Photo © Seattle Paragliding
by Maxine McDade
Jump from the top of Tiger Mountain, east of Seattle, and see places you may have driven through many times, but from a completely different point of view. From nearly 3,000 feet in the air, you can see views of Seattle, Mt. Rainier, Lake Sammamish, Mt. Si and Mt. Baker. Paragliding gives you the perfect opportunity to throw a little adventure into your life and have a fantastic time doing it.
Paraglider pilots clip themselves into a harness, suspended by several lines connecting to an inflatable, parachute-type wing, making up most of the paraglider. Using currents of air, paragliders can stay in the air for hours and travel for many miles, climbing thousands of feet into the air. Seattle Paragliding offers wonderful services for novices and experienced paragliders.
If you are a total newcomer to paragliding, don’t worry! The school offers classes where they will teach you everything you need to know, as well as practice on a private, on-site training hill to get some experience in before the real deal. The school is located at the base of Tiger Mountain, just north of the landing zone.
Worried about flying solo? That’s not an issue either. Seattle paragliding has certified tandem instructors who will gladly guide you on your paragliding experience, putting control into the hands of an expert.
Allow about three hours for this adventure from the time you arrive to the time you depart. When you arrive you may pay $20 to ride in the shuttle to the top of Tiger Mountain, or you may hike to the top and pay $10 to transport your tandem equipment in the shuttle along with your instructor. The hike takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Once at the top you’ll unload the gear and get down to business. They also offer tandem parties so you can bring multiple friends and enjoy catered food and a bonfire at the end of all the fun.
The vibe at Seattle Paragliding is welcoming and friendly, which helps calm the nerves. The instructors are USHPA-certified and very experienced in paragliding, so you know you’re safe and in good hands when you fly with them.
Next time you’re looking for a new adventure, give Seattle Paragliding a go. They will show you all the sky has to offer. For more information, visit seattleparagliding.com.
