as above but i would also add that this is a sport where doing your research is paramount, surf the web for as much info as possible, if you can find any pilots local to you go and have a chat with them, read reviews of any equipment you are considering buying, read others comments on this site and try and take on board as much as you can, but dont go buying anything on one persons recomendation alone, what they mite consider a good bit of kit may not be right for you, take your time, you can got plenty of training in during the winter, have a look on ebay for the DVD called risk and reward its got some good info on there, a couple of books you may want to consider are aviation law and meteorology by Trevor horn, the powered paragliding bible by Jeff goin and understanding flying weather by Derek, piggot, you will find that their will be someone on here who will normally be able to help answer any question you may have,(usually Francis ) dont be afraid to ask.
Good luck, Dave.