Paraglide Tandem with Me!

Feed the Addiction: Paraglide Tandem with Mark Zinkel

What is paragliding?

Paragliding is a unique combination of freedom, euphoria and exhilaration! The activity involves two key pieces of equipment: A wing, which sort of looks like a parachute, and a harness. With tandem setups, you have your own harness up front and I fly from the back from my harness. The activity itself consists of three parts: Launch, soaring and landing. I’ll be focused on all three parts, so all you have to do is enjoy the view once we’re up in the air.

And boy, what a view it is:



Where will we fly?

I’ve selected a handful of locations throughout Northern California that offer both a great flying experience and breathtaking scenery you just won’t get anywhere else. From the coast of the San Francisco Bay to the mountains of Lake Tahoe, you’ll be blown away (literally!) by the stunning 360-degree views that are simply unmatched by any other flying experience.



Is it safe?

Extremely! Paragliding is an activity that has been evolving for over 30 years. Modern paragliding equipment is incredibly stable, and pilots have learned better practices to keep themselves and their passengers up in the air longer.

Just like any other sport, paragliding requires good judgment to ensure everyone stays safe. In the rare event something does go awry, I’ll be equipped with an extra parachute and other equipment to ensure we land safely. I’ll make sure you have all the safety equipment you need and will give you a thorough, but simple, explanation of all safety procedures before we take off — just like a flight attendant does before you travel on an airplane.

In addition, I only fly with certified equipment when flying with passengers. In order for a manufacturer to receive certification, equipment must pass rigorous testing at a third party facility where it goes through an exhaustive beatdown and is subjected to stringent examination.

As a passenger, you only need to listen to a few key instructions in order for us to have a successful launch. Once we’re in the air, relax and enjoy the flight!



Is it legal?

The short answer is: Yes, it’s completely legal.

The longer answer: Paragliders must follow certain rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the same agency that regulates commercial and private airplanes. Tandem paraglider pilots are allowed to fly due to a special exception granted by the FAA and all pilots must have certification from the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) to be legal. A pilot’s certification can be pulled at any time if they show poor judgment.



But I’m short/fat/thin/thick/disabled, is paragliding something I can do?

In most cases, yes, absolutely! Almost anyone can be accommodated as a passenger. That said, there are some cases where special equipment, training or handling may be needed, so if you think you fall into this category, you’ll want to talk with me well in advance of your flight. Also, please let me know if you have certain medical or psychological conditions, such as a fear of flying or motion sickness so I can determine how we can best accommodate you. We’ll almost certainly be able to make it work!

I’m still not sure this is for me…

Look, even my mom can do it. If my mom can do it, so can you!


What if this campaign isn’t fully-funded?

All rides and other perks purchased through this campaign will be fully honored. We’ll arrange a day and time for your flight after the campaign ends.


Fine Print

**All rewards must be received within one year after this campaign is fully funded or ends, whatever comes first.**


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