Cross-country & Competition Masterclass - Tapalpa, Mexico
If you're new to competitions or you're interested in leveling up your racing and cross-country skills, this training is tailored for you! We are doing an intense 5-day course right between two FAI2 competitions in Tapalpa, Mexico:
The Calaca Fest 28-31. October and the SRS Advance Edition 7-14. November.
Tapalpa has been an established paragliding site since 1987 and has become one of the most famous places in Mexico, offering both mountain flying and flatlands in the wide open valley. The conditions here are safer and not as violent as in Valle de Bravo, with many landing options available. Tapalpa is rising as a competition destination and the FAI recently voted to host the prestigious Pan American Paragliding Championships here in 2028.
To be fully transparent: This flying area is also new to me, so I do not have prior experience flying here. I believe this can make it even more interesting for you, because you will be able to learn my approach to exploring a new site from zero, with an open mind, using my experience from flying around the world. I am going to participate in the following SRS myself, so the success of this course, flying a lot, and learning together is our common goal.
Maximum number of participants: 6 pilots
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENT:
- Be an independent pilot already with some cross-country experience.
- Fly a high EN-B or an EN-C glider.
- It is highly recommended to carry a satellite GPS tracking device such as Spot or Garmin InReach.
- Have a valid pilot licence and 3rd party insurance.
- Accident insurance is highly recommended.
DATES and SCHEDULE: 1-6. November 2026
1. Nov: Arriving day, shuttles from the airport, welcome briefing.
2-6. Nov: After breakfast, a theory lesson in the hotel's conference room, followed by a flight together, working on XC and competition skills (ideally navigating a different task each day). We will be flying with you and giving in-flight coaching and tips. After returning to Tapalpa, we will finish the day with an extensive debriefing of the flight and additional learnings.
Please note that the 7. Nov. is the training day and registration for the SRS. If you participate in this event, we suggest using this as your rest day. The first competition task takes place on the 8. of November.
PRICE:
2280 USD / participant
The price INCLUDES:
- In-flight coaching and guidance by Pal Takats and Monika Takats.
- Airport shuttle on the 1st of November from Guadalajara International Airport
- Rides to take off and retrieves with a 9-seater van driven by our local paragliding guide.
- Pre- and post-flight briefings.
- Theory classes, know-how, tips, and tricks.
The price does NOT INCLUDE:
- Accommodation
- Airport shuttle after the course (can be arranged upon request)
- Membership in the local paragliding club (obligatory to fly there): 400 MXN / 23 USD
- Take-off fee 100 or 150 MXN (6-9 USD) per day, depending on the launch site.
ACCOMMODATION AND HEADQUARTERS:
Our headquarters and recommended accommodation will be Hotel La Casona.
To keep it as simple as possible for you, we are working on a solution with the hotel to manage the reservations for you, so you only need to come and pay for your room upon check-in.
With various conference areas for our briefings, a rich breakfast and cozy rooms situated in the quieter part of town, only 10 minutes walk from the center.
Special discounted prices for our participants are:
- Single room with one king-size bed, including breakfast: 2,030 MXN (~116 USD) per day
- Single room with two single beds, including breakfast: $ 1,855 MXN (~105 USD) per day
