I have been training with Jesse (and Dave) for almost 3 years at this point. Jesse is hands down the best instructor for paragliding in the bay area. As a high intensity sport, you want your instructor not to make decisions for you (except in intro), rather impart skills that you can make better judgement by yourself in variety of conditions. Jesse does just that. He'll help you get started and then push you to improve yourself over time. And the lift community Jesse has built is amazing. People share when and where they plan to fly, lookout for each other and share their knowledge, helping everyone get better. read more

It took me 4 months sporadically learning with Jesse and Dave toward P2, and each lesson I felt safe, content and I learned something new. It has been a year since I got my P2 certificate, and I have grown into loving paragliding more and more. Jesse has maintained a loving community where pilots have fun flying and hanging out. I have made many amazing friends for Jesse's trips to Dunlap, Mexico and Woodrat. The dream to fly took me to learn paragliding, and the great people hooked me in. 10/10 recommended if you are interested to learn paragliding in Bay Area! read more

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When you finally decide to fly...you'll regret not having started sooner. And if you ready, Lift Paragliding is the place to learn. It starts with Jesse, one of the most experienced and dedicated instructors you'll find in the sport. His unique ability to balance a genuine commitment to safety with pushing you to progress is something you feel from day one. Paragliding demands consistency, and Jesse has the patience to meet you where you are and guide you through every new and sometimes intimidating milestone. What makes Lift truly special is the community Jesse has built around it and his commitment to it - along with the amazing trips he guides around the world! read more

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When you begin flying with Lift, you become part of the Lift family. Jessie, Dave, and the entire Lift crew are more than just paragliding educators, they are mentors, safety advocates, and most importantly, fun people to be around. Grateful for their ongoing education and mentorship as I continue to progress in my paragliding career! read more

Lift Paragliding - Flying at Muscle Rock with the Lift Paragliding Crew! - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

Lift Paragliding is amazing. They stand out as the best paragliding school in the Bay. Real safety focus from the start and great fun. They teach primarily at Ed Levine which is an amazing spot right next to Milpitas. They are there every day and you can pop in. This gives you the best flexibility ever. Also outstanding how the have the best community of paragliders in the Bay. I joined on a Dunlap trip in the Sierras and they also go abroad on great trips. Jesse and David rock as instructors and make it great fun read more

Lift Paragliding - Lift Paragliding at Dunlap - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

As an older adult learner, I needed an instructor who would be a good combination of patient, safe, and supportive. I found the learning environment at Lift Paragliding to be a perfect fit for me, and Jesse an amazing instructor. The other instructors and recent graduates create an amazing community where everyone helps each other out and looks out for one another. If you're thinking about trying out paragliding, I can highly recommend Jesse and Lift. read more

Lift Paragliding - Just after a landing at Ed Levin - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

Will teach you how to fly (safely) and organizes fun events! Lift is also a large community of passionate pilots helping in getting started read more

Lift Paragliding - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

Amazing instructor who prioritizes safety o er anything else .. Especially paragliding being a risky sport , I highly recommend his coaching so as to be better at improving one skill while taking calculative risks. He also organizes guided international tours which are amazing read more

Lift crew is fun. Jesse and Dave are good and responsible instructors. They teach you basics and don't rush you . They are available after you finish the certification as well. read more

There is just no way to overstate the impact Jesse and Dave have had on my life. They have given me not only the gift of flight - something I've dreamed of since childhood - but also the gift of friendship and community. Unlike many (or even most) other paragliding schools, your training with them does not end with P2. They connect you to a broad group of other pilots, who mentor each other and fly together, both in California and abroad. Aside from being an incredibly joy to share the sky with friends, this also creates a forum for sharing knowledge and experience, and adds an extra layer of safety to everyone's progression. To Jesse and Dave, you're always more than a client: you're a potential friend waiting to be made. read more

"Amazing paragliding school! The instructor was super nice, patient, and made me feel completely safe the whole time. Highly recommend for beginners." read more

This is the paragliding school you want to go with! I've had a chance to try out a couple of the local providers, and I can tell you hands down that Jesse and Dave are the best. Their style is laid back, but not cavalier. You will learn how to paraglide safely, in a positive encouraging environment. When you join the Lift team you'll immediately feel welcomed into a supportive community of peer paragliding students as well as more experienced pilots who are still learning with Lift. If you've ever looked up at Paragliders and thought to yourself "I want to do that", do yourself a favor and go for it! It's an incredible feeling and very approachable. read more

Lift Paragliding is the BEST! Learning to paraglide can be stressful. Jesse and Dave make it fun and provide amazing instruction to keep you safe. The instruction and guidance doesn't stop at the end of the course. Lift Paragliding will be your friend and mentor through your flying career. read more

