Southern Skies is a real business, not just a website. We operate a shop with many Gliders , Motors, Harnesses, Helmets and Accessories stocked. All spare parts for Fresh Breeze motors are available and shipped by UPS daily. A full service machine shop and a sewing shop on site can do most repairs immediately...
Real people answer the phone, help you with problems and are generally here for you like we have been since 1994. We pledge to be here for you tomorrow and for years to come.   Our equipment is top of the line, high quality gear, mostly engineered and safety certified in Germany, available at reasonable prices.

Training and Flying sites are either leased or owned by Southern Skies and will be available for you in the future.

 

We do not carry low end, bargain equipment that you might find shopping around on the internet today. We believe that when airborne you should be able to trust your equipment 100% and should have the best training and service possible. Please contact us for testimonials and referrals from pilots in your area.

 

Pic's of the shop:

About the Owners:

Chris Bowles: USHGA Certified Advanced Tandem Instructor, Examiner, Towing Administrator and USPPA Powered Paragliding Instructor and Administrator. Chris heads the training committe at the USPPA and he started Paragliding in 1989, Powered Paragliding in 1994. He is originally from Germany, but has lived in the States since 1989. Chris uses his machinist background to service Fresh Breeze units at the on site machine shop, utilizing tig-welding, turning, millwork, and more. Chris is also known as the "Solo Doctor" due to his knowledge and years of experience with the Solo 210 engine.

 

Tammy Bowles: USHGA Certified Advanced Instructor, P4 rated pilot. Started paragliding in 1993 and Powered Paragliding in 1996, she currently flies a Fresh Breeze Snap 100. Tammy is a seamstress and manufactures stuff sacks, radio harnesses, etc. and makes custom products. She can replace lines, do minor glider repairs and harness mods with her industrial sewing machines. Tammy also answers the phone, helps with problem solving and sends out parts daily. She has also has the not so enviable job of keeping the books.

 

Southern Skies operates a full-time store with gliders, spare parts, accessories and equipment in stock. They have a flight simulator which is also convenient for hanging in a new harness or setting up your new equipment. Classroom time includes the basics of flight, weather and videos. Southern Skies specializes in CUSTOMER SERVICE.

 

We have to mention our Web Master, James Coblentz. He has done an awesome job getting this site looking great. He spends hours and hours with fingers blazing and he will keep on plugging until it's just the way we want it. I should mention that James is a Duke. He is a PPG pilot and flies with the Dukes of Windsoar in Maryland. He came to visit on a Duke's field trip to learn how to soar three years ago and you should see him now! He is an accomplished thermal pilot with quite a few unpowered hours logged. We can't thank you enough, James!

 

More Info:

Where to find us: Moravian Falls is located in the Brushy Mountains (the foothills of the Blue Ridge) 70 miles North of Charlotte, 65 miles West of Winston-Salem.

There is an inexpensive motel in Taylorsville ($35), a bed and breakfast just outside of
town and numerous hotels in Wilkesboro, Statesville or Hickory, approximately 25 minutes away.
Plenty of dining possibilities. For all you campers, there are several options, from resort camping to state parks to mom and pop operations. We also allow camping at the motor plex as required "water no electric".

 

The best time for training is late March through early July and late August through early December.