Cancel

Open app

Search

Elite Paragliding

5.0 (62 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Elite Paragliding Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Elite Paragliding

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Takeoff after jumping from the mountain
Harish S.

Mark and David are both very professional pilots. We went with a few other friends and everyone had varying levels of nervousness. Mark customized the flight based on each person's requirement. Some people wanted a gentle go up, come down type of flight. Others wanted to do 360 degree swirls and turns. They do whatever you're comfortable with. They also talk during the whole trip to make sure you're comfortable. They also explain the scenery like views of golden gate, SF airport, foxes, seals or any other animals that can be seen from the air. Just don't look down and focus when in the air. This may cause nausea and a few friends puked because of it. As long as you look up, you can manage the nausea and enjoy the flight. The pilots can also land within 3 minutes if you feel sick and don't want to continue the flight. Great experience, definitely would recommend. Ask Mark to do swirls if you want to feel the Gs rushing to your head!

Amanda K.

This was hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had!!! Mark was amazing and went above and beyond to meet my needs and make sure my partner and I were comfortable. I am disabled and struggle with strength issues, balance, and back problems. Mark checked in with me whenever possible, was patient and moved at my speed, and made adaptations whenever possible. The views were breathtaking, the flight was incredible , conversation was great, and I would 100% recommend this experience to everyone! I can't wait to do it again! Bonus: there were about 5 grey whales playing in the ocean near by so we got to watch them as we waited for the perfect wind.

Haha, the crab walk
JJ F.

I got this amazing paragliding experience from my friend Carl for my birthday. I have to say, nothing better then flying like a bird in the sky. That also have to thanks to our awesome instructor Mark. He is very professional, experienced, and nice. He made sure everything was done correctly before we fly and explained things very clearly. I felt very safe and comfortable for this trip. During our fly, he actually let me controlled steering little bit. That was fun! It was an unforgettable day and experience. I highly recommend to try it.

E J.

We had an amazing time! The staff is very friendly and very responsive to text messages. Had to reschedule a couple of times because of bad wind conditions. (Can't stop Mother Nature!) Well worth the wait! Bought us two flights for my boyfriend's Birthday. He loved it! Highly recommended to knock off a bucket list. Even though I got motion sickness, Rob was very sweet and made the ride back as as smooth as possible. But don't let that turn you away, I'm very sensitive when it comes to flying. I just wanted to point out the extra care these guys take! And definitely bring gloves and warm clothes. It definitely gets chilly up there! Thanks for letting me borrow your gloves Rob. My boyfriend flew with Mark, heard he was an excellent tour guide! They even saw a Whale in the ocean! Thanks guys for the amazing experience!

Shreya B.

This was a surprise birthday gift from the husband. AMAZING experience!!! :) I went tandem with Mark who made my birthday more special. He is a warm, friendly and fun guy who knows his stuff!! While we were wating for wind to pick up, chatting with another glider enthusiast we got to know Mark is well respected glider in the community! Definitely added more pleasure flying with him. The flying. I've done skydving. This experience was calming and serene. The views, being in Carl the fog. Some fun dips and turns after my enthusiastic yes when he asked if I was ok for some adventure made the experience memorable! I'd definitely recommend to fly with Elite Paragliding and specially with Mark.

I had an amazing time with Elite Paragliding! I was really nervous when I arrived, but Mark made me feel comfortable. He's a also super charming. Fly with Mark! Don't hesitate! Go!

Christine B.

Hey you, yeah, you. You want to have, or give someone the time of their life? Keep reading. I'm going to keep this short to ensure you do. Let's talk safety first, before radical fun. You are in good hands with Mark, your tandem pilot. He has studied wind and flight conditions like an MD, one that you would trust your life with. And the gear is top quality... Three steps and you are flying. Soaring like a bird... Flying meditation... Experiencing the beauty and calm of the sky. Oh the lifts, the turns, the voice behind you keeping you in the loop, proving he's a pilot, as well as pointing out the golden gate (or whatever) to make sure you see it with the unforgettable sensations of an eagle. Do it. Add this to your LIVING LIST

Mark Zinkel of Elite Paragliding with our 6'6 son on his 17th!

Mark at Elite Paragliding is a phenomenally great guy, and a super professional, skilled pilot!! My husband and son flew with him on 3/6/20 for my son's 17th bday, and it was absolutely priceless to see the ecstatic looks on their faces afterwords!! Just priceless!! To soar off the cliffs near Pacifica, with dramatic, sweeping ocean views was just an unbelievably spectacular experience for them!! I was equally excited filming from below, and we will DEFINITELY come back again!! I will fly too after recovering from effects of a horseback riding accident, and can hardly wait!!! Mark inspires confidence and trust, and is such a joy to interact with!! It is so clearly a joyous passion for him!! I couldn't recommend him and the experience he offers more highly!!