Went out as a company event December 5th, 2025. Jesse was a FANTASTIC instructor who was clear and concise with instructions. The hours spent was well worth the excitement and pleasure of learning the sport of Paragliding. Jesse did not advance the crew any further than he felt we could handle, and surprisingly with a group of engineers, Jesse believe more than we did. It was great that he had confidence in us as we took to the air and soared at the end of the day's lessons. I went into the lesson with some apprehension of my own ability, and came out with confidence to have the desire to continue my education in this sport. Looking forward to taking the complete course in the near future. read more

Highly recommend training with Lift Paragliding! I started my paragliding training process last winter and had an amazing time. Jesse and the whole Lift crew are very patient instructors and have created a well-organized training environment that is also a ton of fun. Once you get signed off as a P2, you can go on international trips (Mexico was a ton of fun!) and continue training to progress to higher pilot levels any time that Jesse is at the training hill (which is very often). I wouldn't choose anywhere else to start my paragliding experience. read more

I've been training in paragliding for two years now, driving from Berkeley to the Ed Levin park near Milpitas, and got to know several of the instructors. Jesse and Dave are the best! Meticulous, safe, attentive. Their students quickly become skillful pilots. Went with them once for a weekend in Dunlap CA to get some thermals and a whole week in Tapalpa Mexico. Good training, lots of fun. Students from all walks of life, both men and women, in various ages, from their 20s to their 60s. Good camaraderie and good training. read more

When you learn to paraglide with Lift, you are joining a supportive community of Bay Area pilots rather than simply learning skills. I started flying with Lift Paragliding 3 years ago, and it has been a wonderful journey. I've taken the P2 certification course at Ed Levin, as well as coaching sessions for coastal sites (Monterey and Pacifica) and in the Sierra Nevadas. And, I've done weeks of international flying in Mexico and Chile. All these experiences have been fantastic. Both instructors at Lift have won USHPA Instructor of the Year and have a ton of experience working with all different ages (18+) and personalities. read more

It took me some time to build trust with Jesse. You know, paragliding can be dangerous. After the trust is built, it is a wonderful journey learning with Jesse and David. Jesse knows what he is doing. He would stops my launch if he noticed any risks, like strong wind, rotor, tangled line, flipped tips, etc. I would recommend Jesse and David for your paragliding journey read more

I cannot recommend any learning experience more highly than learning to paraglide with Jesse and Dave. Jesse has a somewhat superhuman ability to track each student's wing, name, and progress in 3D airspace and over extended periods of time. He has just the right advice delivered in the most actionable way at just the right time to keep everyone flying or landing safely. His eyesight...is crazy. He can tell what your hands are doing seemingly over a mile away. He's always paying attention to you among many other factors (wind, obstacles, other pilots). The mindfulness that Jesse possesses made me feel so safe, that even as a P3 now, I often wish I had Jesse around for first flights at new sites. His teaching style is great, simple, yet highly effective. He never yells, is fun and friendly, and is obviously a very passionate and extremely capable pilot. Dave is also a wonderful coach, super helpful with feedback and demonstrations. Those are the most desirable things when looking for a paragliding school, right? Wrong! The most desirable thing about Jesse and Lift is that he builds a vast community of pilots out of former students. I didn't realize when going into my training that I would need or want this community, but now, looking at all the wonderful friendships and adventures that have risen from Lift, I don't know what paragliding would be without it! He organizes picnics, trips to inland CA, and international trips, all of which are incredible opportunities to connect with other pilots who share the same passion for free flight. My partner and I went on his Chile trip last November and had such amazing flights and experiences. We both beat our personal bests for altitude and flight time. Jesse works his ass off to make sure everyone has the best day ever, and that is genuinely what it feels like on each day of one of Jesse's trips. The best day ever. My partner and I had planned to spend another week traveling to Patagonia after flying for a week in Iquique but we were so delirious and exhausted from flying, all we could do was go sit on a beach and look at the photos we took in the air. So, it is true that Jesse can be hard to reach if you're new to the scene, but what those reviewers don't know is that Jesse is very reachable and attentive after you've made your way into the Lift community and demonstrate that you're a committed pilot. He is very invested in seeing his students progress, and very responsive to a shit ton of former students. I also think he flies like most of the day every day out where there isn't much cell service, and just is more of a nature guy than a phone guy. Don't let that stop you! Soon you'll be flying all day and ignoring your phone too. read more

