Top 6 Picks for Paragliding in the USA

1.Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149Our pick

At Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Kitty Hawk Kites teaches first-time hang gliders through a 30-minute ground class and five training flights. Instructors such as Ben, Larson, Brad, and Drake coach you from the sand while you use the included glider, helmet, and harness. The lesson lasts about three hours and suits most beginners who can walk over soft sand and run during takeoff.

“It was really fun. Though, it wasn’t quite as expected, in that, we thought we would glide higher and for longer, without being tethered to the ground. Aside from that, it was a fun experience as the instructors were all nice and enthusiastic, and the dune area was pretty fun and interesting.”

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2.Paraglide Maui’s 1K Tandem Paragliding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $215

Meet Paraglide Maui at 10 a.m. in Kula, then ride with a certified tandem instructor to the 4,500-foot Echos launch. After a short running takeoff, glide above Maui’s meadows with panoramic views before landing near the meeting point. Instructors such as Chuck and Dexter provide guidance and take photos during the flight.

“The guides were great and made the experience very enjoyable. The flight was very short, so we would probably upgrade for a longer one next time. All in all it was a good experience and we would do it again.”

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3.Los Angeles: 30-Minute Tandem Paragliding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 38 reviews · 1 hour · from $325

Meet your instructor at Carbon Beach in Malibu, then take off from a 1,400-foot or 3,000-foot mountain launch. After a short briefing and a few running steps, you will glide for up to 30 minutes above beaches, foothills, and the Pacific before landing on the sand. English, French, and Spanish are available.

“The guide was very professional and made it very easy for my first paragliding experience. I wasn’t sure how I might feel when we stepped off the edge to takeoff, but rather than being nervous, it was exciting and quite peaceful soaring above the terrain. We stayed in flight for about 30 minutes so I got to settle in to the experience and landed light a feather onto the beach. I would definitely recommend this activity with this guide and look forward to my next paragliding experience.”

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4.Tandem Paragliding flight with instructor in Malibu

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 32 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $320

Fly tandem above Malibu with instructor Claude, using a paraglider or paramotor from one of 10 mountain sites. After a 10-minute safety briefing, you will enjoy about 30 minutes in the air, with views of the Pacific, beaches, and Malibu hills. Flights run hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

“We waited until 11am so the clouds could clear. We went up to a high point in the mountains. My guide, Claude, was experienced and confident. It was extremely important that I listen to his take off instructions which I did. I was scared but pushed the fear aside and trusted that the wind would carry us which it did. Because I did not get sick, and he did not have other clients at that time, he kept me in the air for quite a long time. The view of the mountains and ocean was spectacular. After everything that has gone on in our world over the last two years,…”

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5.Malibu Hills to Beach: Tandem Paragliding Flight Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 18 reviews · 1 - 4 hours · from $250

Meet your guide at the Malibu beach access walkway, then ride up through the hills to one of six takeoff sites. After a safety briefing, you will learn to launch, steer, and land before enjoying a 25-minute tandem flight over the coast. Guide Don is praised for clear instruction and a calm manner. A flight video is included.

“Don was really good at explaining everything and making sure the ride was safe for us. If anyone wants to do paragliding, I would recommend to do it with Don.”

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6.Grandy Tandem Hang Gliding 2000′ – Outer Banks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $199

At Grandy, Kitty Hawk Kites takes you on a tandem hang-glider flight to 2,000 feet. You lie in a trapeze harness while a USHPA-certified instructor controls the glider. Charlie is one named instructor associated with the experience. No experience is needed, but you must be at least 14 and weigh 225 pounds or less.

“Up in the air flying with the kite/hang Gliding! I had been wanting to do this for a long time, but never had been to a location that provided the means to do it.”

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