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Event info
Welcome to the 2026 Porterville Paragliding Open (FAI Cat 2 Pre-PWC) — a week of world-class summer flying in one of Africa’s most respected cross-country competition arenas.
The event will take place from 13–19 December 2026 in Porterville, Western Cape, South Africa, with an unofficial practice day on 12 December (ORGANISATION WILL PROVIDE SHUTTLE TO LAUNCH FOR PRACTICE DAY, no official recovery and no scoring for practice day.
Flying site
Porterville located in the South West of South Africa, in about 90 km from the Atlantic ocean, and 120 km North East of Cape Town. It offers a nice mixture of thermal and dynamic flying, offering big distance flights possible on the ridge and in the flats.
Expand page for more details- left before start of event
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Registration will open on
01/04 12:00 (Africa/Johannesburg)
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🛰️
Live trackers supplied
The organiser will supply Live trackers to you, for safety and scoring
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🚁
Helicopter rescue
The region supports helicopter rescues
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⚕️
Medic on takeoff
There will be medical rescue services at launch
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📱
Good phone coverage
The region generally has good phone coverage
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📻
Radio coverage
We will be monitoring radios for your safety whilst you fly
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🛰️
Live trackers mandatory
Live Tracking is MANDATORY in this event to score. The organiser will provide the trackers.
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🚐
Launch Transport
There will be vehicles supplied to take you to launch
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🥾
Retrieve included
There will be retrieve vehicles available to return pilots to HQ
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💩
Toilets on takeoff
There are toilets at, or near, the launch
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📢
Airtribune blogging
The organisers are using Airtribune for registration, tracking, blogging and to publish scores
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💳
ID Cards
The organisers will give you an ID card with all the essential items listed
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⚡
Free WiFi
The organisers will have free WiFi available at HQ
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🍺
Goal beers
There will usually be goal beers for winners
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🎉
Party
There will be an organised party during or after the event
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🎵
Live music
There will be live music or a DJ at the event
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👕
Free gift
You will receive a tshirt or other welcome gift
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🅰
PWCA Letters
This event awards PWCA letters
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♻️
Plastic reduction
The organisers support reducing the use of unnecessary plastic at the event. This includes NOT giving disposable water bottles
Prize funds and scoring categories
- Overall - CCC
- Performance - EN D
- Sport - EN C
- Intermediate - EN B
- Ladies
- National Teams
- Sooty Falcon Cup
Contacts
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organiser
- Wesley McQuillan
- +27 82 321 8177
- wes@tcswifi.co.za
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Retrieve
- Jethro Bakker
- +27 79 616 8406
- kbkcape@gmail.com
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scoring
- Daniel Bakker
- +27 60 926 6988
- elijahbakker8@gmail.com
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meet director
- Allan Livingston
- +27 82 808 9673
- kbkcape@gmail.com
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safety officer
- Jon Pio
- +27 82 459 6208
- jon.pio@telkomsa.net
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Organiser
- Mias De Klerk
- +27 82 758 5845
- mias@allmountain.co.za
Event info
Welcome to the 2026 Porterville Paragliding Open (FAI Cat 2 Pre-PWC) — a week of world-class summer flying in one of Africa’s most respected cross-country competition arenas.
The event will take place from 13–19 December 2026 in Porterville, Western Cape, South Africa, with an unofficial practice day on 12 December (ORGANISATION WILL PROVIDE SHUTTLE TO LAUNCH FOR PRACTICE DAY, no official recovery and no scoring for practice day). Pilots can expect seven days of racing with no scheduled rest days, weather permitting.
Porterville has earned a reputation as one of the premier XC and competition flying sites in the Southern Hemisphere, having previously hosted multiple South African Nationals, numerous Pre-PWC events, and a full Paragliding World Cup event in 2013.
Flying takes place from the famous Pamperfontein launch above the vast Swartland valley, approximately 120 km north-east of Cape Town and 90 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The site offers a unique combination of strong thermal flying, dynamic ridge lift, and big cross-country potential across both mountain and flatland terrain.
