Amazing experience. Mike was great. Safety was paramount and he made sure we had an awesome time. There is a reason Mike has 5 stars. It's very well deserved. My wife and I scheduled tandem flights with Mike. Mike communicated quickly and kept us updated. Here's the cool thing...during our first 2 attempts, the wind was not cooperating. It was unsafe to fly. Mike made the (correct) decision to try again another day. Mike also educated us along the way. You never know...we could become hang gliders! Thanks Mike (and his driver Tina!) read more

Big Air Hang Gliding - Post Tandem Flight! - Hang Gliding Near Me

Mike delivered a super hang gliding experience! He was very responsive and easy to communicate with to set up our date and its subsequent reschedule due to the wind conditions. For the flight, Mike and his crew were excellent at explaining everything and giving clear instructions. He definitely created an atmosphere that made you feel safe. Mike is also very well respected by the others in the hang gliding community that were around us the park. Between his enthusiasm for the sport, his expertise, and his ability to make beginners feel at ease, I can't imagine have a better introduction to the sport. And, wow, what an experience to soar with the birds! Thanks, Mike! read more

Had an awesome first lesson with Mike! By the end of just 3 hours with Mike, I felt like I was getting the hang of it and was on my way to being a real hang glider pilot. We got to do several short flights (more like "hops"), and learned how to steer, take off and land the glider. Mike is a great instructor - highly recommended! read more

What a blast! Had a great time with a beginner hang gliding lesson. Thanks to Mike's instruction, I was able to get up in the air a number of times and learn to steer. His safety conscious attitude made me feel comfortable the entire time. read more

Mike is super nice and competent. It was a great experience and I'll come back. Thanks a lot! read more

Big Air Hang Gliding - Hang Gliding Near Me

My girlfriend and I purchased tandem flights from Mike, and we both had a blast. Leading up to the flight, Mike was super communicative even though we needed to reschedule the initial date. While flying, it was clear Mike wanted to make sure we had a great time (which, in our case, meant not doing too many tricks!), and we appreciated that. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I'd highly recommend it to you even if you're remotely interested. I'm strongly considering going back for lessons with Mike! read more

I absolutely loved my hanggliding experience over the bay area. I highly recommended it. Everything went smoothly. We got up to 2400ft and the view was spectacular. If your in the San Francisco area give them a call. read more

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First time out hang gliding and had an amazing experience! Hubby booked us for tandem hang gliding as an anniversary gift (so awesome!) but we had to keep pushing the date back due to schedules and weather conditions. Mike was so cool about it and kept great communication with us up until the day we flew. He let us know if wind conditions weren't ideal and was super flexible about rescheduling. The day of flying he was very clear on safety and expectations without being overwhelming and definitely just made the whole experience run very smoothly. Other pilots there, Ramon and Sayid, were super friendly and took the time to explain how the process works. Mike is an excellent pilot and made sure that the both of us had an absolute blast! If it's your first time flying we'd definitely recommend him and his team! read more

Had an incredible intro lesson with Paul a few weeks ago. He was incredibly patient, kind, and understanding of our nerves! Safety was paramount, which was very important to me. We had a great intro class! read more

MIke and Robert from Big Air Hang Gliding & East Bay Hang Gliding were AMAZING. They were super professional and yet laid back at the same time - striking the perfect balance between this awesome (laid back culture) sport and also really caring about their customer. I wanted to buy lessons for my boyfriend for his birthday, so I called Mike and got a call back within an hour. He talked to me for a long time, walking me through all of my options and advising me on the best package to get. I got the 10-pack, because it's been my boyfriend's dream his whole life to REALLY fly. Trust me - you need at least the full 10 pack if your goal is to really eventually do a solo flight high in the sky. If you've been thinking about flying on your own for a long time, and you think you'll just figure out how on your own ... or go to a cheaper lower-end instructor: DON'T do it. Save up and make the investment in Mike and Rob ... they were great every step of the way. Their lesson pricing was reasonable against other instructors in the area, and it's worth it. I took the first lesson with my boyfriend, and had a BLAST. Everyone was so friendly. Robert was an awesome teacher and so friendly. Mike was very communicative via text even when I texted him with a last-minute notice telling him I was running a little bit late. I felt safe and had so much fun. If you want to try the tandem, I don't really have enough knowledge to tell you what that's like, but I know if you're working with Mike, Rob, or anyone on their team, it's going to be a great experience - they rock. read more

