First, the best way to do this is with a friend ... so that you can both laugh at each other! Immediately when we arrived, Neil made us both feel at ease with something that - on the surface - looks difficult (as well as exhilarating!). He fitted us both to the proper boots - to save time during the switchover between us - and we headed out. Neil has a two person jet ski watercraft that takes out a spectator (and partner-in-crime!) while the initial guest is on the board. There is a two-way radio fitted in the helmet that the hopeful flyboarder wears (trust me, you will need the helmet!) and both Neil and the passenger can communicate with the one on the board - one for instruction and the other to make snarky comments! : ) The experience itself can be a bit daunting/frustrating but Neil's calming demeanor will help make the experience more rewarding. For many, it does take a bit to get the hang of it but the effort is worth it. After getting you in the water, Neil coaxes you through the basics, gets you flying, then follows you around on the watercraft as it powers the flyboard itself. Once up, it is possible to spend a good bit of time out of the water - even for a beginner. My friend and I had an hour's time which I thought might not be enough for each of us to get a good feel for the sport. But that was just about right! A half hour apiece was plenty of time to get the feel of the board without becoming overly-tired or overly-beaten up! I would recommend this activity for most people but, truly, you have to be a sport about it and be in at least passable shape to be able to readily use muscles to help you get flying. Oh, and make sure that you wear something with draw strings on each part (top and bottom) cuz chances are that you will meet the water at a significant speed and you want to be able to get back (respectably!) to shore! ; ) Lemme tell you, between two friends our experience at Gorge Flyboard has given us many hours of story telling and posturing about who was better ... and many laughs were had at the other's expense! Thank you, Neil! I would certainly like to return someday!! Disco read more

I was given a gift certificate to Gorge Flyboard from my parents, and went out for my 38th birthday. Re the sport itself: it seemed a little daunting at first, especially after watching some videos online before going out. But the instruction was great, and I was able to get the hang of it really fast. It was really one of the finer experiences in life. Unlike other adventure experiences (bungie jumping, etc), this is one that I'd actually love to go do again and again. I've even told several of my friends about it, and am looking to put together a group again to go. By the end I asked to go pretty high and had one fall while trying a 360 that wasn't really pleasant, but it wouldn't stop me from going again. I was grateful for the good fitting life vest and helmet. Re the outfit: the guy who trained me was patient and kind. He was an older gentleman, and not some hot shot kid, which gave me extra confidence. The equipment all seemed in good working order. I was a little bummed that we had to go out on the river a ways (30 - 50 yards) to have deep enough water for a fall, because it meant we were further away from the dock, and it was hard for my wife to get good pictures and video. I'd recommend bringing a telephoto lens, if you have one, for some really great pictures. Other than that, the experience was phenomenal, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great life experience that is truly unique. read more

Bought a Groupon with a buddy and we had a blast. Took us both awhile to figure out how to get up and out of the water but Niel is a great coach. The two-way headsets help communication immensely. We each pitched into the water a fair amount but that is all part of the fun and learning curve. No big deal. You're not that high up and water is pretty forgiving. Nothing more than hitting the water after a moderate bounce off a low diving board at the pool. Once I got to the point where I could hover and turn I felt like Tony Stark in the Ironman Suit. Still pitched it a few times after that. Forwards is best, you just turn it into a dive. Then I realized this was just an opportunity to set up for a dive and porpoise maneuver. Down into the water and up and out I came. Freakin awesome. If you are thinking this might be too "extreme" an activity for you I'd encourage you to give it a try. I'm 47 and in the worst shape of my life. My buddy is 49. I used to skate board, snow board and knee board but haven't done any of those things in about 20 years. I was able to get it down and have a great time. Will I do it again? Abso-freakin-lutely! Try it. Just Do It! Get out and play! read more

My husband and I both tried flyboarding for the first time today and loved it. We're in our 30s and not in super-great shape but we both got up and had a great time. Gorge Flyboard was easy to find. Neil and his grandson were at the dock before we got there (the instructed 15 minutes early) with all the gear present and ready. Neil was great at giving helpful tips without being critical. He was patient, easy-going and encouraging. One person flies at a time and we loved that the other spouse that wasn't flying was allowed to ride on the back of the waverunner with Neil to take pictures/video with our own phone camera (at our own risk of damaging our phone; which didn't happen). So many adventure excursions charge outrageous additional fees for pictures (which we don't purchase, on principle). We're looking forward to more flyboarding trips! read more

