Autumn 2026
Booking open
3–17 October 2026
EP Week
3–10 October
CP Week
10–17 October
Residential BHPA Training in Southern Spain
Learn to Paraglide in Algodonales
Start from complete beginner, learn the foundations properly and work toward becoming a safe, confident and independent Club Pilot.
Our residential EP and CP courses combine structured BHPA training with accommodation, airport transfers, local organisation and the reliable flying opportunities available around Algodonales.
Complete beginners welcome
Equipment included
Residential training
From complete beginner to Club Pilot
EP, CP and combined two-week residential options
Important training information
Training Delivered by Valleys Paragliding
All beginner instruction, supervision, BHPA syllabus delivery and assessment is provided by Valleys Paragliding, a BHPA Registered Ab Initio School run by Charlie Fryer.
ParaglidingGuide does not independently deliver ab-initio instruction. We support the courses in Spain with accommodation, airport transfers, local logistics, site knowledge, transport coordination and on-the-ground assistance.
Upcoming residential courses
Beginner Course Dates
Join for one stage or stay for the complete two-week EP and CP pathway. Course progression remains subject to weather, aptitude and achievement of the required standard.
Late Autumn 2026
Booking open
28 November–12 December 2026
EP Week
28 November–5 December
CP Week
5 December–12 December
Private groups
By arrangement
Bespoke Course Dates
Have a group of four or more people who want to learn together? We may be able to arrange additional dates around your group.
Ask about group dates →Your route into the sport
From First Ground Handling to Independent Flying
The course is progressive. You build understanding and practical skill in manageable steps rather than being rushed toward a qualification.
Meet the Equipment
Learn how the wing, harness, reserve and controls work, how to inspect equipment and how to prepare safely for training.
Ground Handling
Develop control of the paraglider on the ground, understand inflation techniques and begin building confident launch habits.
Your First Flights
Progress to supervised solo flights, learning safe take-off, basic control, approaches and landings.
Build Independence
Develop weather knowledge, judgement, air awareness and the practical skills needed to fly within an appropriate club environment.
Choose your training stage
Courses and Pricing
Complete EP or CP individually, or book the combined residential pathway for the most coherent introduction to the sport.
Stage one
BHPA Elementary Pilot
EP Paragliding Course
The EP course takes you from complete beginner through the foundations of equipment knowledge, ground handling, launching, basic flight control and supervised solo flying.
Course objective
Work toward the BHPA Elementary Pilot rating.
- Introduction to equipment and safety
- Ground handling and launch preparation
- Supervised solo flights
- Basic manoeuvres and landing approaches
- Introductory weather and theory
Stage two
BHPA Club Pilot
CP Paragliding Course
After EP, the CP course develops the practical skill, theory and judgement needed to move toward independent flying in a suitable club environment.
Course objective
Work toward the BHPA Club Pilot rating.
- Improved launch and landing technique
- Flying safely with other pilots
- Additional manoeuvres and air awareness
- Deeper weather understanding
- Independent decision-making foundations
Complete pathway
Best-value residential pathway
Combined EP & CP Course
Stay for the complete two-week programme and move through the training in one continuous learning period. This gives you more time to consolidate each stage, build confidence and connect the theory to real practical experience.
Week one
Elementary Pilot syllabus and foundational solo flying.
Week two
Club Pilot development, theory and increasing independence.
Ratings are awarded only when the required standard is achieved. Weather, aptitude and practical progress may affect completion.
Reserve the Combined CourseResidential training made simple
What Is Included?
We organise the practical framework around the training so you can arrive in Spain ready to learn.
Included
- Training equipment required for the course
- Instruction and supervision for the booked syllabus
- Accommodation during the course dates
- Planned airport transfers
- Local transport connected with training
- Theory and examination materials
- Local logistics and support from ParaglidingGuide
Not Included
- Flights to and from Spain
- Food and drink
- Travel insurance
- BHPA membership and associated fees
- Personal expenses
- Extra accommodation outside the course dates
- Non-standard transfer arrangements unless agreed
What You Need to Bring
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Supportive footwear suitable for running on uneven ground
- Sun protection and reusable water bottle
- Notebook or device for theory notes
- Travel insurance appropriate to the training activity
- A responsible attitude and willingness to learn
A recognised flying destination
Why Learn in Algodonales?
Algodonales is a well-established paragliding base with several launch directions and alternative flying sites within practical driving distance.
That variety gives the training team options when wind direction, strength, cloud or stability changes. No location can guarantee flyable weather, but a flexible local area helps the instructors make good use of suitable training windows.
Multiple flying directions
Alternative sites nearby
Established flying community
Residential course base
Southern-Spain climate
Ask About Learning in Spain
A training day may include
Weather and theory
Understand the conditions before practical training begins.
Ground handling
Build repeatable control and launch preparation skills.
Practical flying
Use appropriate weather windows for supervised progression.
Review and preparation
Consolidate what you learned and prepare for the next stage.
The qualification is only the beginning
Continue With Post-CP Mentoring
Finishing CP gives you the foundation to begin flying independently in an appropriate club environment. The next challenge is turning that qualification into experience.
ParaglidingGuide’s pilot-development weeks help newly qualified pilots consolidate launches, landings, weather assessment, active flying, thermalling and decision-making in a supportive mixed group.
CP qualification
↓
Post-CP mentoring
↓
Thermalling confidence
↓
First XC flights
Learning to paraglide FAQs
Questions Before You Start
Clear answers about experience, equipment, weather, ratings and the residential course.
Do I need any previous paragliding experience?
No. The EP course is designed for complete beginners. You need a reasonable level of mobility, the ability to follow instruction and a responsible approach to safety.
Who is responsible for the beginner instruction?
Valleys Paragliding, a BHPA Registered Ab Initio School, delivers all beginner instruction, supervision, syllabus work and assessment. ParaglidingGuide provides local accommodation, transport coordination and logistical support.
What is the difference between EP and CP?
EP introduces the equipment, ground handling, basic theory and supervised solo flying. CP develops the further practical skills, knowledge and judgement required to move toward independent flying in an appropriate club environment.
Is all training equipment included?
Yes. Suitable training equipment required for the syllabus is provided during the course. Personal equipment purchases are not required before you begin.
Is the qualification guaranteed within one or two weeks?
No. Ratings are awarded when the required practical and theoretical standard has been achieved. Weather, aptitude, attendance and individual progress all affect completion.
What happens when the weather is unsuitable?
Paragliding training is weather dependent. Unsuitable flying periods may be used for theory, equipment knowledge, briefings, ground-based work or other syllabus elements when appropriate. The instructors decide how each training window is used.
Do I need insurance and BHPA membership?
Yes. You will need the membership and insurance arrangements required by the training provider, together with suitable travel insurance. Exact requirements will be confirmed before the course.
Can I book only EP or only CP?
Yes. EP and CP can be booked separately. To join CP, you must already have completed EP or hold an accepted equivalent agreed with the training provider.
What can I do after completing CP?
You can begin building experience in a suitable club environment. A post-CP mentoring week is a useful next step for consolidating practical skills, thermalling, weather knowledge and independent decision-making.
Couldn’t find your question?
Ask the Training TeamReady to begin?
Your First Flight Starts Here
Choose one of the published course periods, reserve with a deposit or contact us to discuss whether EP, CP or the combined two-week course is right for you.