Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. We are traveling trough WA and went to see Paragliding on the Tiger Mountain couple days ago. Wanted to learn about the sport and meet some gliders. After hike up to the take off platform with my two dogs I had lot of fun photographing few gliders and meeting few! I was liking what I saw till shuttle came in with gliders , this one instructor came in and started to boss around entire peak! he asked me not nicely to move my dogs out of the way! than he made funny statement about my dogs that they stand weird! I said to him they are not dog but two bitches ( female ) he did not get it and make stupid comments! he name is Marc Chirico or something like that. If I was jerk I would not move from the spot ( Its not private property and Marc don't have any rights to kick me out of the spot if I do site down with my dogs ) IF I AM WRONG PLEASE SHOW ME WHERE THERE IS NOTE PRIVATE PROPERTY OF SEATTLE PARAGLIDING CLUB I watch him setting up all the wings and everyone had to get out of his way, it looked like he was gonna jump all of them same time, it looked also like to much rush going on! later he was assisting tandem jumpers and lady who at firs was very scared and asked him what to do about , he said : just run as fast as you can or you will crash in to bushes , what kind of comforting of the client is this ???? I don't know one thing about paragliding but if I faced client who is not sure of jumping off I would said to him: all you have to do is run and live rest of to your instructor who will make sure jump off is perfectly safety and executed ! 5 hrs later we came down of the mountain after taking many cool photos of gliders in the air! We made to the car and I wanted to take more images of gliders in action! Okay here is the part which left very negative notes about safety Paragliding While gliders were coming down and there was lot of public watching the action as well as recreation people coming off the ,mountain crossing the landing field, the same guy from nowhere start yelling on another person ( later I found it was other instructor ) whole commotion was so loud it put all the crowd on their toes and everyone was watching what next going to happen, he ( Marc ) was so close in to another instructor face shouting wards I don't want to mention , there were some kids on the field , he was vulgar, nasty, said thinks like he will take the instructors licence away from other instructor, also mentioned about power lines that he will loose gilders if he don't watch out!! while other instructor was folding wings he was in his face and the same time Marc student was landing and landing in very difficult spot right in the trees near the paragliding club! so instead watching his student safety and study his landing position he was busy bad mouthing another instructor. What kind of behavior is this right on the lunch area where lost of public comes with their kids to watch and people like me interesting taking on the sport, do I need to listen to problems related safety out loud! I do not care if Marc flew 65 miles distance and was at world championships and more blah, blah blah SAFETY !!! SAFETY think if you spend zillion hrs in the air and been everywhere gliding , act like grow man and treat others with equal respect and be nice and polite to others like me , my dogs , other instructor and that poor scary lady who was your client and you did scared her even more with your stupid comments,just second before her first take off!! Shame on You !!! I am surprised that things happen in club like this one which been there for long time!!! I heard everything and have on video if you need to listen what you have said to her and her respond ! so you can learn from your mistakes you make. read more

I do not recommend doing business with Marc or Seattle Paragliding. The instructors were fabulous, so I'll give them one star, but Marc doesn't deserve any. He was very unprofessional, rude, and unorganized. Here's the story: I took my husband paragliding for his birthday. The paragliding itself was great. Our tandem instructors were both very friendly and helpful. Matt really helped to calm my nerves, so I very much appreciated that. However, our experience leading up to it was not very pleasant. When I first contacted Marc (the owner) about paragliding, it was made clear that we wanted to hike Tiger Mountain prior to paragliding. I sent in my check two weeks before with a note requesting that I receive a call to coordinate, which I never received. A few days before our reservation, I left a voicemail again describing that we wanted to hike and meet at the top and again did not receive a call back. When I called the day before, Marc didn't remember our reservation and told me we could only meet at the top if we missed the orientation. This being our first paraglide, I did not want to miss any necessary orientations, so I agreed to meet at Seattle Paragliding. At the time, I did not realize that this was forfeiting the option of hiking after the orientation. Upon arriving at Seattle Paragliding, we met another couple who was attending the orientation and was planning to hike and then paraglide from the top following the orientation. When I asked if we could also do that, he told me it was too late, even though I had made it very clear in prior communication that I wanted to do the hike. We then sat through the orientation, during which we spent too much time watching bloopers and ran late on signing waivers, etc. Suddenly, we were in a rush to sign the waivers in order to get to the shuttle on time. Marc did not give us a chance to read the waivers before signing them. I do not like to sign a waiver before risking my life, no matter how many safety precautions there are, without being able to read the waiver. Then, we were very rudely told to "run" for the shuttle. When we didn't run fast enough, Marc shouted at us to run or we would be left behind. We enjoyed the paragliding, but felt the experience before was very unprofessional and not up to the standard we paid for, certainly not worth the $175 per person plus $20 for the shuttle per person that we ended up paying. When I contacted Marc the following day to let him know I was upset, he proceeded to yell at me about how he's just "trying to make people happy, but apparently some people just can't be happy" and made a racial slur regarding my husband's ethnicity. While I would recommend going paragliding, I wouldn't recommend going with Seattle Paragliding. Honestly, you could go skydiving for the same price that Marc charges, which is MUCH more exciting. And they'll let you read the waivers before you go. read more

