About Apex

Apex Adventures is South Africa's largest SACAA Designated Training Organisation (DTO0012) for Paramotor, Paratrike and Paragliding — built on the belief that everyone deserves to experience the thrill of flight, done properly and done safely. From our training bases in Gauteng and Stillbaai, we've guided hundreds of pilots from their very first ground lesson through to their official SACAA National Pilot Licence.

What sets us apart is simple: real experience, real safety standards, and a team that genuinely cares whether you succeed. Whether you're chasing your first solo flight or upgrading to advanced conversions, Apex Adventures is with you every step of the way.

Riaan Struwig, Co-Owner and Instructor - Gauteng

Riaan Struwig is the owner and Chief Flight Instructor of Apex Adventures and an experienced aviator with more than 20+ years in the sport and over 5,000 flights to his name. He is recognised as South Africa's first Grade A instructor across Powered Paragliding (PPG), Powered Paratrike (PPT) and Powered Parachute (PPC), and has proudly represented South Africa with National Protea colours in the sport. As a highly experienced PPG, PPT, PPC and Paragliding (PG) instructor, Riaan has trained more than 300+ students and brings a wealth of practical knowledge, instructional experience and international exposure to every pilot he teaches.

Riaan's involvement in aviation extends well beyond instruction. With a background as an Aviation Systems Engineer at Denel, he has applied his technical knowledge and engineering experience to the development of South African paramotor technology. He was instrumental in developing the early Cumulus PPG and later the Spider range of paramotors, helping establish South African-designed and manufactured paramotors on the international stage, with Spider paramotors being sold to pilots in several countries around the world.

Throughout his career, Riaan has remained committed to advancing the sport of powered flight in South Africa. His experience encompasses pilot training, aircraft and paramotor development, equipment selection, safety and advanced flying techniques. He has also played an important role in developing and growing the local paramotoring community, working alongside other experienced aviation professionals to improve training standards and make the sport more accessible to new pilots.

Today, Riaan leads the Apex Adventures training operation in Gauteng from the Grasslands Flying Club in Centurion. His approach to training is built around safety, practical experience and developing pilots who understand not only how to fly, but how to make good decisions in the air. With extensive experience across multiple disciplines, thousands of flights and hundreds of students trained, Riaan brings a depth of knowledge that few instructors in South Africa can match.

For Riaan, flying is about more than simply getting airborne. It is about developing competent, confident and responsible pilots who can enjoy the freedom of flight for many years to come. Whether you are taking your first steps into paramotoring, progressing to a paratrike or looking to expand your flying skills, Riaan's experience and passion for aviation make him a trusted mentor and instructor for pilots at every stage of their journey.

Basjan Van Heerden , Co-Owner and Instructor - W/Cape

Basjan van Heerden is a highly experienced Powered Paragliding (PPG) and Powered Paratrike (PPT) instructor, pilot and co-owner of Paramotor SA (Pty) Ltd. With a passion for aviation and adventure, Basjan has built extensive flying and instructional experience both in South Africa and internationally. He spent a year in Florida, USA, working as a professional paramotor instructor, where he helped train more than 100 students and gained valuable experience in a high-volume, professional training environment. He also holds a USPPA Instructor Licence, having trained under renowned international instructor Eric Dufour.

Basjan's flying experience extends beyond standard pilot training. He has experience in SIV (Simulation of Incidents in Flight) training and has undertaken demanding long-distance and adventure flights, including a 300 km Icarus Trophy flight. His technical and practical knowledge also extends into paramotor development, including his involvement in the development of the Run-to-Fly paramotor.

Today, Basjan is based in Stilbaai, Western Cape, where he provides professional PPG and PPT training through Apex Adventures. The stable coastal flying conditions of the Southern Cape provide an excellent environment for students to develop their skills, with the potential for intensive training and multiple flights when weather conditions allow. Basjan's teaching philosophy combines international training experience, practical flying knowledge and a strong focus on safety, pilot confidence and sound decision-making.

Whether you are taking your very first steps into powered flight or looking to develop your skills as a more experienced pilot, Basjan brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to every student's journey. His goal is simple: to help pilots become safe, confident and capable aviators while experiencing the incredible freedom that paramotoring offers.

Meet the Apex Team