We had an amazing time! Our group was three guys in their 40s and my son who is 14 years old, doing a two-hour package. So we each had about 30 minutes of time on the fly board. It took our group anywhere from five to 15 minutes on the board to figure out how to balance and stay upright without immediately falling in, but once you figure that out, it is something like you have never felt before! Neil - the owner/instructor was great! He has you on a 2-way headset and gives you instructions and adjustments the whole time. He is very encouraging and his mission is to get everyone up in the air as soon as possible. It was super special to experience this with my son!! read more

I got to do a special demo class with Neil in Cascade Locks. I felt very comfortable with the process as he explained it to me. It took me about 4 tries to be able to get up and stay up. Falling doesn't hurt. It rides very similar to a snowboard. By the end of our session I was experimenting with different tricks and diving- which totally makes you feel like a dolphin! Totally worth checking out! read more

I took my husband flyboarding for his birthday, we both had a blast! Neil was a very good teacher. I was very nervous to try this but once I got out there it felt very safe. It took me a bit to be able to stay up in the air but my husband caught on very quickly and was spinning around by the end of the lesson. So fun! Highly recommend :) read more

My friends and I tried flyboarding for the first time and we had such a great experience! The instructor and his wife were so friendly and also wonderful teachers. We were nervous to try flyboarding but they made sure that our experience was great and that we were safe at all times. I will definitely recommend Gorge Flyboard to others. read more

I bought a groupon for my daughters birthday. The staff was super friendly and helpful. They have wetsuits if the weather is a little on the cold side. My two daughters had a blast!!!! The instructor was super friendly and made it so easy. My only regret is that I didn't ride on the back of the jet ski to get better video and pictures. read more

Great fun and excellent experience. Beautiful spot on the river and Neil is a kind, attentive and responsible teacher. One of the best afternoons I've ever had in the Gorge. Plan on taking the family out this season when our boys are old enough to fly-board! Highly recommended addition to any sunny day you're out visiting the Gorge! read more

Flyboarding is a very unique and exciting sport. I didn't get enough the first time so I signed up again for another try the next day. The better I got at it the more I felt like I was flying. Neil is a very relaxed, patient and motivating instructor. Next time I'm at the gorge I will be flyboarding with Neil for sure. read more

Fly boarding is soooo much fun! It doesn't take too long to get the hang of it and Neil is the best coach! I was able to start just off of the beach and it was a very safe place to learn. Can't wait to do it again! I would highly recommend flyboarding with Neil, you will love it! read more

This was a great experience! These guys are easy to work with. Training is video based: they use an iPad on the dock before take off, so everything gets covered. With some practice, you can be "flying" in 3 minutes or less. Very fun sport, new to the USA. I recommend ! read more

Booked my experience for my 35th birthday and it was the best birthday gift i could've gave myself. I Had a Great experience with these guys. They are really friendly and helpful. I had a blast and will definitely do this again. I highly recommend these guys. read more

The owner/trainer was friendly and patient. He made you feel very comfortable and had you up in the air in moments. I would do this again in a heartbeat. Its so much fun to do with your child, as I took my son for a mother son fun thing to do." read more

This experience is fantastic! Everybody was super nice and made me feel at ease. I always felt comfortable and safe in the water knowing he was right there ready to jump in in case anything happened. I would do it again in a heartbeat!! read more

"This was one of the funnest days I've had in quite a while. The operator was kind, pleasant, encouraging, and very supportive. I will certainly come back and bring friends next time I want to do this for the whole afternoon!" read more

I took a group to flyboard for my son's birthday and we had a fantastic time and they were even flexible when we reserved spots for no shows and someone who didn't feel up to it and filled those spots with repeat flyboarders. read more

Neil have been a close family friend for many years. He is a great father and grandfather. With that being said Neil has patients and takes the time to make sure that his clients get the best experience possible. read more