Thanks to Toby and Raoul for the best experience ever!
I'm a woman in my 50's, afraid of roller-coasters and not too keen on ladders, so this is not the kind of thing I ever expected to do. But my daughter and I were in Interlaken - one of the best hang gliding spots in the world - and she really wanted to try it. I knew I would regret it if I didn't take this opportunity, and I am so glad that I did!
We flew with Toby and Raoul, and it was so much fun!! While we were driving up to the launch site they chatted and joked and set us at ease. The weather was great and we had the option to catch some thermals to gain altitude. The guys explained that this would give us a longer flight, but we would probably feel some turbulence. I opted for a shorter but smoother flight with Toby, and my daughter went for the thermals with Raoul. They offered to let us help assemble the hang gliders, but we chose to just relax in the beautiful surroundings. Then we just ran a few steps downhill and we were flying! It was so amazing! From the first moment in the air I felt completely safe. I felt completely supported in the harness, the ride was very smooth, and the views were fantastic. After we landed, I would have loved to go right back and do it again, only next time I would go for the thermals too!
Toby took some photos and video during our flight - there was no pressure to buy but of course they are a great keepsake. We were also given a voucher for free beer at a nearby restaurant, along with some other discount coupons for local places like Heidi's Photo Chalet. A few tips - you can leave your backpack in the van when you're dropped off at the launch site, and then collect it after the flight. You can keep your cell phone with you to take some photos of the launch site, and it will be stashed safely away during the flight. If you want to wear sunglasses, make sure they will not fall off - I had a strap on mine. And last but not least -- the launch site is a lovely natural area - no WC.
If you get a chance to try hang gliding with Bumblebee, just do it!! read more