Larry U.

Long over due, but had to leave my first review for one of the most top-notch out there. Took a spontaneous trip to San Francisco towards the end of the week, and somehow, despite not-so-ideal weather in the morning and throughout the day, Mark kept on top of changes in the wind and we ended up making it happen later in the afternoon. This was single-handedly one of the best experiences I've ever had! The sudden nervousness from getting pulled up for the first time and sent into the air was quickly overshadowed by the sense of awe and amazement that comes from realizing you're flying along side birds, next to cliffs, and above the ocean. If you've never done this before, don't hesitate to give these guys a try. Will without a doubt do again!

Vivien S.

Went paragliding with Rob - what a fun experience. Rob was responsive and friendly in all of our prior communication. Throughout the flight, he explained the relationship between the wind and the topography, and added a few sharp turns to add to the thrill. Overall, had an incredible time. Cannot recommend this company more.

Paragliding

5/5 !!! Everything was amazing, especially Mark! He was so kind, knowledgeable, and fun. During our flight, he took time to explain the geography of the area, allowed me to tell him when I wanted to ascend or descend, and did a few tricks. I felt safe the entire time, even when I couldn't see due to the fog. I made a great decision by trusting Mark's expertise and definitely recommend!

It's a whole new world up there. Chillin right above the coast with the coolest guy, Mark!

See all

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Darryl S.
648
50
3

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Vijay R.
121
45
1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of JJ F.
77
32
8

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of E J.
0
2
5

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Lisette P.
25
111
29

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K W.
12
68
4

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Shreya B.
117
37
13

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

It was a blast! Mark made the experience a lot of fun. I felt safe, too. My son who is a teenager enjoyed the paragliding, too.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Drew M.
416
1
0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Erin M.
338
10
13

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dee S.
0
11
5

8 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nikita T.
66
95
26

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Hannah Y.
123
43
2

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Amber H.
159
21
0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Evan P.
87
19
19

7 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Alyx G.
330
2
1

8 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Pes T.
1
17
0

8 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rob B.

Rob B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Elite Paragliding Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Elite Paragliding

Can i know the price? Do they take a video?

Hi Seojeon, we charge $198/flight (same price as our competitors) and we have a $50 photo package or you can take your phone up for free (just hold on tight!). We don’t advertise video, but if you are willing to take the SD card home with you, we… Read more

View All 2 Questions

Review Highlights - Elite Paragliding

Mark was amazing and went above and beyond to meet my needs and make sure my partner and I were comfortable.

Mentioned in 47 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Skydive Golden Gate

Skydive Golden Gate

4.9(90 reviews)
42.0 km

Can finally check off skydiving from my bucket list!…read more My friends and I came here twice but were only able to skydive once. The first time we came was when there was a fire incident (not their fault), causing the airport to be shutdown. Thankfully, we were able to jump the second time we came. Upon arriving, you are required to fill out a waiver and watch a video about safety and onboarding. If you are over 200 lbs, be prepared to pay $1 per lb. The first time we came, the person helping us said that we could decide to purchase the photos/videos after recording them, since we were unsure whether we wanted them. The second time we came, they didn't allow us to do that and made us pay upfront. When we came to skydive, they were quite behind schedule. Our reservation was at 12 pm, but we didn't start until 1 pm. They can only bring up 2 people at a time due to the size of the plane, so if you're coming with a large group, expect to go in pairs. Each pair took around 30-45 minutes; we finished all our jumps around 2:45 pm. The skydiving experience itself was AMAZING! My instructor was Gus, who was super chill and explained to me all the instructions. I loved his enthusiasm and he made me feel so calm yet excited to jump. Greg is the other instructor, and he is also very detailed in his explanations. The plane ride up was smooth, although it's a bit tight and there are no seats. You get a nice view of the city and north bay once you're up in the air. You climb up to around 9000 in altitude, before the first person goes in their tandem skydive. At the end of your skydive, you get a certificate. If you want to get a skydiving license, you have to dive 25 times, and this counts as one of the dives. If this is your first time skydiving, I'd encourage you to get the video/photos to look back on. The whole thing goes by so fast. The video was a bit cringe to film and watch back, but I don't have any regrets getting it. It is $100 if you want either video or photos or $140 for both. The photos are just stills from the video, so it's bit pricey to pay an extra $40 on top for both. Overall, I had a fun time skydiving with Skydive Golden Gate. The instructors and staff were great, and the whole experience was thrilling and certainly gave me an adrenaline rush. The main downsides were the delays in schedule and the pricing for photos/videos. That being said though, I would still come back here and jump again!

