Chris,
A Full Course is Extremely Highly Recommended but technically not mandatory.
Do to obvious reasons I recommend that you get the most thorough training that you
can afford money & time vise. This sport in my opinion is very time consuming,
pricey, and mentally / emotionally challenging which is good and bad at the same
time depending which way you look at it. If it was easy it would be no challenge
and lot less fun not to mention crowded like skiing. I personally think its
all worth it. Where else do you get 360 mark 360 degree view and freedom of
movement? Take a tandem flight or two and if you like it you cold take a intro
course few days long or so.
Lukas Ircha
Vancouver BC
Canada