First of all, sorry this is not a kite topic but I am sure someone here does paragliding and I would like to get honest (you will see what I mean by "honest") answer from those experienced riders.

My background. I went to Switzerland and saw paragliding in person first time in my life. After one tandem riding, I was hooked and decided to take lessons.

Lesson was a week and I did very well. At the end, I was able to do solo three times, one with radio instruction and two all by myself. At the end, I received a card, written in French. I think it says "I am certified" or something but I am not sure. It was almost 8 years ago. Now I would like to try again and here is my question.

Do I take lessons again? Do I need to be "certified" in some way to purchase paraglider or/and use common take-off place?

I was thinking about asking this questions to shops but I am sure they are going to say take lessons.

Not that I am going to buy a paraglider on ebay and jump off of a cliff but I don't want to spend that much time and money when I know how to do things already. Also, I would like to know what's required to do paragliding in US. Should I go somewhere and take a test or something?

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Pop over to http://www.paraglidingforum.com - it might have the answers for you and you can lurk to find what you need before coming out and asking.

That is - if nobody here can help you of course ; )

DO NOT FlY WITHOUT INSTRUCTION!!!!

Flying paragliders is in no way like learning to fly traction kites. Instruction is the key to enjoying paragliding and making sure you get to see tomorrow. If you have flown before then it should be easy for you to go through a certified instructor to gain your P1 and then p2 rating. Not only does that give you instruction but also help matching you up with the right wing and harness as well as being part of your local flying community. Being part of the local flying community can be equally important as instruction as it is the way flying sites are developed and maintained as well as adding a safety net for pilots in the group to share the wisdom of experience.

Don't just pick and instructor out of a lineup of local names as personality is as important as knowlege when it comes to teaching. When I was learning to paraglide I got along very well with my instructor however later on when my wife started her training it was within 2 days that she ws so frusterated by the same instructor that she nearly gave up completely. After interviewing a few instructors 300 miles away we found an instructor she felt comfortable with his abuility to communicate with her and she excelled with her training from that point on.

Look up the U.S. Hangliding and Paragliding Assosiation and look for your info there, that is our National organizaton as wellas our insuring group.

Good luck, if you need more info PM me and I would love to help you.

Gotcha! Will follow your advices. Thank you all.