Tales of Seven

Hang Gliding 'Amazingness'

4 time US Champ, Paris Williams, runs the fantastic California Hang Gliding Company that offers flights from the top of Mt. Tam down to Stinson Beach in a 10 minute, action filled experience.  Have your feet brush the top of trees, skim the hills, and dive into a cool fog. It's absolutely amazing.

Below are two videos... This is a shortened version with some highlights.

And if you're thinking of giving it a try, here is a full version showing all the sights and sounds of a 10 minute flight!

To Jump Off a Cliff

It was Sunday morning and I was standing on the edge of a cliff 500 feet above the ocean. The instructor yelled go and our job was to take two big steps together, then start running to the edge of the cliff. And just as we hit the edge of the cliff, we swooped up.

This was my first time hang gliding and it was truly amazing. The moment we took off and leveled, images of superman came into my head. The flight itself was absolutely smooth. We saw dolphins playing in the ocean, had a hawk fly next to us, and did 'drive bys' on the cliff at our side. And we had the unique opportunity to see the world from a whole new viewpoint. I have to think that hang gliding affords us the best opportunity imaginable to feel what it's like to be a bird.

A fog was slowing descending, making the whole experience surreal. And after about 15 minutes, we landed on the beach below. I hope to give it another go again when the weather is better!

Picture of our take-off point and instructor.