Daily tasks will primarily be race-to-goal format, with routes set by the Task Committee according to weather conditions, safety considerations, and the best flying available on the day. Previous editions have delivered technical and rewarding racing with tasks ranging from shorter tactical days to classic long-distance Swartland XC routes.
The competition is open to both South African and international pilots and aims to continue building Porterville’s position as a leading stop on the international Pre-PWC calendar.
Safety & Operations
* Live tracking mandatory for all pilots
* Organiser-supplied trackers used for safety and scoring
* Radio monitoring during tasks
* Emergency Medical services available at launch and goal
* Organised retrieve system in operation
* Extensive outlanding options throughout the valley
! Porterville is a demanding summer site and is recommended for experienced and current XC pilots. Strong thermals, cross-wind conditions, and large-scale flying conditions can be expected !
Event Base
Flyers Lodge will once again serve as the official meet centre for registration, scoring, pilot briefings, retrieve coordination, and prize giving.
We look forward to welcoming pilots back to Porterville for another week of serious racing, good summer flying, and the unique atmosphere that has made this event a favourite on the Southern African competition calendar.
Flying site
Selection and entry fee
Full Service Entry (Includes Retrieve*)
ZAR 5,500 – Payment before 1 October 2026
ZAR 6,200 – Late entry (after 1 October 2026)
Payment (before 1 October only):
Credit Card: https://www.paygenius.co.za/pay/allmountainaero/en/18d488b2-0498-4eaf-b557-dc9995cb4730
Self-Recovery Entry (No Retrieve*)
ZAR 4,700 – Payment before 1 October 2026
ZAR 5,200 – Late entry (after 1 October 2026)
Payment (before 1 October only):
Credit Card: https://www.paygenius.co.za/pay/allmountainaero/en/002f27b7-b334-4a2b-915b-28bd2688d1b9
EFT Option (South African Pilots Only)
All Mountain Aero (Pty) Ltd
First National Bank
Branch Code: 210554
Account Number: 63125425454
Ref: [Pilot Full Name]_PPO
SELECTION
* Minimum of 45 places reserved for international pilots (until 1 October 2026)
* Entries are confirmed on a first paid, first confirmed basis
Pilot Requirements
* Valid FAI Sporting License
* Valid SAHPA License (International pilots may apply for a 60-day Foreign Pilot Permit: https://www.sahpa.co.za/membership/)
* Valid medical insurance
Equipment Requirements
* Glider: EN / CCC / Open (see prize restrictions)
* Certified harness
* Helmet
* Reserve parachute
* GPS
* 2m radio
Live Tracking:
* Mandatory for all pilots
* Flymaster trackers will be provided
* Backup required: smartphone app or GPS with live tracking
* If using a phone:
- Bring external battery pack
- Local SIM card recommended (Vodacom has best coverage)
Included in Entry Fee
* Transport to launch (if using official transport)
* Retrieve (if using full-service option)
* Competition map and waypoints
* Live tracking
* Medical support (paramedics)
* Event function / party
* Event T-shirt
Communication
Pilots are encouraged to join the official Event WhatsApp Community for updates and information.
Documents required at registration
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FAI Sporting Licence
Issued by your local NAC on behalf of the FAI. You cannot normally compete in an FAI event without one. Contact your National Association (NAC)
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FAI IPPI Card
The FAI IPPI card is an International card that states your skill level. It is issued by your National Association and matches the level or your flying Licence
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National Licence
The organiser requires you to present your National flying licence.
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Signed Application form
You will need to sign an applicaton form at the venue. Usually the organiser will provide it on arrival.
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Signed Waiver/Release form
You will need to sign a waiver or release document to show you understand the risks. Usually the organiser will provide it on arrival.
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Experience summary required
The organiser wishes for you to provide a summary of your experience on arrival.
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Identification documents needed
You will need to provide photo ID on arrival. This could be Passport, Driving Licence or National ID, for example.
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Liability Insurance
You must provide the organiser with a copy of your liability (3rd party) insurance documents
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Rescue/Medical Insurance
You must provide the organiser with a copy of your medical, rescue and repatriation insurance. You can purchase Global Rescue cover from Airtribune
Cancellation Policy
* A 100% refund will be issued if the competition is cancelled by the organisers.
