🌴 Escape Winter. Fly Paradise. | 5th Annual Canoa Fly-In | December 4–7, 2026
Updated: Aug 17
Every pilot knows the feeling.
The days get shorter.
The temperatures drop.
The forecasts become disappointing.
Instead of putting your wing away for the winter...
Come fly where summer never ends.
Welcome to the 5th Annual Canoa Fly-In at Coconut Beach Hotel.
This isn't a competition.
It's four days of beach flying, ocean sunsets, good food, great people, and everything that reminds us why we fell in love with paragliding in the first place.
Whether you're an XC pilot looking to stay current through the winter, a beach flying addict, a newer pilot wanting to experience smooth coastal soaring, or simply someone looking for an excuse to spend a few days in paradise, you'll fit right in.
Come fly as much—or as little—as you want.
🌊 Land on the Beach
One of the things that makes Canoa so special is how easy life becomes.
Launch above the Pacific.
Soar for hours in smooth coastal lift.
Then finish your flight by landing directly on the beach, at the Coconut Beach Hotel.
No long retrieves.
No complicated logistics.
Just flying, relaxing, and doing it all over again.
☀️ Mornings in Paradise
The mornings are slow.
Coffee.
Fresh breakfast.
Ocean sounds and views.
The wind usually doesn't arrive until around 10 or 11 a.m., making the mornings the perfect time to enjoy everything else Coconut has to offer.
Take a yoga session.
Learn a little Spanish.
Relax in a hammock.
Walk the beach.
Explore nearby caves.
Play volleyball.
Or simply enjoy another cup of coffee while watching the Pacific life wake up.
Breakfast is included each morning for Fly-In guests, and we'll gather together at Coconut Beach Hotel before heading to launch.
🪂 Fly All Day
As soon as the wind arrives, the adventure begins.
We'll organize rides to launch throughout the day, so you can fly whenever you're ready.
Early launches are often lighter and easier.
Midday brings stronger launch conditions, making it a great time to improve your ground handling and kiting skills.
Once you're in the air, expect smooth ridge soaring, incredible ocean views, and some of the most relaxing coastal flying you'll ever experience. Anywhere.
Canoa is well known for its reliable coastal soaring and beautiful beach landings.
Need help?
We'll have experienced local pilots, launch support, a monitored radio frequency, coaching, and weather briefings available throughout the event.
🍹 Between Flights
Need a break?
Come back to Coconut.
Cool off in the pool.
Grab a smoothie.
Enjoy a fresh juice.
Relax with a mocktail.
Visit places in town.
Or celebrate the end of the day with your favorite cocktail at the bar.
Lunch is completely up to you.
We'll happily point you toward some of our favorite local restaurants, whether you're looking for fresh seafood, authentic Ecuadorian food, beachfront dining, or simply the perfect place to watch the waves. Of course, delivery to Coconut Hotel is available from most local restaurants.
Order out, stay in your hammock.
🌅 Sunset is Magic
As the afternoon winds settle, many pilots head back into the sky for one last flight.
Others grab a kite and head to the beach.
Low tide often creates an enormous playground for ground handling, kiting practice, and simply hanging out together while the sun disappears into the Pacific.
If you've never spent an evening flying and kiting on an empty tropical beach, you're in for something special.
🥥 The Coconut Challenge
Throughout the weekend you'll have the chance to complete the Coconut Challenge.
Learn how to open a coconut.
Meet new friends.
Join a beach kite session.
Take a sunrise surf.
Drop a coconut on a target.
Find hidden surprises.
Play beach games.
Complete your challenge card and earn swag prizes while discovering everything Canoa has to offer.
It's all about having fun.
🔥 Sunday Celebration
Sunday night is our big celebration.
We'll gather one last time for a family-style BBQ, music, stories, prizes, giveaways, and plenty of laughs under the stars.
No podiums.
No pressure.
Just good people celebrating another unforgettable weekend together.
Monday... or Maybe Not?
Monday is officially departure day.
Some stay and fly.
Some guests head home.
Some get pedicures and massages.
Others continue exploring Ecuador.
And...
Many decide they aren't quite ready to leave.
🌴 Stay Longer
Want to turn your Fly-In into a bigger adventure?
Come early.
Stay late.
We're happy to help arrange additional nights at Coconut Beach Hotel or nearby accommodations before or after the Fly-In.
Looking to see more of Ecuador?
We'll gladly connect you with trusted local guides for customized adventures throughout the country, including world-class flying around Quito, sightseeing, culture, and some of Ecuador's most spectacular landscapes.
Many guests also choose to continue on to destinations like the Galápagos Islands, the kiteboarding side of the coast, or other hidden gems around Ecuador to make the most of their trip.
A few days after the Fly-In, many of us will also gather for an informal, invitation-only beach get-together with friends. It's not an official part of the Fly-In—just a chance to relax, celebrate, and enjoy one more beautiful sunset together.
Join Us
You don't have to sign up to enjoy Canoa.
Come fly.
Come visit.
Come relax.
Everyone is welcome.
If you'd like to join the official Fly-In, we'll help coordinate airport transportation, accommodations, breakfasts, launch transportation, activities, and everything else that makes the weekend easy and unforgettable.