Eric is amazingly skilled, helpful, and safe. I wish I could fly for the first time all over again...what a feeling!!! I'm now a licensed pilot and living the dream at least three times a week. Thank you Eric. read more

I bought a paraglider from Jesse when I just completed my training and trusted the one he sold me would be safe, however I took a wing collapse in Dunlap which almost took my life. Talking to other people about it, I was told that the paraglider was too advanced for me in which Jesse sold it to me. it was a mid-intermediate and he never should have sold me an intermediate when I just completed my training. After that collapse, I could not get myself back in my paraglider and sold it. It's years later and I still think about that day. read more

What a great experience. I did a tandem with Jesse and after that I immediately signed up for the course. After finishing the course I can't speak highly enough of Jesse and the lift paragliding team. Lift has fiqured out how to keep this activity extremely safe while at the same time having a blast. His first priority is always safety and that truly comes out in is instruction. Not only is Jesse a great instructor, he has built a real community around paragliding and all his former students are there to help each other improve. My wife and her friends also did tandems with Jesse and now they are also all planning on continuing and taking the full course with Lift Paragliding. I can't recommend Lift enough. read more

I could not have been happier I decided to go with Jesse as an instructor when I decided I wanted to learn to paraglide. He has the perfect balance of keeping lessons fun (what paragliding is all about!) but also making sure you follow his instruction to learn to fly safely. Jesse and Dave are both super knowledgeable and experienced pilots, and the entire Lift community is the best out there. I couldn't have imagined how many amazing and unbelievable experiences I've had since I started a year ago and I am excited for more! read more

Lift Paragliding - Paragliding:) - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

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Jesse was one of the most patient, and encouraging instructors I've ever met, and I've lived my life with instructors. He'd discuss what you did wrong, patiently, and then help you celebrate all you did right! I love to fly, and I'm ready to try some more. Jesse was a good angel! Lift Paragliding is a great way to get airborne! read more

Lift Paragliding - My son Ian's first attempt at getting airborne. Jesse is checking every move. Later he would swoop about 25 feet over my head... - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

100% would recommend Jesse and the team at Lift Paragliding! My girlfriend and I received our P2 paragliding certifications through Jesse's excellent lessons. In addition to being great at teaching, here are several other things worth knowing: * Jesse is a really calming and reassuring presence on the radio so you never feel like you're alone while you're flying * Jesse has built a strong paragliding community that continues to bring people together even after lessons are "over" * Jesse's still there for you even after you get your certification. He heard about a bad day we had and proactively reached out to us to offer help if we needed read more

I loved my weekend with Lift Paragliding! My boyfriend and I did the intro two day with Jesse and Dave. Although the nerves were there trying this exciting sport, I felt safe and comfortable with the clear instructions both instructors provided. Hearing Jesse's calm voice on the radio made me feel comfortable in the air. "Look up at your glider. Good morning, glider!" :) And a good morning it was! We both learned a lot in the two mornings and can't wait to continue this journey into this sport. Jesse and the crew at Lift have created an amazing community in the air and on the ground. I felt I could ask questions and learn from others without feeling like a complete noob. I look forward to more weekends to come as we join this sport and awesome Lift community! Thank you, Jesse and Lift Paragliders! read more

Jesse and Harry are by far the best paragliding instructors in the Bay Area. I was first introduced to Harry when I was gifted a tandem paragliding flight for my birthday (great gift idea by the way - It's by far the most memorable gift I have ever received). My girlfriend was the one who found lift paragliding for me (she was the one who bought the tandem flight for my birthday). She spent a lot of time vetting the different instructors out there, and found out that Lift paragliding had the best safety track record out of all of them. On top of that, Jesse was previously nominated the best paragliding instructor of the year by the United States Hang Gliding And Paragliding Association. All of this made me and my girlfriend confident that I could trust Jesse and Harry with my life. After the tandem flight I was hooked! I spent the next several months taking lessons and finally graduated. Jesse and Harry's teaching style allowed me to accelerate my learning pace in a safe manner, and get me more comfortable with the sport. Its amazing how important a calm and collected instructor is for this sport. Jesse and Harry were always positive, even when I messed up. They were able to always guide me to a safe landing. (This is something that did not always happen with instructors from other schools - I saw students being yelled at by their teachers before flying...not the best thing to do before you take off and fly several hundred feet above the ground..) After graduating from my lessons and buying my gear, I'm fortunate to learn that lift paragliding has a massive network of other alumni that I can meet up with and go flying! This is especially important as I progress and fly different locations. Having a strong alumni network is invaluable and helpful as you begin exploring new places to fly. Highly recommend Lift to anyone interested in the sport!!! read more

Lift Paragliding - One of my training flights! - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

