I've been flying hanggliders off and on since 1973 (have never tried paragliding)

Just stay with your instructor and build time using his/her equipment. There is no substitute for actual airtime.

If you find after a while that it looks like a sport you will stay with and you are comfortable enough to fly without the tutelage of your instructor, that would be the time to purchase your own wing.

After you have purchased the wing, put a lot of time on it and get really comfortable with it. Every spare moment should be spent on the hill. [8D]

Since I've moved to Alaska I have become semi-retired from flying but hope to build time again when I get back to California.

Don Hatten, 1500+ logged hours hanggliding
USHGA #17442