The Team
Enthusiasm and a passion for sharing the joy of free-flying, as well as ensuring the safety of our students are obvious requirements, however, we believe that our instructors all bring a little extra magic to our Cloudbase family.
Jan (The Jammer)
Chief Flying Instructor (Grade A Instructor, PPG Instrcutor and Tandem Flight Instructor)Jan Minnaar, known as “The Jammer,” took his first paragliding flight in April 1991 and has been hooked ever since. He began teaching in 1992 and founded Cloudbase Paragliding in November 1993—South Africa’s longest-running full-time paragliding school. After starting in Durban, he relocated to the Garden Route in Wilderness in 1995 for its reliably safe flying conditions, where Cloudbase has thrived ever since.
As one of the country’s pioneering tandem pilots, Jan has safely guided over 10,000 delighted passengers from around the world on stunning tandem flights along the coast. His calm expertise, passion for safety, and decades of experience have trained hundreds of pilots to earn their wings.
Jan’s contributions earned him the Gold Wings Award from the Aero Club of South Africa in 2004 for advancing sport aviation. He served as SAHPA’s National Licensing and Safety Officer for 12 years and achieved his SAHPA ‘A’ Grade instructor rating in 2018. He represented South Africa as a pilot at the 1993 World Championships and later as team manager at multiple Worlds (2011–2019).
Today, Jan remains hands-on: trainnig many students, checking conditions on launch, and sharing his wisdom with students and tandems alike. His enthusiasm keeps Cloudbase soaring after 30+ years.
He has an interesting story—you can read it here.
Jan is the heart of Cloudbase: mentor, safety guardian, and the reason so many discover the joy of free flight. We’re grateful he’s still leading the way every day!
Khobi-Jane (The Cloudbabe)
Grade A Instructor and Tandem Flight InstructorKhobi-Jane first left Mother Earth feet-first on a paraglider in Venezuela back in 1999, igniting a lifelong love for free flight. Her journey truly took off in April 2001 when she visited Cloudbase Paragliding on a two-week holiday—little did she know it would change everything. By April 2002, she’d moved to South Africa, fallen in love with the place (and with Jan), and become an irreplaceable part of the Cloudbase story.
She qualified as an instructor in 2005, earned her tandem rating in 2007, and made history in 2011 as South Africa’s first female commercial tandem pilot. Since 2009, she’s proudly held the South African Ladies National Champion title—retaining it through fierce competition and inspiring a new generation of women pilots.
Khobi-Jane has represented South Africa at every World Paragliding Championship since 2011, and her competitive fire burns as bright as ever. Recent highlights include topping the women’s category at the Barberton Paragliding Open (2025) and consistently shining on national podiums, proving she’s still one of the country’s most accomplished and dedicated pilots.
As a full-time SAHPA Grade A instructor and tandem expert, Khobi-Jane has safely guided thousands of thrilled passengers into the sky alongside Jan. Her warmth, precision, and infectious enthusiasm make every flight unforgettable—whether it’s a first-time tandem soaring over Wilderness or coaching advanced pilots chasing XC dreams.
Katryn (Assitant Manager)
Katryn is a young, vivacious addition to the Cloudbase team, bursting with genuine passion for paragliding and adventure. She’s thrilled to be right here on the hill with us, soaking up every moment of the flying life.
Currently training to become a paraglider pilot herself, Katryn is already hooked on the freedom of the skies. Her biggest joy? Helping as many people as possible experience the pure thrill and wonder of a tandem flight—sharing that same rush and sense of freedom she feels every time she takes to the air.
Fluent in English, Afrikaans, and French, Katryn makes visitors from near and far feel instantly welcome and at ease. When she’s not on launch, assisting with operations, or chasing thermals, you’ll find her devouring books—she’s an avid, voracious reader who loves escaping into a good story.
Katryn brings fresh energy, a big smile, and a real dedication to safety and guest happiness to her role as Assistant Manager. Whether it’s your first tandem or you’re a regular chasing bigger adventures, she’s excited to help make your Cloudbase experience unforgettable.
Dru (Assistant)
Dru is one of South Africa’s youngest and most dedicated paragliding pilots. He’s been passionate about the sky since he was just a year old, taking to the air in tandem flights with his dad—a love for flying that’s been part of his life from the very beginning.
Beyond paragliding, Dru is a talented multi-sport athlete. He proudly represents South Africa in canoe polo at national level, where he’s already made headlines as one of the youngest goal-scorers in recent championships. He’s also setting his sights on competing in fly fishing competitions in the future.
But his true passion remains paragliding. Dru’s enthusiasm is infectious—he’s constantly asking thoughtful questions, absorbing every bit of knowledge, and pushing himself to improve. We can never share enough with him; his curiosity and drive make him a valuable addition to the Cloudbase team.
As our assistant, Dru brings fresh energy, a deep respect for safety, and a genuine excitement for helping others discover the joy of free flight. Whether you’re a beginner dreaming of your first tandem or an experienced pilot refining your skills, Dru is always eager to assist and learn alongside you.
Jordyn (The Apprentice)
Instructor and Tandem PilotJordyn (The Apprentice) learnt to fly with Cloudbase Paragliding School in 2014. He participated in a number of Scream While You’re Scream Flying tours in Europe and his aptitude and enthusiasm for paragliding saw his piloting skills progress in leaps and bounds. He has worked at Flugshule Achensee (Austria’s largest SIV school) for three seasons, during which he has also honed his acro flying skills. Jordyn completed his tandem rating and instructor training in 2018.
Chris (The Motivator)
Tandem Flight InstructorChris (The Motivator) started his paragliding journey in 2006, and completed his Tandem Flight Instructor (TFI) rating in 2011. He is a qualified SAHPA instructor who has served on the SAHPA committee as National Safety Office as well as representing South Africa as a Protea team pilot at the Paragliding World Championships in Bulgaria (2013), and again in Columbia (2015). He has been a sky diving instructor and tandem skydiving instructor since 1991. His mantra… the most important thing about flying is that we do it to have fun!