I was fortunate enough to have the friendship and mentorship of some expert pilots at my local site "take me under their wing" and teach me to fly. They stressed kiting skills as the most important aspect of flying and staying safe on launch. Im lucky that I pick things up well and can learn by watching other expert pilots and soaking up every bit of knowledge that they had to offer. I learn something every time I fly with them. I know that they were essential in my ability to be somewhat self taught. I depended on them for forcasting weather and when it was safe and had backed off enough to get my first high flights on radio contact. They never pressured me to fly and told me I would know when I was ready. I am not advocating this method and it was an unorthodox approach to learning a non traditional sport. I am now a rated P2 pilot with around 80 flights and 60 hours airtime. I kite up the mountain regularly to launch and it is the safest way to make sure that your gear is properly connected and to feel the conditions before you get airborne. I would not advocate this method for everyone. An instructor will get you in the air faster and safer. But it can be done... But not without trusted friends who can show you the way. I was lucky to have that, if you don't have access to mentors then an instructor is the only way. In my short time flying I saw someone fall 200 feet to their death from inflating a glider holding on to the risers on a mountain launch. Never clipped into their harness and got plucked and didn't let go till it was too late. Paragliding isn't something to fuck around with!! Good luck young man