Had a terrible experience. Jesse was an impatient, hands-off instructor with a flippant and at times an almost mocking demeanor. He "dialed in" the lesson, seeming as if he didn't want to be there and mostly just went through the motions. In fact, while I was late to the lesson, as he saw someone approaching a few minutes later, he said that if this wasn't going to be his other student, that he would "quit." That speaks for itself. I will say that his assistant was a much more pleasant and patient person who actually assisted me with gearing-up so I could see how it is done. If I could have just worked with him, this would've been a very different review. read more

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Lift Paragliding and Jesse (the owner). Having no experience but just having the anticipation and excitement to try out this sport, Jesse guided me through each step- signing up, payment, the long drive up to the top of Ed Levin (in San Jose), instructions, and taking off PARAGLIDING! It was incredibly fun, thrilling, and not scary at all- Jesse was wonderful- super confident person and his abilities- making it one enjoyable ride down. Email Jesse or reach out via Yelp, sign up for your first tandem paragliding run, and enjoy the ride. He makes this completely seamless for you- all you have to do is show up. Would love to work with Jesse in the future on more jumps and possibly getting certified! If only money wasn't an object. ;) read more

Lift Paragliding - Jesse and myself gliding along. - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

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Hands down, this is the best Paragliding school in the bay area! I started with another school, and after being sick and not been able to go to my training day and still being charged fully, moved over to Lift Paragliding. Jesse is an amazing teacher! Other instructors in the area are sometimes quite the "yellers", but Jesse is always super chill and relaxed. He adapts to your learning pattern and gets you in the air in no time. I had my feet in the air on my very first day! With Lift your training is never over! Jesse organizes flying trips to Columbia, Chile, SoCal free of charge and became a great friend and mentor. His most important topic, that he teaches is safety, which reflects in all of his students. No wonder Jesse is the USHPA (USA hang and paragliding association) instructor of the year 2013. If you want to learn how to paraglide or just want to go for a tandem flight, go with Lift! read more

Lift Paragliding - Jesse coaching me on a paragliding trip in Colombia! - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

There is a good reason why Jesse was voted "United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Instructor of the Year" -- Jesse and team members Harry and Ken provide the best and most comprehensive course of instruction for those interested in paragliding, from basic introduction to advanced training. He'll take you on a tandem flight so you can see whether you like paragliding. Then, for a very reasonable, single flat fee, he'll teach you how to fly; he'll provide you with all the loaner gear you need to get started, and you'll get all the lessons you need until you feel confident enough to fly on your own. You'll have radio contact with your instructor while you fly, and in addition, there are "ground school" lessons and "kiting" sessions to help you better control and launch your glider. The style of instruction always is supportive, friendly, and humorous -- you won't be yelled at like with some of the other instructors I've seen and heard. When you're ready, Jesse will help you buy the glider that's right for you. In addition, he organizes paragliding trips to other parts of California and to Mexico, Colombia, Chile, the Alps... Jesse and his team also run special lessons for more advanced flyers. I have no doubt that Jesse is your best choice to get started in paragliding, and he'll take you as far as you want to. I've loved every minute and I'm looking forward to our Chile trip! read more

Lift Paragliding - 700 feet above the Pacific near Mussel Rock - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

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My dad has been paragliding for decades, and when I finally decided to follow in his footsteps, I of course asked him where I should learn. My dad lives in CT but has visited the Bay Area many times, and he told me to go with Jesse without hesitation. I'm not sure what his criteria were, other than his assessment of Jesse's skills and reputation as a safe instructor. My personal experience after having spent a few weekends at Lift with Jesse and Harry (Jesse's co-instructor) has been awesome. I obviously can't assess Jesse's skills or safety record, but I can say that both Jesse and Harry are chill, friendly guys who really want everyone to be able to fly. Thanks, Lift! read more

Great experience...I would recommend it as a day activity even for those not interested in getting the full certification. Lots of fun..expect to fly on day #1 read more

Jesse and Harry are skilled, passionate and experienced paraglider pilots. As someone who also has my private pilot's license I've been fortunate enough to have some in air experience prior to trying paragliding; and Jesse and Harry are amongst the top instructors I've had. Their passion is reflected in their flexibility and responsiveness, which enabled me to get lessons in as much as I was available and the weather permitted. Their support as instructors also continues well beyond your basic training as they have built a great community of their trainees, with whom they plan regular trips and more advanced lessons. They also have great deals on gear. I'll be flying with them for a long time to come! read more

Lift Paragliding - At the landing at Ed Levin with one of my fellow trainees and new friends. - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

