Jamie Lee Holder
I am loving every minute of being in this group and learning to fly.
Paloma Serville
I have wanted to do this for a while now and I'm finally making the time and enjoying the process. This is a great group to learn with.
Clear instruction and great near new equipment for the students to use.
Nicole Portner
Paragliding with Mount Paragliding ticks all the boxes: have the best instructor, meet amazing like-minded people, be able to be in beautiful sceneries, fly on day 1, feel safe and excited!
It is a real privilege to have someone so passionate about paragliding like Darrell as an instructor. He is so professional, calm, clear giving instructions and such a happy guy! You know he's got your back every moment, letting you learn on your own pace so you are understanding what is happening and why.
I just started, my first day handling a proper wing size (2nd day handling a wing) and I was able to FLY!!!... and twice! everybody is so supportive, helpful and kind, that gives you the motivation and courage to do it.Darrell was on the radio giving me instructions that were so easy to follow, so I felt really safe and I could completely enjoy the experience and the view!
This is been the best desition and I completely 100% recommend Mount Paragliding!
Looking forward to riding the wind again!Nicole PG1
Tereza Unzeitigova
Myself and my partner Chris have been flying with Mount Paragliding for 2 seasons. In that time we have made some great friends and enjoyed being a part of both the flying and social side of this group.
Daya Louis
We have been training at Gordon Spratt Reserve in Papamoa. First day was tricky learning a new skill but towards the end of the day I was getting the wind up and controlling it. Day 2 was better, I felt more comfortable we did short flights and this was a blast. I finished the day tired but exhilarated. Looking forward to the next stage.
Veronica Isgleas
The school is very inclusive and patient and helps you to feel confident. Myself and Nick where surprised to show up for our first day to unpacking brand new never used gliders for us to use. We have always felt welcome even after being signed off PG2 we often join the school to keep learning.
Kieran Smart
Learning to Paraglide through Mount Paragliding has far exceeded my expectations.
The instruction and communication is first class.
If you want to have an awesome experience surrounded by great people I would recommend you contact Darrell. I'm now planning to learn to paramotor with this school.
Gareth Jones
First day after ground handling practice I was flying. First short flights then soaring.
I was blown away by this sport you feel so free floating about.
Joshua Banks
Thanks to your clear instructions and easy going manner with a couple of hours guidance I was in the air and doing my first flights!! unbelievable and supper appreciated.
A huge thanks to not only you but the community of aviaters, which you have gotten into this awesome sport is great to learn new skills with great people. Looking forward to doing my PG2!
All the best
Josh
Chris Tearle
I started to fly under Darrells guidence and was very nervous during flights and wondered if this would ever get better.
Darrell has a very patient and carm instucting style and this helped me relax in the air, over time my nerves went away and I began to really enjoy my flying. I have also enjoyed the evenings after flying sharing the day over some seafood on the BBQ and a beer at the accomodation in Ruapuke.
I highly recommend these courses.
Vitezslav Tuma
I have enjoyed learning to fly at Ruapuke with Mount Paragliding.
Ruapuke is a great site as the ridge flying is long and launch sites are easy for a beginner. These guys have made this a lot of fun and safe for me to learn.
I brought quality gear and its very comfortable and lovely to fly.
Thanks Vitek
Paul Claridge
I rung a few places about teaching me to Paraglide and Paramotor before signing up with Mount Paragliding. I've found Darrell to be an excellent teacher, Very Patient and a really nice guy. Easy to get on with, That to me is very important when learning something new.
Shane Jones
When people put a motor on their back and head out, it takes a special person to take on that responsibility to help people do it safely.
2 days ago i got to be that student and pilot. It was incredible and I felt always very safe. However, what lead up to that was getting my pg2 license. For all the time I spent out at the launch sites learning with Darrell and other students and experienced pilots,, Darrell always maintained that solid calming presence.
As for me What makes his program great is that he not only teaches you how to fly safely, he welcomes a family type atmosphere. That whether your a first day student or an experience pilot your always welcome. He wants the experience pilots to interact with newer students. If your willing to come with a smile and a great attitude your always welcome back and continue on. His program isn’t just about getting your license, he gets his money and now go away. It’s about a family type program which I’m proud to say im a part of.
Last but not Least. He provides nice and safe equipment with a great atmosphere of learning. He tries to work with everyone’s physical abilities and experience. As far as I know he is the only instructor who welcomes all students with their own equipment. That goes for paramotoring as well. Of course he will check it out to be safe. I don’t think any others do that. Which is incredible.
In conclusion, if you think I’m writing this to suck up, your wrong. I’m 67 and have instructed and experienced a lot of things. I’ve always wondered in aviation though,,which I’ve never been an instructor, who would want to take on that responsibility and to know when to let a student go off into the sunset. I respect instructors for that so we all can enjoy an incredible sport safely as possible.
So Darrell is not perfect, none of us are, but what I see and respect the most about his abilities. He’s a great pilot with great experience.
He loves teaching and the sport. Most of all he’s always trying to do better and be a better instructor. He welcomes and wants feedback from his pilots. Even if it’s confrontational or negative he’s willing to listen and discuss. That is why I would recommend his program.
Respectfully, Shane Jones
Charlotte Braine
We have been traveling NZ and have always wanted to paraglide. We had so much fun on our 2 day PG1 course.
I got to soar like a bird it was one of the best things I have ever done.
Sel Alderton
Awesome fun, good laughs and lots of knowledge. 100% recommend
Dammike Saman
Each instructor has different styles in teaching and I found Darrel to be a very gentle and caring person to his students (gotta say his patience is extraordinary compared to some instructors �� and that's what I like about him).
He will encourage you to be the best version of yourself! There's never a dull day when we are training at the hill and everyone treats and take care of each other like family.
Love the crew, Love the school, Love the sport!
Check out the FB page for training videos that's what made me to join this school.
Satisfied and totally recommend Mount Paragliding school to anyone looking forward to join this awesome sport!
Alan Sawers
I have enjoyed the learning since joining Mount Paragliding. You can ask questions and feel confident under competent instruction.
Have always wanted to try paragliding, and getting lessons from Darrell has been fantastic. I'm also going to learn to Paramotor and am looking forward to that.
Catherine Evison
Darrell's teaching style is one that welcomes you in and encourages you too want to strive for more with every visit to the hill.
When you become one of Darrell's students you aren't simply taught the basics and released from the system to find your way, you are encouraged to stay and continue to learn and share your experiences with new students. It's like a family group but with a common interest.
We would and do(regularly) recommend Darrell and Mount Paragliding as a fantastic place to give yourself some excitement, and get off the ground, safely.
Also special mention Andrea for her tireless work recording everyone's experiences digitally, that really is appreciated.