Absolutely Fantastic! Mike is prompt in communication and ensuring all questions are answered before even putting down any $. He was patient in scheduling and made sure that the wind would be perfect for our flights - we had to come back because mother nature has a mind of her own, but it was entirely worth it! I couldn't imagine a better place to fly than on the coast. Fort Funston (and the meeting point) is easy to find, park and close to the city. I did my homework and wanted to get the best experience; after chatting with others who had flown at multiple sites, and with other companies it was made clear why there guys get such good reviews. Definitely coming back for another flight! :) read more

I had a fantastic time flying with Mike. He was very accomodating to get our flight in while keeping an eye on the conditions and picking a good time to fly. He was great at feeling me out to see what I was comfortable with and insuring I had a great time. It's really beautiful up there. read more

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What a great experience! I bought a tandem flight for my dad for his 72nd birthday. Mike met us as the chosen location, was right on time, friendly and courteous and the adventure began! After a short drive up to the launch area (or whatever it's called) Mike gave my dad very thorough instructions and a concise explanation of how hang gliding works. As he set up the glider he took pics of us and told us about the glider parts and information about the upcoming experience. My dad loved the flight and is hoping to try it again where he lives. I'd also like to try it now! (my birthday is 4/23 if anyone wants to treat me). Mike is extremely professional, organized and calm. He definitely knows his sport and will make anyone feel confident about trying it. We highly recommend him! read more

Ever have a bizarre dream that your flying? I was talking to one of my girlfriends about this bizarre flying dream I've been having, and since dreams are a map to the future, so we decided to go hang gliding! This was probably one of the greatest experience I've ever had! Mike was super friendly, and dealt with my whining quite professionally! (Sorry if I was a pain in your ass, Mike!) He assured me that we would be safe, he's been doing this for like 12 years, thousands of students, no casualties. So we went to the launch area, got all tied up (Not like 50 Shades of Gray tied up, though that would be kinda funny!), I whined some more, we ran off a cliff and WHOOOOOOM I was flying. I was up in the air for a good 5 minutes, then my stomach started to rumble. (Note: Don't look down for a long time, or else you'll feel like puking.) At the end of this end of this adventure, Mike was super fun, super professional and I had a great time. I'd definitely go back, I'll bring a date next time!!! (Side note: Don't go with a hang over either!) read more

Bought my boyfriend a hang gliding lesson from LivingSocial for his Christmas present. He's really bad getting around to calling and making reservations. The first time he finally called, he booked for a day when we already had plans. He called to reschedule and Mike rescheduled for a date after the deal expired but said he would still accept it without any hesitation. Lessons are held at Ed Levin County park in Milpitas on the same side where the dog parks are. Turn left at downing road, it's the first left to get into the park and pay the parking fee and continue down the road to the gravel parking lot on the left. Mike was really easygoing and my boyfriend had a great time! He's even thinking about signing up for more lessons. Thanks Mike! I'll add pictures later. read more

I went for my first tandem flight with Mike on 10/27/13. That was truly amazing experience, can't really put it all in words, but it was so great. I think it is probably the closest you can get to feel what the bird feels. Definitely recommended! Mike is very professional and explains all the process. We launched from Fort Funston in SF and flew for about 25 minutes. Landing (the part I was worried about) was very smooth, not scary at all. Thanks! read more

I did not actually glide. There was a confusion with the booking 3rd party company. Big Air Hang Gliding were really proactive and made sure that I will get a refund asap. One advice. Book directly with the company through their site and not from a 3rd party. It will save you some time and you will be able to talk to the company to confirm the booking and guarantee that it will actually happen. read more

Had a great experience with Mike! He was a very easygoing and patient teacher. Would absolutely take lessons from him again.

Very happy for taking this lesson from Mike. He is nice and patient. He gives clear instructions. I'm seriously thinking of taking his lessons to the next level. read more

I was visiting San Francisco and wanted to try tandem hang gliding while I was there. Hang gliding is not a definite thing as it depends on the weather but Mike was always clear and quick to get back to me. As far as the hang gliding when that came, it was awesome! And Mike was very fun to fly with. I'm thinking about trying out the lessons now! Tandem hang gliding... DO IT. You won't regret it. read more

Big Air Hang Gliding is the best! Mike is a total pro! Even though it took us a while to coordinate the date (availability on both sides, unexpected rain, the ​wind blowing the wrong way) it was so worth the wait! Mike tells you what to expect once in the air, prepares you for take-off and landing and then once in the air you just get to take it all in and enjoy it as he takes care of the rest​ while explaining things along the way. I am seriously considering coming back for lessons with no one else but Mike. He is also a very responsive communicator, overall great guy. Thanks, Mike! read more