The earlier you reserve your spot, the better your chances of staying at Coconut Beach Hotel. Once those rooms are full, we'll help arrange accommodations at nearby hotels just a short walk away, and everyone will still gather each morning at Coconut for breakfast and the day's adventures.
🌴 Escape Winter.
Fly Paradise.
We'll see you at breakfast.
🪂 Fly-In Packages & Itinerary
The Fly-In is FREE for everyone! RSVP or just show up, fly with us, and join the fun.
The $500 option below is simply for those who want the upgraded Coconut VIP Experience with lodging, transportation, breakfast, launch rides, membership, and more.
We've designed this weekend to be as easy and stress-free as possible. From the moment you land in Ecuador until it's time to head home, we'll help you every step of the way.
🌴 VIP Experience Package
$500 per person
Your VIP Experience includes:
✈️ Manta Airport Transportation – Pickup and drop-off at Manta Airport (MEC).
🏡 Fly-In Accommodations – Stay at Coconut Beach Hotel or one of our nearby partner accommodations, based on availability.
🥥 Daily Breakfast & Snacks – Breakfast each morning plus fruit and snacks throughout the day at Coconut.
🚐 Unlimited Launch Transportation – On-demand rides from Coconut to the flying sites throughout the Fly-In.
💳 Annual El Nido Club Membership – Your $30 annual membership is included, helping the local pilot club maintain the road, launch, facilities, and continued access to El Nido.
📡 Launch & Radio Support – Dedicated local launch support, site introductions, and a monitored radio frequency while we're flying.
🌤️ Daily Weather Briefings – Morning weather and site briefings to help everyone make better flying decisions and know what to expect each day.
🪂 Flying Support & Activities – Site orientation, informal coaching and clinics, ground-handling sessions, spot-landing practice, Coco Bingo, and other organized activities throughout the weekend.
☕ Coconut Hospitality – Complimentary coffee, filtered drinking water, and a selection of refreshments at Coconut Beach Hotel.
🔥 Sunday Grand Dinner & Celebration – Our big closing-night BBQ and dinner, with live music, bonfire, fireworks, and evening festivities included.
🎁 Games, Giveaways & Surprises – Fun activities, prizes, and a few things we're not telling you about yet.
📱 Fly-In WhatsApp Group – Daily weather updates, launch plans, ride coordination, dinner plans, activities, and last-minute announcements throughout the event.
You bring your wing. We'll take care of the rest.
*Rooms at Coconut Beach Hotel are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once Coconut is full, we'll reserve accommodations at nearby hotels just a short walk or taxi away. Everyone will gather each morning at Coconut Beach Hotel for breakfast before the day's adventures begin.
📅 Tentative Itinerary
Every Fly-In is a little different because Mother Nature writes part of the schedule. This itinerary gives you a good idea of what to expect while still leaving room for spontaneous adventures, perfect flying conditions, and a few surprises along the way.
🌴 Friday | December 4
Welcome to Paradise
We'll meet you at Manta Airport and bring you to Canoa.
Check into your room, settle in, meet the group, and relax. Or fly. We know why you are here.
That evening we'll gather at Coconut Beach Hotel for a casual welcome meeting with light appetizers and drinks before heading into town together for dinner or ordering in as a group.
🪂 Saturday | December 5
Fly. Fly. Fly.
Breakfast together at Coconut.
The mornings are usually calm, making them perfect for coffee, yoga, beach walks, Spanish lessons, or simply relaxing before the wind arrives.
Around 10:00–11:00 a.m., rides to launch begin and continue throughout the day.
Fly as much as you'd like, then return to Coconut whenever you need a break.
Throughout the day we'll have optional:
• Launch coaching
• Ground handling and kiting clinics
• Spot landing practice
• Follow-the-leader flights
• Coconut Challenge activities
• Beach volleyball
• Pool and hammock time
• Lunch at some of our favorite local restaurants
As the sun begins to set, many pilots head back into the air while others enjoy kiting on Canoa's wide, sandy beach.
🌅 Sunday | December 6
One More Amazing Full Day
One more full day of flying, learning, relaxing, and enjoying everything Canoa has to offer.
Then we'll finish the weekend together with our biggest celebration of the year.
🔥 Family-style BBQ
🎶 Live local music
🎁 Prizes and giveaways
🍹 Great food and good company
🔥 Beach bonfire
🎆 Fireworks over the Pacific
The perfect way to celebrate another unforgettable Fly-In.
🌊 Monday | December 7
Until Next Time...
Enjoy one last breakfast together before heading to the airport or continuing your Ecuador adventure.
Some guests head home.
Others stay to surf, explore, fly, or discover more of Ecuador.
We'll gladly help arrange airport transportation, additional hotel nights, guided tours, and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
🌎 Want to Stay Longer?
Many guests arrive early or stay after the Fly-In.
If you'd like to explore more of Ecuador, we're happy to help arrange additional hotel nights, nearby accommodations, and connect you with trusted local guides for unforgettable adventures throughout the country, including guided flying around Quito.
Whether you're planning to explore the coast, visit the Galápagos, chase new flying sites, or simply spend a few extra days relaxing on the beach, we're here to help you build the perfect Ecuador adventure.
Send us a message if you want more info. or to secure your spot!
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