Pilot Cancellation:
* Full refund for cancellations made before 1 September 2026
* No refunds for cancellations made on or after 1 September 2026
Prize fund and scoring categories
Competition Categories
* Overall (CCC)
* Performance (EN-D)
* Sport (EN-C)
* Intermediate (EN-B)
* Ladies
* South African Nationals
Important*
* Pilots must select their competition class before the start of the event
* Each pilot will be ranked:
- In the Overall classification, and
- In one selected class only
* Pilots cannot win multiple classes
* No Novice Class will be offered
General schedule
Friday, 11 Dec 2026
16:00 - 19:00 - Registration
Saturday, 12 Dec 2026
16:00 - 19:00 - Registration
COMPETITION BRIEFING
Saturday, 12 Dec 2026
18:00 - 18:30 - Competition Briefing
Venue: Flyers Lodge
PRIZEGIVING
Saturday, 19 Dec 2026
18:00 - Scoring Closes
19:00 - Closing Ceremony/Prize Giving
Venue: Flyers Lodge
Daily schedule
10:00 - Task briefing
11:00 - Window opens
12:00 - Race starts
16:00 - Land by time/Scoring Opens
19:00 - Scoring closes
21:00 - Provisional Results
(pilots will be notified if times change - Whatsapp)
Accommodation and Activities
A wide range of accommodation is available in and around Porterville, from guest houses and self-catering units to farm stays and mountain retreats. Pilots are encouraged to book early, as availability can be limited during the event period.
More options can be found here:
https://porterville.bergriviertourism.co.za/accommodation/
In Town
* Elephant Cottage – self-catering, sleeps 6
+27 82 922 1737 | [pate@mailzone.co.za](mailto:pate@mailzone.co.za)
* Lekkerwater – farm house just outside town, sleeps 10
+27 72 600 5685 | [alanamyburgh@gmail.com](mailto:alanamyburgh@gmail.com)
* Mayors Manor – self-catering, sleeps 5
+27 92 551 3460 | [louiseroelofse91@gmail.com](mailto:louiseroelofse91@gmail.com)
* De Herberg Guest House
+27 22 931 3187
* Flyers Lodge (event base)
+27 22 931 3416 | [realflyerslodge@gmail.com](mailto:realflyerslodge@gmail.com)
* Isabella’s Self Catering
+27 82 564 4749 | [isabeldutoit@vodamail.co.za](mailto:isabeldutoit@vodamail.co.za)
* Melanie’s Home Stay
+27 82 790 6079
* Mountain View Guest House
+27 22 931 2626 | [info@mountainviewbb.co.za](mailto:info@mountainviewbb.co.za)
* The Palms
+27 22 931 2282
* Porterville Country Hotel
+27 22 931 2178 | [info@portervillehotel.co.za](mailto:info@portervillehotel.co.za)
* Pilots Only Guesthouse
3 Van Zyl Street
+44 7751 195220 | [able-property@hotmail.co.uk](mailto:able-property@hotmail.co.uk)
* Twin Trees Guest House
+27 82 304 6868 | [laatson.marni@gmail.com](mailto:laatson.marni@gmail.com)
* Villa Cho-Co-Latt
+27 22 931 3877 | [hauptfleischj@gmail.com](mailto:hauptfleischj@gmail.com)
* Welkom Self Catering Unit
+27 83 236 6246
Budget Option
* Porterville High School Boarding Hostel
Affordable shared accommodation
±40 rooms (single beds to 10-sleeper units)
R250 per person per night (including breakfast)
Single rooms allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
Contact: Flo | [kbkcape@gmail.com](mailto:kbkcape@gmail.com)
Out of Town (Farms & Surroundings)
* Laatson & Waterval Camping & Chalets
+27 22 931 2339
* Mooi Berg Plaas
+27 83 542 7700
* Peace of Africa
+27 22 931 2181
* Voorberg Self-Catering Guest House
+27 22 931 8133
On the Mountain
* Beaverlac Camping & Cottages
+27 22 931 2945 | [beaverlac.kantoor@gmail.com](mailto:beaverlac.kantoor@gmail.com)
* Berghoff Fynbos Farm Chalets
+27 83 954 5276 | [margot@berghoff-fynbos.co.za](mailto:margot@berghoff-fynbos.co.za)