Spectacular experience!! Mike and Paul are super nice and professional! They answer all you questions and concerns and did every procedure in scrutiny to ensure your safety. Definitely a must if you are visiting! read more

Amazing time hang gliding with Mike! My boyfriend and I did the tandem hang gliding and it was such an exhilarating experience. Mike prepared each of us very well for the flight and made us feel extremely safe and comfortable. The flight itself was better than expected! Even got to steer it and Mike did some fun little tricks in the air. Highly recommend :) read more

I know people who take classes here love them from reading reviews, however, I really share a different opinion of the tandem flight experience. Mike is a nice guy, but he didnt amaze me with the experience. 1. I had to reschedule for THREE times, with one time I already got there. I had to drive all the way back. I was called one hour b4 the scheduled time and told that weather is okay, things were all set, so I started to drive there immediately, no calls during the drive. After I got there I was told it wont work out. 2. After I finished my flight (only 20 mins total including taking off and landing for $300!!), somebody approached him and said they are interested and want to try. Mike told them that it was a fund raising day and they could pay only $100 for a tandem flight. SERIOUSLY? After I just paid $300 for my delayed appointment? 3. When we were in the sky, we just circled the SAME route twice for only 12-13 mins before landing. I asked if we could fly a little further or higher or maybe even a different route several times, he told me that the wind isnt that good. Not amazed. I just think it is really not a $300 experience. read more

This was such an awesome experience. Before i started i didn't know what to expect because I've never done anything like this before, but once i got there the entire experience was so awesome and i realized there is nothing to fear because the instructor Mike is very knowledgeable (by the grace of God). He takes everything step by step and he recognizes everyone learns at a different pace so he is very patient. There were many other groups with instructor's around, but it was very obvious to all 5 of us who were signed up with Mike that Mike was the most caring and knowledgeable instructor out of all the other groups instructors. Mike mowed the lawn of that entire Hill that everyone (all other groups) utilizes without having been paid for it. The park management doesn't care to do it so Mike takes it upon himself to do it without asking others for help. He said that it took him 4 hours to mow that entire portion of that hill that everyone who comes to fly uses. So Mike thank you for your service and I will DEFINITELY BE BACK BY GODS WILL AND MERCY! read more

For my birthday I decided to confront my fear of heights and treat myself to a hang gliding lesson. I corresponded with Mike, who was very prompt with his emails. I had a beginners class with Robert and right from the beginning he made me feel relaxed and safe with his knowledge of flight. He's very observant and encouraging of his students. The entire experience was amazing, made even better by Rob's guidance. I had a great first class and I hope to have more with Big Air. read more

Big Air Hang Gliding - My first lesson with Robert - Hang Gliding Near Me

We took our 16 and 19 year old boys for a tandem hang gliding experience with Mike yesterday at the beach. Lucky enough to have excellent weather, their flying experience was nothing less than awesome! Mike was a thorough, calm and patient instructor. They each had a nice long ride, smooth take-off and landing. The video camera that Mike was able to set up and attach to the glider gave a perfect play back to the entire flight! My hats are off to Mike (and his adult son who helped) for giving my entire family such a wonderful and memorable experience that will last a life time. read more

My brother bought me a Hang gliding flight in Tandem with Mike for Christmas, that I used in March . I realized one of the dream of my life : To fly . I had a wonderful experience with Mike and his son Paul . They were super nice , and I had a wonderful time , I came by myself and I was ( A little) bit stress, and they took care of everything , they reassure me , we took plenty of pictures , I enjoyed the wonderful view , they teach me many things about the wind , the flights , bird in the sky . I choose what I wanted to do slow to enjoy the flight and then a little bit of swing for fun . You can trust Mike at 100% , they take no risk , you have the helmet , the safety instruction . I am french and he explained me very well , several time , to make sure I got everything and with lots of patience . Mike and his son are passionate , and I wish them to be very successful in what they are doing because they are AWESOME . I recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy a nature activity and to see the beautiful landscape ... and to feel free and fly like a bird : MAGIC , UNFORGETTABLE . read more

