Introducing the wacky but brilliant sport of paramotoring

The best way to see Britain’s wild, remote landscapes? From above, of course! And the best way to do it? Paramotoring!

Explore sites like Stonehenge from above

Explore sites like Stonehenge from above

It’s the sport that combines the freedom and rush of paragliding with the versatility of motorised flying. No need to jump off high mountain tops to take off, the engine provides enough thrust to take off and climb up to altitudes of 10,000ft, making it an ideal way to see Britain’s ever changing landscapes.

Landing in rural Wiltshire

Landing in rural Wiltshire

“Paramotoring is the cheapest and most accessible form of powered flight, as well as one of the safest and most exhilarating!” explains Alex Ledger, founder of Paramotoring school SkySchool. “It takes 12 days of training for complete beginners to attain the international APPI PPG Pilot license, after which they can fly safely without needing an instructor”.

A different take on the Cornish coast

A different take on the Cornish coast

Karim Ahmad, a 43-year-old doctor from London is a recent convert to the sport, having fallen for its winning combination of exploration and safety; “I’m not an extreme nutter.” he explains, “It’s more about exploring than taking myself to the brink of death. That’s one of the great things about paramotoring – you can do something so extreme, so adventurous, explore the world in a way that no other sport can let you and yet keep a level of safety margin that even my mum would feel comfortable with.”

SkySchool is Europe’s leading Paramotoring school and runs courses in the UK and Spain. 

Photos: Sophie Bolesworth

OAG