When it comes to learning to paraglide, you really want to do your due diligence and find the right instructor. I can't say enough good things about Jesse and Dave. In addition to being excellent (and active) pilots themselves, they are both excellent teachers with a strong commitment to safety. But the thing that makes Lift unique is the community of pilots they have brought together. Regular "Lift Crew" social gatherings and ongoing mentoring are a big part of the environment they work hard to create. I cannot recommend them highly enough!!! read more

Jesse and the team at Lift Paragliding made going from a total beginner to a certified paraglider one of the most fun things I've ever done. Jesse makes sure all students are flying on the first day, which gets you addicted. The lessons were incredible and scheduling was easy and flexible. The instruction was never intimidating and I never felt unsafe. I'd recommend this to anyone mildly interested in learning to fly. Jesse is an incredible instructor and I feel really lucky to have been able to learn with Lift. read more

Lift is an amazing school. When my wife Anja and I decided to go paragliding I was worried that two days will not get us flying. But Jesse and Harry did an amazing job and got us off the ground on the first day and even got us down the 300ft mountain comfortably and safe on day 2. We had so much fun that we will go for our pilot license now. I can just recommend that school to everyone who wants to learn paragliding with fun and being safe. read more

Lift Paragliding - Happy Paraglider after amazing two day training. - Paragliding Near Me - Milpitas, California

I started lessons with Jesse in April and have been flying with him regularly since then. He is very experienced and imparts a coaching style that is both calm and positive to build student confidence. For those that continue after the introductory class to achieve their P2 certification greater fun awaits. The community he has created for his students is very active and serves as a catalyst to meet and fly together. If you think you might like to give paragliding a try, I highly recommend Lift Paragliding. read more

I feel really bad about rating this so low, but it's mostly out of disappointment. I communicated with Jesse through the Lift website to inquire about dates to go about a month ago. I wanted to do the 2 day intro class as a last hurrah before moving. Jesse let me know that he had me down for May 21st and 22nd and that he would send me more info. I ended up not hearing from him so I emailed Jesse a few times to check up on the status of my dates. I eventually called him and he said he had been busy for the last month, but that he would send me the info (and that the dates were still on). I was anxious as the week of rolled up, so I emailed him again. Sunday he emailed that he would send me everything the next morning (Monday). Didn't get anything all Monday. Wednesday I called a few times and left a message. Thursday afternoon I called again. Friday morning, I left one last message in the morning saying that if I didn't receive any word from him by 5PM, I'd have to assume that our flight was called off. Needless to say, I haven't had any form of communication since and I'm just wondering what happened? I still eagerly wanted to go, even if logistics were last minute, but I didn't have a clue as to where to even go. I guess luckily I hadn't paid for a reservation. I'm just curious if something happened to Jesse or if all of this slipped his mind? Not sure what else I could have done, but I'm just disappointed I didn't even get to go or reschedule. I'll still wait to hear what ended up happening if Jesse does message me, but I guess I'll have to move on. read more

To kick-off my aviation career I invested one year learning to pilot a hang glider with good results. One beautiful day as a group of us HG pilots were setting up for launch off the mountain I saw a Paraglider (PG) pilot walk up, preflight, setup, and effortlessly launch and soar away. I stood and stared jealously for a long time wishing I were that guy. HG is very cool and I may go back to it someday. I just happen to find PG more attractive. I launched my PG journey in January. I had experience with pilot training so I knew what to look for in an instructor/school and, like you, I use Yelp to help me find successful organizations and filter out the duds. I've been a student of Jesse's for the past few months now. My experience as a new PG pilot has been Out.Stand.Ing! I look forward to every lesson and hate it when the weather sucks or work keeps me away from getting my glider airborne. Jesse has all the characteristics I look for and then some. #1 for me is #1 for him - safety safety safety! Check. A talented and very experienced pilot with in-depth knowledge about the sport to pass along to his students for years to come. Check. An individually-focused, patient, personable, comfortable, strongly-encouraging teaching style. Check. (He's a blast in fact) Adapts to each individual pilot's level of skill and speed of learning. Check. And some bonus characteristics I wasn't looking for but very glad I found: BONUS #1 He was named 2013 Paragliding Instructor of the Year by USHPA! I can see why. BONUS #2 His unique model is centered around building a PG community. He tells you upfront that when you join the Lift family you are a member for life - learning together, traveling together, supporting and encouraging each other. In these few months I've experienced how awesome it is to be a part of Jesse's uncommon culture of fun, flying, and community. The other Lift students feel the same way. We all feel like we're the lucky ones to be with Jesse. If you're looking for your first or a new PG family check out Lift and hope to see you out there. read more