I put together a video of our experience that was shot using the gopro cameras and it turned out beautiful. Here's the link on youtube if you want to see just how amazing this is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlR6covdQWc I took my wife on a tandem flight for her birthday on July 8th 2014. It was much more than I expected. I flew with Drew who was suited for me since I preferred a more exciting flight, and my wife flew with David who kept it more relaxing for her. We both extremely enjoyed our flights and pilots. Marc got us set up and familiarized with the harness (very comfortable by the way - you are not hanging you are sitting in a seat) before taking the shuttle up and made sure that we had pilots that were suited to our wants (drawing an upside down paraglider on my forehead apparently let Drew know I was the one for him - haha). I never felt uncomfortable about the experience at any time as we were walked through everything very carefully and there are no scary elements to it such as freefalling. It was one of the best experiences we have ever had and I myself am seriously contemplating taking the course to become my own pilot since it was that fun. As for me the aerobatic maneuvers that we did were better than any roller coaster I have ever been on and my cheeks hurt the next day from all the non-stop smiling. My wife took a more relaxed flight and enjoyed the beautiful scenery that included Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, The Puget Sound, Lake Sammamish, Lake Washington, Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascades. Also Marc was very accommodating as I had originally scheduled the flight for July 7th and my wife ended up not being able to make it that day so we postponed until July 8th with no problem at all. Highly recommended that everyone at least try this once in their lifetime but that certainly won't be enough for me. Thanks Seattle Paragliding! read more

Seattle Paragliding is awesome! If you are looking for just a tandem this is the best place: Best location: they are literally on the side of the LZ (Landing Zone) Great orientation: lots of videos and you can actually try the harness before flying so you have a feeling of what it's going to be like. Great Pilots: Seattle Paragliding also works with great pilots that make the experience even better. If you are starting with the idea of becoming a pilot Seattle Paragliding school is great: Marc & Lan: he is great, making jokes here and there but always keeping it serious when it's needed, I think that's a great way to keep people hooked and paying attention. Lan is always keeping an eye on everybody on the air making sure every student lands safely, giving you confidence especially when you just started. Chalk talks: Marc organize chalk talks, about different paragliding topics, where students and more experience pilots can share their experiences in a friendly environment where everybody can learn. Training hill: it's right at Seattle Paragliding, useful to learn your lunch technique or refresh it after long winters, so you get ready to get to fly again. Exclusives: Seattle Paragliding collaborates directly with Chris Santacroce to provide, between other things, advanced maneuvers clinics on lake Sammamish. Strongly recommended for every pilot. Environment: One of the best thing of being a student at Seattle Paragliding is that you are part of a club with a great environment. As long as you are student you can keep participating to the chalk talks, using the training hill and spend good time with other pilots around a bonfire exchanging flying experiences. I started flying at Seattle Paragliding 2 years ago and today I got my P3 rating, it has been awesome! read more

An exciting lifetime experience you must add to you bucket list. Several years ago I was looking to do something different. Following a career in Naval aviation I ended up in Issaquah. On a recommendation, I took a hike to an outlook known as Poo Poo Point. Surprised to see the brightly colored gliders I knew this was something I had to do. I scheduled an introductory tandem flight with Seattle Paragliding. Right away I was hooked. I have been a customer for nearly a decade buying all of my equipment and earning my advanced ratings. Things I like. 1) Instruction: It's one thing to be a competent instructor. Marc Chirco however, has a rare flair and charisma making this experience even more exceptional. 2) "Bunny Hill": If you ever decide to go beyond the initial tandem experience flight, you will appreciate first "flights" in altitude of only 5 or 10 feet. 3) Equipment Barn: A great place to slip into one of the many demo harnesses and get the feel before flying or buying. 4) Paragliding lounge: It was fun to watch a "cult" classic blooper video before you fly. You might change your mind. smile. Also a comfortable place to see the video of your flight afterward. 5) Bathrooms: My girlfriend really appreciated the private bathrooms provided to Seattle Paragliding customers. Eveyone else gets to use a smelly porta-potty. 5) Customer appreciation days: If you ever get invited to one of these it's the best. What a lovely home and property. Right at the landing zone. Awesome cooking. Bon fire. Music. Smiling people. read more