Wow! Thanks Gus and Greg! A lot goes into providing a safe, educational, yet stress free and fun…read moreskydiving experience and for all of this to come through in such spades means that these guys must really love their job. We did our first tandem dive with Gus and Greg this weekend - it was unreal. You can tell they work with first timers a lot, they're calm and to the point and super psyched. The whole team created an easy-going experience and we couldn't be more grateful!

Photos
Skydive Golden Gate - Skydiving with Gus!

Skydiving with Gus!

Skydive Golden Gate
Skydive Golden Gate

See all

Bay Area Hang Gliding - mike training student

Bay Area Hang Gliding

5.0(26 reviews)
60.5 km

My boyfriend and I took a hang gliding lesson with Mike bright and early on a Saturday morning (we…read morearrived ~8am) and had a LOT of fun! There were 2 other attendees other than my boyfriend and myself, so our class was a total of 4 people, all of us beginners. One person had taken classes before, but was doing more lessons in order to get his hang 1 license. Mike starts the class by introducing himself and teaching us some safety lessons. We put together the hang glide together as a group, and he teaches us the different parts of the hang glide and how they work together. Then, we roll the glider up a small hill and he gives us some pointers on how to approach the lesson and what to do what we start running and once the glider starts taking off! The lesson was from about 8am to noon. Mike REALLY works for the money he makes during these lessons - he is running up and down the hill, and coordinating to make sure that everyone gets plenty of time on the hang glide. His passion for this sport is palpable, and it's clear he is friends with all the other folks at the area / park that morning who are regular hang gliders. This is a really fun activity to do on a weekend morning, not to mention the VIEWS are amazing. Attaching some photos as proof! Overall I had a GREAT time and would certainly consider taking more classes with Mike!

I found Eric to be an excellent instructor. His patients and willingness to restate his…read moreinstructions, many times over, drives home the needed understanding for the skills he is describing. On those occasions when I was not getting the instructions, he restated them framed differently. His vast knowledge and experience was demonstrated through his patients and confidence. With his guidance I learned very quickly. I have no hesitation recommending Eric for hang gliding instructions. I would have no hesitation if I were starting over asking his support and training. Thank you Eric, for all your help and assuring I learned the skills needed to be a safe pilot! Mikee Bowen

Photos
Bay Area Hang Gliding - Mike

Mike

Bay Area Hang Gliding - Training on simulator

Training on simulator

Bay Area Hang Gliding - Flight sequence

See all

Flight sequence

Penguin Paragliding

Penguin Paragliding

5.0(47 reviews)
42.9 km

I just finished getting my P2 certification with Penguin Paragliding and I cannot recommend this…read moreschool, and the main instructors Rob and Mike, highly enough. When picking a school most important to me was safety, in which Penguin excels. Their equipment is modern and well maintained (in fact Mike is a local authority on equipment configuration and maintenance). There is always at most a few students per instructor so they can make sure everyone gets the attention they need. They never hesitate to modify or cancel class if unsafe conditions exist. Like most people I don't have a very flexible schedule so the convenience of Penguin holding classes every day except during scheduled closures is the only way I could have ever achieved my P2. It also shows the passion that the instructors have for teaching as well as paragliding. The education and support you get is comprehensive: skills, theory, site etiquette, help purchasing and maintaining your gear... everything you need to feel confident you'll be able to continue to fly after graduating. There is a strong emphasis on including you in the Penguin community. After graduating you will always have people to fly with, to practice with, and to ask for advice. This is important because for safety reasons you shouldn't paraglide alone. Finally I want to say something about paragliding itself. It is the most minimalist and elegant way to fly. There are no engines, lines, airports, tickets, etc. You just hike to the top of a hill, pull your wing out of your backpack, and fly like a bird. It's one of the most exhilarating and freeing experiences I have ever had.

The level of support, guidance, coaching and structure you get in this school far passed my…read moreexpectations. I really felt supported through out the process of getting my P2. Even on low days you feel they are so patient. I love how Rob, Mike and all the instructors are so sharp and present with everyone on their journey. Penguin School goes beyond school, it's with a community of people who have people to fly with throughout their entire flying journey -- and that is very comforting (esp. for new pilots). I also love that they create local flying days for students/P2 riders and global week long trips to further their flying journey! :)

Photos
Penguin Paragliding - Paragliding lessons

Paragliding lessons

Penguin Paragliding
Penguin Paragliding - Training hill

See all

Training hill

Oxygen Paragliding - Oxygen Paragliding

Oxygen Paragliding

5.0(7 reviews)
3.2 kmInner Richmond

I went out for my first tandem flight with Klaus from Oxygen Paragliding, and it was probably the…read morecoolest thing I've ever done. Period. I cannot describe the feeling as you run forward strapped to a big parachute and suddenly start flying... this isn't bungee jumping, it is far far better than that! - Up we went into the sky, circling in thermals with the birds, playing the ridges to find lift. Klaus is clearly a highly competent paragliding instructor and he's well respected by the community. He's sets you at ease from the start, and was eager to share his excitement for this sport. My tandem flight opened my eyes, and I'll be coming back to Oxygen Paragliding to learn how to fly myself.