* Cedar Peak Cottages
+27 21 438 7702
* Coen’s House & Heidedal Homestead
+27 83 630 8217
* Groot Winterhoek Mountain Conservancy
+27 21 483 0190 | [www.capenature.co.za](http://www.capenature.co.za)
* Pampoenfontein Farm Cottages
+27 21 689 7792 | [gemmac@mweb.co.za](mailto:gemmac@mweb.co.za)
* Tygerkloof Cottage – Groot Winterhoek
+27 83 946 6050
Local Activities
Outside of flying, Porterville offers a relaxed rural atmosphere with plenty to explore. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the Groot Winterhoek mountains, exploring local farms, and visiting nearby wine regions. The area is known for its natural beauty, quiet setting, and welcoming community, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day in the air. https://porterville.bergriviertourism.co.za
How to get here
the Flyers Lodge
87 Voortrekker Str
Porterville 6810
Porterville is located approximately 120 km north-east of Cape Town and is easily accessible by road.
By plane
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport. From the airport, Porterville is about a 1.5–2 hour drive. Car rental is recommended, or you can arrange a private transfer or taxi.
By car
From Cape Town International Airport, follow these directions:
* Exit the airport onto Airport Approach Road toward the N2 (Settlers Way)
* After approximately 1.8 km, merge onto Settlers Way toward Somerset West
* After 4 km, take exit 22A onto the R300 North toward Bellville
* Continue for 16 km and merge onto the N1 East toward Paarl/Worcester
* After 21 km, take exit 47 onto the R44 toward Wellington
* Turn left onto the R44 (Adam Tas Street) toward Wellington
* After 23 km, continue on the R44 (Stokery Road) toward Porterville
* After 41 km, turn left onto the R44 toward Gouda/Porterville
* Continue for 35 km to reach Porterville
Arrival & event base
The official event base is Flyers Lodge in Porterville, where registration, briefings, and scoring will take place.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G2963Q9YmMcNW3dL7
X2R2+Q9 Porterville, South Africa
Porterville (Western Cape) South Africa
Plane
The nearest is Cape Town International airport.
Web: http://www.capetown-airport.com/
Form there you can take a car or hire a taxi to get to Porterville.
Car
As you exit the Airport Oval, continue onto Airport Approach Road towards the N2, Settlers Way.
After 1.8km, merge onto Settlers Way South towards Somerset West.
After 4.0 km, take exit 22A to merge onto R300 North, toward Bellville.
After 16 km, exit right to merge onto N1 East, toward Paarl, Worcester.
Drive for 21 km, and take exit 47 onto R44 toward Wellington, Stellenbosch
Turn left onto Adam Tas Street / R44 (North) toward Wellington.
After 23 km, turn left onto Stokery Road (R44) toward Wellington, Porterville.
After 41 km, turn left onto R44 toward Gouda, Porterville
After 35 km, you have reached the town of Porterville.
Downloads
Waypoint files
Organizers
All Mountain Aero
+27 82 758 5845
SAHPA
office@sahpa.co.za
+27 74 152 2505
Kaapse Buitepos Klub
KBK
Mias De Klerk
mias@allmountain.co.za
+27 82 758 5845
Contacts
-
organiser
- Wesley McQuillan
- +27 82 321 8177
- wes@tcswifi.co.za
-
Retrieve
- Jethro Bakker
- +27 79 616 8406
- kbkcape@gmail.com
-
scoring
- Daniel Bakker
- +27 60 926 6988
- elijahbakker8@gmail.com
-
meet director
- Allan Livingston
- +27 82 808 9673
- kbkcape@gmail.com
-
safety officer
- Jon Pio
- +27 82 459 6208
- jon.pio@telkomsa.net
-
Organiser
- Mias De Klerk
- +27 82 758 5845
- mias@allmountain.co.za