Hi fearenside,
From your location , have you tried
Fly Sussex Paragliding - Learn to paraglide in Sussex
I know absolutely 'jacques merde' about paragliding as I'm one of them fixed-wing johnnies , but if it does float your boat then these people can not only sell you the clobber , but can also train you not to kill yourself as well.
The other chaps are right when they recommend you don't skimp on the training....Enjoy.