Paragliding in California is one of the greatest experiences for everyone for beginners to advanced pilots. The topography makes California one of the best locations – the long coastline and small but sharp drop-offs and cliffs offer many places to glide on the thermals.
There are approximately 160 known paragliding launch sites in California, mostly along the coast in areas such as Los Angeles, Malibu, San Francisco, San Diego plus many smaller places in between. These places offer picturesque coastal views that’ll make your paragliding memorable. These places are also easily accessible; you don’t need to drive or hike long distances in the mountains to reach a great launching site. The people in California love participating in air and water sports and are usually keen to show others how it’s done.
Beginners – Tandem Paragliding & Paragliding Schools in California
For tourists or those seeking to try paragliding for the first time, there are a number of operators providing tandem paragliding. If you enjoy it (of course you will!) and would like to learn how to fly a paraglider yourself, many of these operators also provide training. With amazing conditions close by and stunning views, it’s no wonder that paragliding in California is so popular.
Malibu Paragliding
Address: 22125 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Phone Number: +1 805-285-2405
Website: https://synergyparamotors.com/malibu-paragliding/
ParaCalifornia Paragliding School
Phone Number: (818) 681-7936
Locations: Paragliding takes place at a number of locations such as Santa Barbara, Malibu, Ranchos Palos, Sylmar Fly Site, Lake Elsinore, Pauma Valley and La Jolla.
Website: http://www.pggolian.com/index.html
Soboba Paragliding and Paramotor
Phone Number:800-973-9073
Address: 255 Soboba Rd, San Jacinto, CA 92583, United States
Website: https://www.sobobaparagliding.com/
Atmosphere Paragliding School
Phone Number: (714) 608-3451
Address: 4694 North F Street, San Bernadino CA 92407
Website: http://atmosphereparagliding.com/
Intermediate & Advanced Paragliding Locations
To use many paragliding sites in California, you will need to become a USHPA member for at least one month. This will entitle you to paraglide in many locations throughout the United States.
Thermalling
Marshall
Situated high in the San Bernardino mountains close to the border between the Mojave Desert and Southern California. There is an easy launch site with plenty of room. Conditions are consistent and ideal for thermalling from midday to three hours before sunset. March to August provide the most consistently suitable conditions, however you’ll still find a few good gliding days outside of this period. Look for a light south wind. As the thermals can get strong here, this area is more suited for intermediate and advanced pilots.
Once you’re in the air you can enjoy stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin. Avoid landing or flying within the San Bernadino city limits as fines can be issued for this. Luckily paragliders can land at the Andy Jackson Air Park.
Soboba
Soboba is another location with consistently good paragliding weather for over 300 days of the year. Ideal for thermalling and soaring. Look for an 11-15 mph south-west wind, about 3-4 hours before sunset, sunny conditions preferrable.
Soboba Flight Park offers toilets, showers, camping facilities and kitchen facilities For a small price you can receive an ATV ride to the 650ft launch site, or there is a trail for you to hike to a number of launch sites at different heights including 100 (a training site), 250, 500, 650 (this is the main launch site), 800 (popular for speed wing launches), 1000 and 1200.
The landing zone is approximately 60 yards by 400 yards. Landing outside of the park is not recommended due to it’s private ownership but can be done in absolute emergencies.
Mentone
Mentone is located off Greenspot Road, on BLM land which is open to the public and doesn’t require USHPA membership. Ideal for thermalling when Marshall has unsuitable winds, particularly during Winter. Best in south south west winds. Be careful for power lines!
Cross Country
Elsinore
Confident paraglider pilots – if you’re looking for a challenging yet immensely rewarding XC paragliding, this is it! There are warm winds from the desert, converging with cool winds from the opposite direction. Look for north east winds and for the on-shore breeze to come into effect in the middle of the day. Pilots can soar great altitudes and distances and experiences amazing views of Lake Elsinore and the surrounding rugged terrain.
Blackhawk
Situated in the San Bernardino area, a one hour drive from Los Angeles. It’s an underused an underrated xc paragliding location, with a high launch and amazing views of the valley below. Look for light north north east winds. You will most likely need a four wheel drive to reach the launch site.
Kagel (Sylmar) – Los Angeles
This is a great one for those looking for a great mountain paragliding experience in Los Angeles. The take off and landing areas are nice and large grassy fields, but don’t be fooled, the thermals can get strong at times, making this more of an intermediate paragliding location. Pilots will be rewarded by beautiful mountain views, and is ideal for those who often paraglide near the coast and are looking for a change of scenery.
Calabasas – Los Angeles
Calabasas is situated in Los Angeles County, between the Woodland Hills end of Los Angeles on the east and Malibu on the west. There isn’t a specific landing zone, but you’ll find many hills in areas such as Mulholland Highway which are used by the Malibu Paragliding Club. Pilots can choose to glide from the high hills over the town of Calabasas or soar over the Calabasas hills. The conditions are suitable for beginner to intermediate level pilots, however care must be taken when gliding near private property.
