WHO IS INSTRUCTOR MARK? 

I started paragliding during my university years (1993-1996). I joined the Hang gliding and Paragliding club in my 'fresher' week. We trained with Northern Paragliding, run by Ian Currer in the English Dales. Progress was slow as I did not have a vehicle. It took me two years of frustration and wasted journeys to get my student pilot rating. My parents and brother got involved too, and we all spent some time training with Purple Haze in the south east of England. It was a few years before my brother had the time or the money to complete his training. When I moved to Wales (to begin teacher training) I was lucky to complete my club pilot rating in two weeks with Welsh Leisure Activities. I have been paragliding ever since.

The first wing I ever bought was a knackered old Trekking Miura. It was 6 years old when I bought it! By the time I stopped flying it, it was completely worn out, and pretty unsafe! My brother, Jason, generously bought me my next wing and harness from Paraventure, the school he was training with at the time. He bought me a Firebird Z-One, a great wing for novice pilots, stable and well behaved, and a Paratech harness, a huge harness that is a little too big for my bag.

I got some good flying in over the next few years. Being a high school physics teacher I had plenty of time in the summer. The best flying was with my twin brother, Jason. We had some excellent trips in the French Alps, stunning scenery, great food and superb flying.

My best flying memories are those I share with Jason.

I moved to Canada in May 2004, arriving in Ontario without my wing! I was pretty certain that paragliding would have to be put on hold for a while. I had seen Andre's website when I had been living in England and remembered the video clip of some guy (Andre) on a trike flying over Niagara Falls. I realized that this would be my chance to get some flying in. I found Andre's website again and contacted him to see if he needed any help. It was a long shot, but it paid off. Soon, Andre had trained me with the paramotor and I had my ultralight pilot's license (restricted to powered parachutes). Now I had to work on building up my hours and learn from Andre how to train pilots. Coming from a teaching background I had a head start. I sat my instructor exam in September 2005 and passed.

I am now a fully qualified powered paragliding instructor, working part time with Powered Paragliding Ontario.

I look forward to teaching you to fly.

Mark

• Mark's license

• Marks instructor license