Right now I am in Santa Barbara, CA participating in yet another Instructor Training Program (ITP) with Rob Sporrer and Eagle Paragliding. Today saw 7 instructors in training along with 3 Eagle instructors and 13 one-day lesson students at the Ellings Park training hill. Just like a year and a half ago when I did my first ITP with Rob we safely helped the majority of the students up and into the air with several 2-5 minute training flights each. 

Rob is one of the pre-eminent leaders in US Paragliding and has one of the most comprehensive training programs in all the USA. I am continually impressed with his expertise in instruction and professionalism as owner of Eagle Paragliding. Rob is blessed with a nearly ideal training hill and he puts it to good use by combining his years of experience mentoring with legendary instructor Dixon White along with a modern dose of technique and know-how honed on the hill. Rob has a easy and affable demeanor that instantly relaxes both his students and his staff and really helps maximize the learning of a day spent on the training hill. 

I am very lucky to be able to cut my teeth under the supervision of such a well-rounded instructor. I pretty much strive to attain all of the personal and professional qualities of Rob and his expert instructors here at Eagle: A sharp, well-honed training program that minimizes frustration and inefficient technique and maximizes fun and flying time. Professional programs that produce the best and safest pilots possible. A calm and knowledgeable manner of communication that inspires confidence and high performance in the students. And superior customer service in all areas of instructional service and retail sales.