A couple months ago, my friend planted the idea of flying. I've always wanted to go zip lining, but then my friend brought up hang gliding. I was extremely curious, so I started googling hang gliding. I eventually ended up on yelp and found Mike. I found these fantastic videos that convinced me that I had to go hang gliding! You should check them out. You can find them on his website and on youtube. So my experience with Mike was great! He was very friendly and happy. And when I was flying with him, I felt extremely safe. I am actually terrified of heights, but when I was up there, my fear left. The flying part was AMAZING! I felt like I was on top of the world, and I could die happy. The first dive you take is exhilarating, and I can't believe how much fun I had. So I absolutely recommend this, and it's worth the money. Plus, you get a video so you can always watch and relive the experience. read more

My wife surprised me for my 70th birthday by scheduling a tandem flight with Mike. She could not have made a better choice. Mike is the perfect guy for that. He explain each step of the way, very professional. Even gave us some stories of other rides. It was paradise and marvellous experience. read more

I went hang gliding for the 1st time and it was so cool that I'm pretty sure there will be a next tine! The drive up the hill was a bit scary but it was beautiful at the top! Mike explained things as we needed to do them. He was friendly and pointed some things out to look at. We were up for about 15 min thanks to some thermals! On our way down we did a couple things I'll call whoopty whoos that were a lot of fun. Try it! read more

Mike was awesome and easy to deal with. He was prompt with communication and good about keeping us updated about the winds (we had to reschedule for another day because wind speed was too low). When the day to fly came, my husband said Mike was super nice and the flying experience was amazing. We would highly recommend Big Air Hang Gliding. read more

My husband and I went to the first lesson with Big Air Hang Gliding with two friends today and absolutely LOVED it. I felt totally confident in Mike's abilities and at ease with trying something completely new. We weren't able to do the tandem flight because the wind conditions weren't good, but we will definitely be back to do the tandem flight and probably more lessons. Excited about the new hobby! I recommend Big Air Hang Gliding to anyone. It's not scary, it's just awesome! read more

Wow! This sport is awesome! And so is Mike Jefferson. I am "not" your usual hang gliding student, closer to 60 than 55, and waaaay pudgier than all those svelte guys you see flying. I took a tandem flight with Mike last month, and I enjoyed it so much that I started lessons today. Mike assured me despite my age, weight, and pitifully slow run, I could learn to hang glide. And today I made ten flights from the student hill, and can hardly wait for my next lesson! By the end of the four hours, I was landing on my feet every time. Mike is careful to explain things in a way that I could understand and process, and he made sure I didn't get so tired that I couldn't think clearly. You HAVE TO TRY THIS! read more

Mike is one cool bro. Super smooth flight! There was an accidental mixup with the glider that cost us an hour but he gave us both free lessons to make up for it! Very happy customers :D read more

Had an amazing tandem flight with Mike today. Although we had to reschedule several times due to the weather it was totally worth waiting. Mike is super nice and informative and made the whole adventure very enjoyable. And the flight itself... well.. it is really hard to describe, you just need to experience it yourself. Definitely recommend it and want to try it again myself. read more

I did my first tandem hang gliding yesterday. Mike was great. I received this hang gliding trip as a 40th birthday present and a little over a year later I finally went. If you ever wanted to try it, do it. Only thing to caution you is that the wind has to be just right. It may take some time. Mike is careful and explains everything thoroughly to you before and during flight. Wonderful experience. read more

So my hubby surprised me with hang gliding lessons as a graduation present. It's something I've wanted to do for 15 years. Mike and his guidance did not disappoint! He promised we would fly by the end of the lesson and we flew indeed. He walked us through step by step and made sure we were ready for the next one before moving on. His patience and encouraging nature was just what we needed as beginners. He was really great with instructions after each run and knew exactly what we needed to do to fly better. We would definitely take another lesson with Mike! read more

Went hang gliding on July 2nd, 2013 out at Ft. Funston with one of Mike's colleagues, Zac, who was very professional and patient. My experience from the first email contact to the actual flight day and experience was excellent! It was very surreal to be gliding above the cliffs and watching birds doing the same. This is definitely an experience that everyone should do. Big Air Hang Gliding was very safety and first timer friendly. Thank You. read more

Big Air offers both tandem flights and lessons. This is a review of the lessons. The lessons were tons of fun! During the first few lessons you will be running down a small hill and getting a few feet of air on a training glider. I expected that to just be a stepping stone to the next level, but it's actually surprisingly fun by itself! It's very satisfying when you finally manage to control everything properly (not a trivial task, even on a small hill). Mike is a great teacher and really fun to talk to. He's really good at giving you enough information to know what to do, but not so much you're overloaded. If you listen to his advice and follow it closely, you'll be flying in no time! You might want to bring a buddy or two to the first lessons, because if it's only you going up and down the hills you might get exhausted by halfway through. read more