Welcome!
Below, you’ll find convenient info about the 2022 training courses, resources you can utilize to make yourself ready to roll on day one, as well as camping and lodging information.
THE COURSES
JUNE 18-28, 2022
Saturday June 18th is the first day of class, and Sunday the 26th is technically the final day of class. The 27th and 28th are bonus days, and highly recommended. The more flights you get right out of the gate, the better. You’ll leave class and head home with that much more confidence.
JULY 9-19, 2022
Saturday July 9th is the first day of class, and Sunday the 17th is technically the final day of class. The 18th and 19th are bonus days, and highly recommended. The more flights you get right out of the gate, the better. You’ll leave class and head home with that much more confidence.
The Instructors
Never hesitate to reach out to Bryan or Jon with questions. We are here to help with any information, from lodging to equipment, to nerves.
Bryan Pearson
Oregon Paramotor, Owner
(541) 663-4305
Jon Martin
Wind Pirate PPG, Owner
(480) 529-9855
Payment
You’ve paid your deposit! Thank you, and your spot is now officially reserved. Congratulations!
The remainder of the $2500 course fee is due at the start of your class, the beginning of day 1. As with all things, cash is king. We love cash. 😁 No personal checks will be accepted. Cashiers checks are fine. If you'd like to pay via credit card, or some other means that requires additional fees, you will be responsible for covering the 3% fees.
If you'd like to arrange payment by credit card or check prior to class, let Bryan know and we can shoot out an invoice or we can discuss options further. Thanks for understanding.
PURCHASING GEAR
Covid has really done a number on the paragliding and paramotor communities in the USA. Since (basically) all equipment is made overseas, generally in Asia or Europe, the delays for equipment are through the roof. They were slowly coming down to 3-4 months on average, but are now extending back out to 4-6 months in some cases. And the Omicron variant is closing production shops down once again.
With that in mind, we’re advising students to purchase equipment ahead of time. Not only does it reduce your course fee by $500, you get to train on your own gear during class, but it also assures that you will be able to leave training and fly the following weekend at your home site.
The most successful students we ever have, are those that can continue building their skills very shortly after class, for the remainder of the summer. The least successful students we have are those that have to wait for equipment for months, and lose all of the muscle memory they built up during their week of training.
This is just a strong suggestion from the team: if you’re anticipating purchasing equipment, attempt to do it sooner rather than later.
Helpful Resources
If you can come into your course having watched and read the material below, you will be really ahead of the game and flying that much sooner.
Location
45°17'30.7"N 118°00'49.6"W
Those are roughly the coordinates to our classroom and hanger. On day 1, we’ll meet here at 10am.
CAMPING / LODGING
We’ll be keeping the Lodging & Local Amenities page on our site up to date. But for the most part, the Grande Springs RV Park is a great place to camp, and only a few miles away from the airport.
UPDATED: We have RV spots reserved for the July courses at the Grande Springs RV Park! Call them and ask for one of the spots reserved the group under “Oregon Paramotor”. Confirm the dates, they’ll take your info and you’ll be all set!
HEAT & WEATHER
June is generally good weather, and July is even just a smidge more stable. As it's so far out, we cannot predict the weather, but based on previous experience and historical weather data, we should be fine. Classes usually go off without a hitch.
Quick note: There are no refunds for weather.
If history proves correct, it will be HOT. These (often) dry dusty fields have no shade or cover. We will have easy-up's deployed to create some shade along the training field. But if you have an easy-up to make more shade for us, please bring it. It could be handy.
Daily Schedule
Before we start flying, there will be two tasks at hand - ground handling and classroom lectures/discussions. The ground handling will be mostly in the mornings and evenings when the winds are calmer and temps are cooler. We'll then spend the hot portions of the day staying in the shade, getting through our classroom discussions, and having ice cold drinks by the BBQ :)
Once we start flying (tuesday, maybe wednesday), it'll be sunrise + 2 hours to get as many flights as possible. And then sunset - 2 hours to also get as many flights as possible. Between those flight windows, you will basically have free reign to do as you please, with some classroom stuff mixed in.
There may also be a day off in the middle of the week, or at least a light day. We've found that people start to wear themselves out if we push too hard.
CLOTHING
Shorts and t-shirts are the name of the game. When you begin flying, probably have some long pants to throw on. Expect to get dusty. For ground handling, sneakers will be fine. For flight days, something with a bit more traction works well. Light hiking boots aren’t a bad idea for your first flights, as the ankle protection helpful sometimes.
CANCELLATIONS
At the bottom of the 2022 La Grande Training Page on the website, we have the cancellation and refund policy outlined. It's ok if you have to cancel. Just let us know as soon as possible and we will work with you to get options sorted out.
COVID
We will not be enforcing any specific covid related distancing, masking, or vaccination policy. If you want to wear a mask, please feel free. You will be working with other students and instructors in very close proximity for many days in a row, so distancing with any sort of effectiveness isn’t a realistic option.