What a parakite course in Portugal looks like
Parakite is paragliding at its most dynamic: smaller wings — typically 14–18 m² — with higher wing loading, faster responses and a completely different relationship with the terrain below. The Parakite Programme is guided small-wing flying close to the ground in Sesimbra, on the Atlantic coast 30 minutes south of Lisbon airport. Fly a single day, a few days or a full week: every morning Behrooz reads the forecast and picks the best site for the conditions, and private transfers to the sites and back are included.
Behrooz, an active competition pilot with more than 20 years of flying, coaches every session himself. The progression is deliberate: kite control first, learning how a loaded small wing behaves and how its brake inputs differ from a standard paraglider; then low hops, dune soaring and short ground-proximity passes under his direct supervision, with radio coaching in the air and video review after every session. Depending on your progression and the conditions, you'll be flying supervised dune runs and low coastal flights at sites chosen for safety and learning.
Every pilot is welcome, wherever you are in your flying. Completely new to paragliding? You start with ground handling and kite control on the beach, the foundation of every parakite flight. Recently licensed? Small-wing training is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your wing control and launches. Experienced pilots move on sooner to dune runs and low coastal flights. With a maximum of 6 pilots, coaching stays personal, and Behrooz will always be direct about whether conditions and your progression justify a flight — safety is not negotiable.
Sesimbra, the home of parakiting in Portugal
Sesimbra is one of the best places in Europe to learn parakite. Steady Atlantic wind meets long dune faces, sea cliffs and wide sandy beaches, giving clean run-ins and smooth, predictable lift close to the ground — exactly what small-wing training needs. With dozens of flying sites and a site for every wind direction, you can fly here all year round, most reliably from September to July.
Parakite also makes you a better paraglider pilot. The skills it demands — precise brake control, sharp ground handling and reading the wind close to the terrain — carry straight over to paragliding: cleaner launches, more control in strong wind and more confident landings.
What's included
- Daily weather & site briefing
- Kite-control & ground-handling coaching
- Step-by-step progression to low flights
- Small-wing ground-proximity technique
- Radio coaching on every supervised flight
- Video review & photos of every session
- Coastal dune soaring (conditions permitting)
- Private transfer to every site, daily
- Honest daily progress assessment
- Theory sessions on no-fly days
Before you come
A few things to sort out before you arrive, so you get the most from every session.
Tell Behrooz your level
The programme is open to all levels. Message Behrooz with your background before booking, and he'll plan your sessions around where you are now.
Licence & documentation
Licensed pilot? Bring your national paragliding licence or IPPI card. Behrooz keeps records for every participant — a photo on your phone is sufficient.
Your equipment
Have your own parakite or paraglider? Bring a wing you know well, plus your harness and helmet. No equipment yet? Gear can be arranged at extra cost — let Behrooz know what you need when you confirm dates.
Physical condition
Parakite sessions are active — ground handling and low-level flying need quick reactions and good body awareness. Arrive rested and in reasonable physical shape.
What to bring
Knee pads and gloves, sturdy shoes with ankle support, sunglasses, sun cream and a windproof layer — the coast is breezy even on warm days. Behrooz will brief you on kit specifics when you arrive.
Getting here
Fly into Lisbon (LIS) — Sesimbra is 30 minutes away by car. Ask Behrooz about airport transfers when you confirm your dates; daily transfers to the flying sites are included.
Frequently asked questions
What is parakite and how does it differ from paragliding?
A parakite (speed wing) is a smaller, faster wing, typically 14–18 m², flown with higher wing loading close to the terrain along dunes and cliffs. It needs far more precise handling than a standard paraglider, which is why the programme builds up step by step, from kite control on the ground to supervised low flights.
What paragliding experience do I need?
None to get started. Complete beginners start with ground-handling and kite-control coaching on the beach, and Behrooz builds up from there at your pace. Flights depend on your level and the conditions — Behrooz will tell you honestly what's right for you. Unsure? Message him before booking.
Is parakite safe?
Flying a small wing close to the ground has its own risks, which is why safety comes first in every session. Behrooz picks each site for the day’s conditions and your level, coaches you by radio on every supervised flight and only moves you on to the next step when you’re ready.
When is the best time of year for parakite in Portugal?
The programme runs all year. September to July is the most reliable period, with the most consistent wind; August, the month of summer heat waves, is the least reliable.
Do I need to bring my own parakite to Portugal?
No. If you have a parakite, bring it, together with your harness and helmet. If not, a parakite can be arranged on request at extra cost — just mention it when you book. Complete beginners can also rent ground-handling gear at extra cost.
Is private transport to the parakite sites included?
Yes — daily private transfer from your accommodation to the training site and back is included. No car needed.
How does payment work?
Payment goes directly to Behrooz — no booking platforms, no agencies and no deposit. You usually pay once your programme is over, and only for the days you actually fly.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation on all programmes. If you've already paid, you get a full refund — just send a WhatsApp message or email.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Behrooz always has a backup plan and moves to wherever is flyable. On a day nothing can be flown, you aren't charged the day rate — only reasonable administrative or transport costs may apply.