Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about paragliding with us.
Statistically paragliding is safer than riding a motorcycle, horseback riding, or even driving a car. Tandem passengers are clipped into a certified tandem harness with a USHPA-rated instructor who handles the entire flight: launch, soaring, and landing. We have done thousands of tandem flights and have a perfect safety record. We also only fly when conditions are right: if the weather is not suitable on your flight day, you can reschedule or cancel with a full deposit refund. For a full breakdown of the numbers, read our Is Paragliding Safe? article.
A tandem paragliding flight is $189 per person. That includes everything: the preflight briefing, all equipment, and your USHPA-rated tandem instructor. No experience needed. A typical flight lasts 20 to 30 minutes depending on conditions, with no hard time limit. You can book online in about a minute and pay a deposit that is fully refundable if the weather does not cooperate.
The USHPA requires 35 flights and 7 training days minimum for a P2 rating. Realistically though it usually takes anywhere from two weeks to a month for students to complete their training.
Absolutely not. You need no experience to fly tandem. Passengers receive a preflight briefing and are clipped into a tandem harness with a qualified instructor, then simply enjoy the flight.
On the day of your flight simply wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes such as tennis shoes or hiking shoes. It is also a good idea to bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
We will provide everything you need for your flight. Depending on the weather conditions the day of your flight there may be some hiking required to get to the launch location, so it's a good idea to bring good shoes, water and sunscreen.
The typical flight lasts around 20 to 30 minutes but that is not a hard time limit. The most important thing for us is that you have a great time.
We have an upper weight limit for passengers of 280 lbs (about 127 kg). There is no lower weight limit. We regularly fly lightweight passengers. Our pilots match the wing to the passenger's weight and the day's wind conditions, which is what keeps tandem flights comfortable and safe across such a wide range.
Tandem passengers must be at least 14 years old. There is no upper age limit, and we have flown passengers as old as 97. Anyone under 18 needs a liability release signed by a parent or legal guardian. If you can jog a few steps during launch, you can fly.
It depends on weather conditions but most flights are done in the afternoon since here in San Francisco the wind usually gets good for flying around noon and stays good until sunset.
We have a number of flying locations in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. Based on the weather conditions we will choose which one is best to fly at for the day you come out.
Launching is a very easy procedure. You and the pilot will stand together facing into the wind. The pilot will inflate the wing overhead and after a few steps forward you will gently lift off the ground. No running off cliffs required!
No, paragliding is a completely different sport than parasailing. Parasailing involves being towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute. Paragliding is free flight - you launch from a hill or mountain and soar using rising air currents, with no engine or tow line involved.
Paragliders operate under FAA Part 103 ultralight regulations which do not require a pilot license. Paragliding is self-regulated through the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA). For tandem flights, no license or certification is needed from passengers - our pilots hold all the required ratings.