Before you book, here's the complete picture — training philosophy, wing types, ratings, and what your course days actually look like.
Speedfly Sardinia provides either professional 1-to-1 or group speedfly courses for any needs. You just have to book a call, speak with one of our partners in order to properly understand your personal skills, and schedule your first speedfly course. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or already a pro speedflyer — the team will find the solution that best fits your personal needs.
We get it. The money spent on speedfly courses, and possibly travel, could go toward your gear instead. But it's also highly likely it could end up going toward hospital bills and lost income while you're stuck at home healing from a broken bone — or worse.
We've been refining our training program over a period of many years and hundreds of students, and it keeps improving. Our focus has been on three key areas: instructors who are patient and adaptable to various student personalities and learning speeds; multiple training hills and launches for a safe progression; and a large inventory of student wings ranging in size from 8 to 14m. We feel great about the program we've developed, and think you will too.
There are essentially three types of speedflying wings: proximity, mini wing, and hybrid.
Meant for going downhill, fast. Design is more like a high-performance parachute, with cell counts in the 16–22 range and aspect ratios less than 4.0. Less lift means it's easier to fly close to terrain without the wing constantly trying to fly away from the mountain. Coming out of a hard turn, a proximity wing keeps diving — the fighter jets of speedflying wings.
Lets pilots fly for extended periods by capitalizing on ridge lift. Incorporates paragliding wing design traits, with cell counts of 26–44 and aspect ratios greater than 4.0 — an airfoil with good lift. Capable of very quick maneuvering, with a tendency to climb out of steep turns: more the feel of a hawk swooping a ridge, diving then climbing, over and over. Requires a higher level of pilot skill to fly safely.
Falls between the two, offering a well-balanced blend of both flight characteristics. Often a great first wing for this reason, and typically stays in a pilot's quiver even as they acquire more wings over time.
Since we would never sell a mini wing to a new pilot (in some rare circumstances it would make sense), the choice comes down to either a proximity or hybrid wing. Worth noting: you can do some proximity flying with a hybrid wing, but you really can't "speed soar" a proximity wing unless the winds are howling. Eventually you'll likely own both — and, down the road, a mini wing as well — to enjoy all sites and conditions.
There's no speedflying "rating" so to speak, but rather "special skills" that can be added to a P-2 or higher paragliding rating. The basic requirements for the M-1 (mini wing) special skill are 25 flights, demonstration of basic maneuvers, and passing a written test. The basic requirements for the M-2 are 250 flights, 80 flying days, logged flights on various different wings at multiple sites and conditions, demonstration of advanced maneuvers, and passing a written test.
We fly and train every day, year-round, so it's completely up to your schedule. No need to wait for a course on specific dates. Since every student progresses at a different rate, we work on a day-by-day training structure instead of a fixed course price.
The morning of the first day is dedicated to learning the no-wind forward launch, which is the "crux" of a typical speed wing flight. We want you to know how to do this well, and not be limited to launching only when there's enough wind to reverse kite. You'll be creating your flying airspeed by running — be ready for a great workout.
That afternoon, you'll apply what you've learned and fly from our lower launches. We communicate with you by radio and guide you on properly setting up for a landing and timing your touchdown "flare." Once you can launch, set up an approach, and land on your feet within the target area — all unassisted — it's time to move up the mountain. Some students get there by the end of the first day.
The second day is when we really start to have fun. You'll be turning quick laps, launching from heights ranging from 800 to 1900m. We guide you through proper turning technique, speed range, and wing energy management, while you continue to refine your launch and landing skills. We've had students do as many as 10 flights on day 2 — of course, we keep an eye on your fatigue level and make sure you don't overdo it.
As you progress, we slowly introduce more advanced maneuvers, with the emphasis on approaching them in small steps. The real learning happens the day you venture out on your own, and our job is making sure you have the right tools and attitude to improve your skills into old age.
Take a look at our FAQ page for answers to more common questions about training and other topics.