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. We have done thousands of tandem flights and have a perfect safety record.
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. There is no lower weight limit.
There is no minimum age requirement and here at Paragliding San Francisco we have flown passengers from 4 to 97 years old. However, passengers under 18 will need to have a liability release signed by a parent or legal guardian.
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.