Flying Frenzy Paragliding

Flying Frenzy is a Dorset-based paragliding school operating from sites along the south Devon and Dorset coast — principally West Bexington, the Isle of Portland ridge, and the chalk hills inland from Dorchester. The Jurassic Coast’s combination of cliff sites and open down country gives the school a varied portfolio of training options across the spring-to-autumn season.

What to expect

Standard BHPA pathway: tandem flights, Elementary Pilot, Club Pilot, with continuation training for licensed pilots. The West Bexington cliff site gives clean ridge-soaring in southerly winds; inland chalk sites pick up the thermal lift on summer afternoons. Most training takes place on grass take-off, which is more forgiving than the rocky sites of the Peak District or Wales. Course sizes stay small.

Practical notes

March-October is the practical season; the southern coast catches less winter weather than upland UK sites. Dorchester, Weymouth and Bridport all have B&B accommodation within easy driving distance of the training sites. The school operates a flexible booking policy with rebooking for poor conditions. Bring layers — even Dorset summer mornings on a cliff top can be chilly. Combine a course week with a swim at one of the nearby coves and a meal at one of Dorchester’s several good pubs.

Who it suits

Flying Frenzy suits beginners and improving pilots drawn to the Jurassic Coast, with a varied set of cliff and inland down sites between south Devon and Dorset. The mix of coastal soaring and open downland gives plenty of scope to learn.

Getting there

The school works sites along the Dorset coast — West Bexington, the Isle of Portland and the chalk hills inland from Dorchester. The nearest stations are Dorchester and Weymouth, but the cliff and down sites are spread out, so a car or a lift from the school is needed.

Quick answers

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. Tasters and beginner courses are built for first-timers, starting with ground handling before short flights.

How long does it take to learn?

The Elementary stage takes a few days; an independent Club Pilot rating typically takes a season of suitable-weather days.

When is the best time of year?

Spring to autumn. Coastal soaring needs a steady onshore wind, so sessions are arranged around flyable days.