you! (not actually the case, the theory side is very interesting and varied) They are also really good giving advice on second hand kit, which obviously doesn't make them money but this is just the way they are, friendly and helpful. I would rather buy new from FlySpain in future based on the advice they have given me, for free, than buy elsewhere.

The Instructors, in our case Fred and Simon, were fantastic, knowledgeable of the local area and the flying sites to watch the weather at, they only took us out when it was good and took no unnecessary risks. Also absolute characters, never laughed so much. Everyone in our EP group progressed quickly and with confidence, all aspects of the course signed off in good time. Almost every day had conditions that were suited to whatever we were doing, not something you would expect from a week in the UK. During the warm parts of the day the thermal activity gets quite strong and the sun is hot, so siesta time! My only regret is I didn't stop for the 2 weeks to get EP and CP done, but I can almost guarantee this way is still cheaper than trying to get it done in the UK when you take into account fuel, travel etc. Apparently 3 years is average to get to CP in the UK... I will definitely return, the area is a mecca for paragliding and one of the highlights for me was watching 50+ gliders coming in to land at El Bosque with a beer from Pepe's bar (a car!) just before sunset. 😍

I thought I'd be the only one going on my own and was a little bit apprehensive about it at first, but it turned out we all were apart from one (with a non-flying partner) so nothing to worry about, and everyone was great. The motorheads next door (Paramotoring zero to hero) also had a great week and got plenty of air time in.

My only regret, not starting...

What a blast! I’ve just completed the EP BHPA qualification and couldn’t be happier. I was a little hesitant to commit to this course as it seemed expensive compared to what I had seen advertised elsewhere. But I have no regrets; it has felt professional and worthwhile all the way through. I feel well prepared to continue learning and practicing flying.

Firstly, I have found the entire learning experience great! The instructors have been clear in their instructions and lessons, and very approachable and knowledgeable. We were given plenty of opportunity to practise in low risk environments and felt confident when we had the opportunity to spread our wings, pun intended.

Living in the shared accommodation had been a hoot. The other students have been great and there has been a great sense of camaraderie amongst us fledgling pilots, plus it has helped to work through all the dumb questions. Not to mention being able to share the stoke with them! Despite a difference in age and background, everyone is here for the same reason so it’s been easy to get along and love together.

The accommodation has been very well appointed and comfortable. House is warm, there is a pool which would be nice in summer, and it’s in a nice part of town. WiFi is good- only downside is no HDMI cable or chrome cast for watching paragliding movies on the TV in our own time. Algodonales itself has been a great experience. A plethora of local bars, a good enough super market, and a real village feel.

All the equipment has been modern and safe. We saw some other schools practicing on older gear, which I am sure is fine but it’s good to be on new equipment so you know it’s not the wing that’s holding you back.

Price wise, it seems expensive but having completed the course I feel it was great value for money. Instructors that are great teachers and pilots in their own right with years and years of experience has meant that I feel safe and competent, not to mention totally hooked on flying!

Obviously, the weather is out of their control, and we copped a few days of conditions ill-suited to beginners. FlySpain made efforts to ensure this time wasn’t wasted so that we were able to capitalise on the good days and make real progress.

Overall, I am stoked with the course offered by FlySpain and would recommend it...

I recently had the privilege of completing the Elementary Pilot and Club Pilot paragliding courses with Fly Spain, and I must say that the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The courses provided a thorough and engaging introduction to the world of paragliding.

The Elementary Pilot course laid the groundwork for the start of my paragliding journey, and I was impressed by our Instructor's attention to detail and patience. The course covered the fundamental principles of paragliding, including equipment, safety procedures, and basic flying techniques. Marcelo and Julio created a supportive and encouraging environment, allowing me to feel comfortable and confident as I progressed through the course.

The course material was well-structured, and the Instructors ensured that I understood each concept before moving on to the next. The hands-on training sessions were exhilarating, and I appreciated the opportunity to practice under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors.

The Club Pilot Course built upon the foundation established in the Elementary Pilot Course, and I was excited to take these skills to the next level. The course focused on more advanced techniques, Air Law, Airspace requirements, ridge soaring, launching and landing, plus rapid decent techniques.

Our Instructors, Marcelo and Fred were extremely knowledgeable and provided valuable feedback, helping the students refine techniques and address any areas in need of improvement. The course also included simulated emergency scenarios, which prepared the students for potential situations and boosted confidence in our abilities to respond effectively.

Top notch Instructors that were experienced, passionate, and dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. They created a positive and motivating learning environment, which made the course an absolute joy to complete. Training equipment was well-maintained, and the facilities were excellent, providing a safe and comfortable space for learning.

If you're looking for a fun, challenging and rewarding adventure, look no further...