Nothing less than 5 stars!…read more Klaus was out of town during our scheduled flights so Joel was our tandem instructor - what a great guy, cool, patient and easy to get along with. We were amazed at his stamina! He made sure that the conditions were safe for us to fly and was determined to get all the 6 of us on air and have fun, and fun we had! Kudos to the Oxygen team for planning everything meticulously. I had not done sky diving before, but somehow I got a feeling that most will enjoy paragliding more than the 10-20 second adrenaline rush of skydiving. A typical flight lasts about 15-30 mins depending on the wind conditions. Our take off / landing spot was at the blue rock flying site at Vallejo and you get some fantastic views of North bay from here. In fact I was lucky to get on to the final sunset flight, magical views! Overall, highly recommended. If you have been planning to do something different from the usual sky diving, then please give paragliding a try, and for people from the bay area.. Oxygen paragliding is the place to go!

Photos
Oxygen Paragliding
Oxygen Paragliding
Oxygen Paragliding - Flying the Beach!

See all

Flying the Beach!

California Hang Gliding - Students on the training hill : )

California Hang Gliding

4.6(20 reviews)
21.9 km

Whether you're interested in a tandem flight or learning to hang glide yourself, you will truly be…read moreglad you went with John. He's an absolutely fantastic and safe pilot with a proven track record. I'm amazed at how accurately he can assess the weather and flight conditions (at one point while passing another glider John said "were going to feel the turbulence from their wing tips in 3..2..1.. *bump*" Pretty awesome!). Aside from his great flying abilities, he's just an awesome, hilarious, and down to earth character who loves sharing his passion for flight with others. I'm grateful to be able to train with John as I know I'm setting myself up for a safe journey into this sport and having tons of fun along the way.

There is no other way to describe except INCREDIBLE!…read more This is something I have always wanted to do. The BF purchased the trip for my Bday present. Paris Williams is a true professional and truly enjoys what he does. I was looking at the pictures and in every single one Paris has a huge smile on his face. The expressions on my face.... well there were a lot of smiles but a few moments of concern. We launched south of Fort Funston and landed at Ocean Beach for 30 minutes of the most incredible gliding! It was cold, a little foggy but I didn't care. Everyone must do this! Paris films or videos the entire experience which is included with the price. So much fun! I only wish it would have never ended.

Photos
California Hang Gliding - Lessons on the beach!  Can't beat that!

Lessons on the beach! Can't beat that!

California Hang Gliding
California Hang Gliding - Above the world!

See all

Above the world!

Mussel Rock Park

Mussel Rock Park

4.3(98 reviews)
13.8 km

This is less of a park and more of hiking/waking trails but there are a few picnic benches in the…read moreparking lot that overlook the ocean. There's a decent amount of parking in the lot, much better space than nearby Thornton Beach and parking along the street coming in. I like this hike because it's not too long or not too short. The ocean is always in the background and it's a nice ocean walk without having to get sand in your shoes from the beach. I think there is a technical way to get down to the beach, but you have to climb down numerous rocks, and it didn't seem the safest. The southernmost end where you are at the actual Mussel Rock seemed a bit easier and there was a cool looking beach cave, but this would only be possible to get there in low tide. The walk is a little over 2 miles. If I wanted to go for a walk along a beach or go on a serious hike there are better places in Pacifica for that but I like it here to just get out for a walk and see the ocean.

Wow - finding places like this really inspire me to find new trails and hikes in the Bay Area…read more The views along the coastal bluffs were just so breathtaking . The trails are family friendly - mild incline, wide and safe. That being said , we had a blast climbing down the rocky cliff to go down to the small beach . I'm not an expert on tides and sea life - but when we went there were just shelves and shelves of mussels that people were picking into buckets . We also saw tons of juicy sea anemones . Another stranger showed us all the crabs he had fished out ! Super fun spot for a lovely beautiful easy (but possibly chilly) walk or adventure on the mini beach ! Dog friendly !

Photos
Mussel Rock Park
Mussel Rock Park - 1/20/25

1/20/25

Mussel Rock Park - Mussel Rock Park

See all

Mussel Rock Park

Elite Paragliding - paragliding - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...