The Fresh Air Site Guide 2006 by Greg Hamerton, a look inside the South African sites guide.

If you are planning a paragliding tour or hang gliding trip through South Africa, this is the book! It's written by a passionate pilot who travels a lot, so you get the advantage of experienced guidance, detailed directions and useful notes.

There are many colour photos and the book is divided into regions. Choose from over 135 flying sites (including secret spots), where you'll find complete listings of:

• How to get there
• Site briefing and cautions
• GPS co-ordinates
• Best wind conditions
• Contact details for local pilots

The wind changes rapidly in some areas (especially the Western Cape) and it is very useful to be able to see which sites are close to you, to use as alternatives. A wind-rose shows you which sites are flyable in any given wind direction.

It's difficult to make sense of the South African weather, but it's all explained. Instead of being rained upon, you'll find cloud streets and sunshine, because you'll be in the right place for the season!

With the detailed site briefings it's like having your own instructor there on launch. You can improve your cross-country flying skills with the Airlore chapter, and learn to master some tricky situations too.