Dave Gwerder

Flight instructor and Travel guide

What fascinates me the most about Paragliding? The incredible variety of the sport

Whether it’s cross-country flying, practicing maneuvers, relaxed thermaling followed by a top landing, or a ground handling session on the training hill—I simply can't decide on just one discipline. And that is exactly what makes it so special to me.


I have been flying regularly since 2018, logging around 100 flight hours per year. My flying sites range from Flims to the Alpstein and the Jura—mostly places that are easily accessible from Zurich.

Beyond flying itself, I am deeply interested in the topic of Human Factors: How do we make decisions? How does our conditioning influence our behavior in the air? These questions occupy me not only as a pilot but also as an instructor. I have completed peer support training with the SHV (Swiss Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association) and am available as a contact for anyone who needs to talk after a distressing flight experience. Sometimes, it simply helps to speak with someone who listens and understands.


In training, a solid foundation is important to me. You only really learn to paraglide after getting your license—but for that, you need a stable base laid during flight school. This takes time, and I am happy to dedicate that time. My teaching style? Encouraging, methodical, and patient. What always brings me joy is the variety of people I get to work with and the feedback I receive.

"I am fascinated by the mental challenge—learning from mistakes and setting goals. That helps you move forward in everyday life as well."

You’ll find me instructing on school days, or on the Slovenia trip in Summer 2026.