About MSP
Midnight Sun Paragliding is a proud authorized dealer for Superfly Paragliding, providing the best paragliding equipment from manufacturers like Gin and Advance.
Instruction and Training
Training is based on the approved certification program for the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) but extends well beyond the USHPA minimums.
Flying in Alaska
Midnight Sun Paragliding supports our local Alaskan paragliding community. Visiting paraglider pilots are encouraged to contact Arctic Air Walkers for local flying site information and orientation.
Jake Schlapfer
Jake is known as one of the most qualified instructors and pilots in the United States and around the world. He has personally instructed numerous flyers, helping them gain their USHPA paragliding certifications. He is recognized as holding one of the longest flight records without incident. He can help you become safe and successful in personal flight in one of the most challenging environments of Alaska.
Become a Competent Pilot in the Most Challenging Environment
Alaska is known for its rugged mountains and extreme weather. Midnight Sun Paragliding can give you the right skills to fly with confidence.
Flight Instruction
Training is based on the approved certification program for the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) but extends well beyond the USHPA minimums. Lessons emphasize fun, safety, judgment, and skills development through hands-on training, theory, and discussion.
In 4 or 5 sessions, students develop the skills necessary to launch, land and fly at training hills under the instructor’s supervision . After earning a beginner rating (P1), most students will continue training and work towards a Novice rating (P2). The Novice rating prepares you to safely take to the skies on your own, but with some recommended limitations.
Midnight Sun Paragliding encourages students to pursue advanced training opportunities throughout their flying careers to enhance your safety and enjoyment. We work with some of the country’s most renowned pilots and instructors such as Chris Santacroce of Superfly Inc. Together we supply only the best flying gear and accessories as well as share new teaching techniques to enhance your skills. Since 1998 Super Fly has been the largest importer and distributor of paragliders and paragliding equipment in North America. They travel the world to identify the best brands and models for the US Paragliding population and work closely with the manufacturers that they represent in order to develop products for the US market.
The cost of the Beginner and Novice training programs includes all lessons, instruction manual, materials, exam facilitation and quality training equipment. We also include at least one tandem flight to help accelerate your training. Additional fees will be required for membership to to USHPA and the Arctic Airwalkers Paragliding Club.
Expect training to begin on flat ground where we will concentrate on ground handling your wing, which is absolutely key to a successful flight career. Students will then progress to shallow sloped hills for your first flight. Upon mastering ground handling and simple flights, we will move up to larger mountain flights and work on your P2 skills.
Since training sessions are usually one-on-one and very seldom more than two at a time, instruction can be easily paced to the students progress. Each session will include some theory, weather discussion, skills development, demonstration and review. All in the name of having fun!