Safety Before Ego
The right decision is not always the biggest flight. We value sound judgement, honest briefings and pilots who are comfortable saying no.
About ParaglidingGuide
Built Around Better Flying, Safer Progression and Good People
ParaglidingGuide was founded by Nicholas Craven in 2019 after almost two decades in the sport and years of working professionally in paragliding schools and guiding.
The idea was simple: create flying weeks that feel personal, professional and genuinely useful. Not simply transport pilots to launch, but help them understand the day, improve their judgement, build confidence and enjoy the sport safely.
Founded in 2019
BHPA Development School
Based in Algodonales
ParaglidingGuide S.L.
Guiding, coaching, development and flying adventures
Nicholas Craven
Founder · Guide · Coach · Instructor
Why ParaglidingGuide began
A Different Kind of Guided Flying Week
Nick wanted to create the kind of operation he would personally want to join: small groups, honest decisions, long flying days and coaching that responds to the individual pilot.
Safety and development are fundamental to properly enjoying paragliding. Confidence should be built through understanding and repeatable skill—not through pressure, bravado or following somebody into a situation you do not fully understand.
That philosophy still shapes every part of the business. Pilots receive weather briefings, site knowledge, local logistics, individual feedback and clear support, while remaining responsible for their own decisions as pilot in command.
“The goal is not simply to help somebody have one good flight. It is to help them become a better, more confident and more thoughtful pilot.”
What guides our work
The ParaglidingGuide Approach
Everything we do—from a post-CP week to an international XC trip—is built around the same set of principles.
Individual Development
Every pilot arrives with different experience, confidence and goals. Coaching should reflect that rather than forcing everybody through the same programme.
Explain the Why
A useful briefing does more than name a site. We explain the weather, terrain, likely hazards, task and reasons behind the plan.
Long, Enjoyable Days
We make the most of suitable conditions, including evening flying when possible, while still keeping the atmosphere relaxed and sociable.
Community Matters
Pilots should feel welcomed, encouraged and part of the group. Many guests return because of the friendships as much as the flying.
Always Keep Learning
Paragliding never stops teaching us. Our coaches and guides continue developing their own knowledge, qualifications and experience.
Professional standards
BHPA Registered Development School
ParaglidingGuide S.L. is a registered BHPA Development School and a registered Active Tourism Company in Spain.
Nick has completed qualifications through both the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and the German DHV system. The wider team includes experienced club coaches, guides and qualified instructors from different free-flight backgrounds.
We can support pilots working toward further development goals, including BHPA progression and the experience required around international rating systems such as the DHV B licence.
BHPA
Development-school framework
DHV
German-system qualifications and experience
Spain
Registered active-tourism operation
Development and coaching
From Newly Qualified to Confident XC Pilot
Our coaching weeks run primarily from Algodonales, with selected trips to Portugal, the European Alps and other international destinations.
We focus on small groups and personal coaching. Some pilots want to rebuild confidence after time away. Others want their first proper thermalling flight, first XC, longer distance or better tactical decision-making. Some simply want enjoyable, well-organised flying with the right level of support.
Whether you want to fly a substantial cross-country route or play on a dune in bare feet, there is no single correct ambition. The purpose of the week is to help you become more capable, more aware and more confident in the kind of flying you enjoy.
Small groups. Bespoke tasks. Honest feedback.
Support matched to the pilot and the conditions.
International pilots welcome
A Multilingual Flying Environment
Our principal working languages are English, German and Spanish. French-speaking support can also be accommodated when arranged in advance.
English
Deutsch
Español
Français by arrangement
One team, several ways to fly
How You Can Join Us
01
Guided Flying Weeks
Accommodation, daily site choice, weather briefings, transport, retrieves and friendly group flying from our Algodonales base.
View the calendar → 02Pilot Development
Post-CP mentoring, confidence building, thermalling, XC progression and personalised coaching.
Explore coaching → 03Beginner Courses
Residential EP and CP training delivered by our registered ab-initio training partner with local support from ParaglidingGuide.
Start learning → 04Tandem Flying
Tandem experiences and, where appropriate, tandem coaching that lets pilots learn through shared flight and real-time discussion.
Ask about tandem → 05Paragliding Shop
Wings, harnesses, instruments, radios and equipment advice based on your actual flying and progression.
Visit the shop → 06Beyond Flying
E-bikes, guided hiking, white-village tours, horse riding and Andalusian city trips when flying is not the right option.
See non-flying days →What pilots remember
Local Knowledge, Honest Decisions and a Great Week
The weather does not always cooperate. The quality of the organisation, coaching and group experience still matters every day.
★★★★★
“Although the weather was poor, we still had a great time and flew when the weather allowed. I would definitely recommend them to anyone heading to Algo.”Steve S Tripadvisor review
★★★★★
“Nick’s local knowledge allowed us to make the best of the flying weather, and we always found ourselves taken to the right place at the right time.”Dogwatch Tripadvisor review
Follow the flying
See What We Are Doing Between Trips
Follow recent flying, course updates, trips, equipment and life with the ParaglidingGuide community.
Come and fly with us
Join the Next ParaglidingGuide Week
Tell us your qualification, recent flying, preferred dates and what you would like to improve. We will help you choose the most suitable trip or course.