If you're considering taking up this unique sport I highly recommend this school. After a lifelong desire to fly, I recently joined Seattle Paragliding. Marc and his wife Lan work as a team to train new pilots and are both genuinely enthusiastic and dedicated to the sport. This school has dozens of active pilots ranging from beginner to very experienced (all ages) and I have really appreciated their camaraderie and advice. It feels like I've joined a family. One of my favorite things about this experience has been Marc's extensive use of video footage as a training tool. At the end of the day I am able to review my takeoffs and landings and this has proved to be very helpful. I am also able to take these home with me for my own records. Marc has really embraced new technology including Twitter which he uses to keep all of us up to date with the latest conditions and news. Learning to paraglide has been an incredibly positive and empowering experience for me. I'm still blown away by the fact that I can hike up a mountain and actually fly down. On my fourth solo flight I caught my first thermal and soared to 3000 feet! It was exhilarating. Seattle Paragliding has been a very positive experience for me and I would recommend this school to anyone thinking about learning to fly. read more

There is only one way to describe Seattle Paragliding: life-changing. When i hiked to poo poo point yesterday, i had absolutely no intention of or previous experience with flying. The farthest id gone in extinguishing my fear of heights was a 25 foot cliff jump in sun lakes. Anyway, marc warmly approached me with a tempting offer to be my copilot. Despite my lack of experience, he somehow managed to 100% reassure me that i would without a doubt nail this task. Within a minute i was convinced. Within twenry minutes we were getting ready for launch. And although my knees were shaking, i had never felt so secure in someone else's hands. Marc and his colleagues are trained and qualified professionals. He even had a go pro to record the entire journey with the best camera quality and superb angles. If youre intent on paragliding, Marc is your man... Not to mention the excellent view off cougar mountain! Never in my life had i felt such exhilaration. I absolutely cant wait to do it again. read more

My first flight with Seattle Paragliding was back in 2002 and I've been flying with them ever since. The one time cost of my instruction took me from a beginner rating all the way through the four different solo ratings and then on to a commercial tandem pilot rating. They are the only local school with a private training hill, on site classroom, video tape and review of my launches, zip line, multiple harness simulators and their school is located at Tiger Mountain's landing zone! Their location is key as it makes for quick access to the flying after Saturday morning theory. Seattle Paragliding has dedicated instructors available to fly whenever my schedule and the weather permits. Over the years I've noticed other students show up to fly (when conditions are epic) only to be grounded because their instructor couldn't make it out. I've had some amazing flights because Seattle Paragliding is located at the landing zone and are available any flyable day. read more

I just earned my P3 rating from Seattle Paragliding. Marc and Lan Chirico, the owners, are an excellent team of instructors. Marc launches students and Lan guides them in for a safe landing. Flying did not come easy to me at first, but Marc and Lan kept coaching me through a process of continuous improvement. There is nothing in life like feeling your wings, spanning over 41 feet, pop out of your shoulder blades as you start the launch run, except maybe the grace of carving turns in the sky. My thanks to both Marc and to Lan for their excellent care and instruction. When it comes to safety in flight Lan is special. During the early fights she talks to each student, via radio, as they descend through the last 500 feet or more all the way to touch down, talking and teaching every adjustment in the landing one needs to learn as a critical step toward independence in flight. . I highly recommend Seattle Paragliding to all who dream of flying. read more

I joined Seattle Paragliding in May 2011. As I write this memo 5 months later I have learned a great deal this summer while flying at Tiger Mountain. The experience of flying above the mountain with the hawks and the spectacular views of Mount Rainier have been surreal. Marc Chirico and his wife Lan have been instrumental in my success in teaching me the basics of paragliding and their passion for adventure with safety is inspiring. Their "hands on" approach to teaching has proven to be very effective for me. They guide you through the process step by step and give constructive video analysis of your launches and landings. For anyone looking to learn how to fly, I highly recommend Seattle Paragliding as the choice for those serious about getting the best start possible. I look forward to many years of flying as my passion for this sport grows. read more

What a great place to learn to fly! Last spring I spent several weeks checking out my options on learning to paraglide. I talked to lots of existing pilots and different paragliding schools in the area. I feel like I certainly made the right decision. Seattle Paragliding has a great group of tandem pilots and provides excellent instruction at all levels. They have a great location right at the foot of Tiger Mountain in Issaquah and a first class training facility including an on site training hill - weekly theory classes - video replay and analysis of your progress. These are great people and they provide great environment where you can learn at your own pace - If you want to learn to paraglide or just want to give it a try I highly recommend Seattle Paragliding in Issaquah. Talk to Marc, you won't be sorry. read more

Kudos to Seattle Paragliding! I originally went to Seattle Paragliding to purchase two Tandem Flight Gift Certificates, but after meeting the owner, Marc Chirico, and seeing what S.P. had to offer, I signed up for lessons! From the Training Hill and the Harness Barn, to the Tandem Training Flights and my first four solos, it has been an awesome experience. Marc, his wife Lan and all involved with Seattle Paragliding have a passion for paragliding and "Team Chirico, " a supportive group that is fun & contagious . I am thrilled to be a part of it! Whether you are interested in a " once in a life time " Tandem Flight, or possibly learning to paraglide, I would highly recommend Seattle Paragliding and Team Chirico! Cheers! Marv read more