Thanks guys ... I did the only logical thing ... I took the day of work for a one-day paragliding experience course at Taylors Mistake (ChCh). Unfortunately it was too windy to fly solo, so after some ground handling work we did a 30min tandem flight along by the cliffs. A good day.
...and in bonus news ... I now have the Baytower RV-7 working in P3D again which has given me a little boost