Gravity Hawaii Paragliding

Each year around my birthday, I enjoy doing something thrilling (some would say crazy) to celebrate being alive. I prefer trying new activities, and this year I chose paragliding. Conceptually similar to hang gliding, paragliding involves the use of a wide canopy that resembles a parachute and enables the pilot considerable controlled maneuverability through the air: up, down, and around.
I have often seen paragliders soaring above Makapu’u Point and have wanted to give it a try. Once I noticed a Gravity Hawaii van advertising tandem flights, I was all in.
I called Gravity Hawaii owner Pete and requested a double tandem flight to fly my husband and me simultaneously. He referred me to his colleague Doug to schedule it. My miseducation was about to begin.
Doug was a very friendly guy, super chill, and extremely good about follow-​up. We settled on a date but had to cancel due to high winds. The next time we had to cancel due to rain. The third time was a charm – or so I thought. Doug confirmed that the weather was in our favor and we proceeded to meet him and his fellow pilot Jorge at the predetermined spot.
Prior to arrival, Doug instructed us to wear sneakers and bring a spare pair of long pants, jacket, water, sunscreen, and camera. After completing the waiver forms, Jorge and Doug loaded us up with our gear and marched us partway up the side of Makapu’u to the launch site.
The hike was steep and rather difficult due to the loose dirt and rock all the way up. Once at the take-​off spot, it was challenging just to keep our footing for the same reasons. My husband’s pilot, Jorge, soon had them all ready to go, and with Doug’s help, launched quickly. I enthusiastically took their picture from the ground and eagerly awaited my turn with Doug. And waited. And waited.
For the next TWO HOURS, Doug and I attempted to take off, making minor adjustments of location and elevation. Doug explained that the wind direction and speed had shifted just following my husband’s takeoff with Jorge and that was the reason it had suddenly become so difficult for us.
We never made it into the air, although we did catch just enough wind to drag us down the hill a few feet on our backsides. After scrambling up and down the steep grade repeatedly plus changing launch sites, I finally gave up after two hours, tired, hot, thirsty, covered in dust and irritated that my pilot didn’t seem to have sense enough to call it a day. Doug was genuinely surprised that I wasn’t ready to keep trying (!), but I got the sense that paragliders spend a LOT of time doing what we had just done. Ugh. You gotta give the guy credit for trying!
As I walked back down the hill and into the parking lot, I met up with Jorge and my husband, who had just completed a fantastic two-​hour flight. The day was beautiful with excellent visibility from Makapu’u to Haleakala. At least one of us had a great flight!
Yes, I would still love to enjoy a tandem paragliding flight, without question. But after three failed attempts, I’m not sure when I will next attempt it.
Unilocal 365 Challenge #039/​365

I gave Pete 4 stars based on meeting him near Sandy Beach on Oahu and watching him instruct a student. THE island’s paragliding guru was providing instruction via a jimmy-​rigged skooter tethered to the student and sail. I have not yet tried paragliding but when I do, it will be with Gravity Hawaii. It looked safe and he was very knowledgeable.
I took away a star because I tried to email him and went to his site, but had a problem getting in touch. Also, because his nickname scares me a bit… Pete «Reaper» Michelmore.
You can learn by flying tandem, or kiting through skooter towing (his own invention) you see here:
Can’t wait to try it!