Fly Above All

Exceptional instruction, methodical approach, relaxed learning environment, and well-​thought out explanations that were easy to understand, process, and incorporate. Anyone who knows me knows how «particular» I can be, so it says something when I eagerly rate Chris and Lorenzo with 5 stars. They are clearly good teachers, coaches, and ambassadors for this sport. After participating in Chris’s program, I can see why he has such a huge following — his pragmatic approach makes learning fun. His calming, sage-​like teaching style makes absorbing all the technical skills smooth and natural. I never thought I’d develop the skills I have now if not for their well-​developed program. Student for life indeed.

You cannot go wrong with Flyy Above All. Whether it’s a tandem flight or a solo day at the hill or completing your training for your own rating, Chris is going to make sure you have the best experience possible. He is the safest pilot I know, I can’t stress that enough and how important that is. Sometimes others may be pushing you to take the more ‘fun’ choice at the moment, but Chris has so much experience and a deep understanding of every aspect of the sport that he knows all the little reasons why often that is the more dangerous choice. He’s all about you having years and years of safe flying. His mantra has helped him win instructor of the year from the National paragliding association, not an easy feat by any means. Chris and his staff are going to be patient, thoughtful and caring with you. I’ve never seen him or any of his crew pressure anyone into anything. Every person I’ve been up with when they’ve done tandems has had a great time. The pilots I’ve seen him train and then fly with have solid skill sets and are smart safe pilots. And lastly Chris and the fly above all crew will be your mentors for life. Even years after you’ve done your training with them they’ll still be coaching and looking out for you

Let me preface this review by confessing that I am one of those (annoying?) people who checks Unilocal before almost any new adventure, be it culinary or otherwise.
So, naturally I saw Fly Above All’s — let’s be honest — dismal rating, before booking a tandem session for my bf & myself for his bday.
But the new owner, Chris, came recommended to me by California Adventure Co. after my first reservation with Eagle Paragliding fell through due to weather one day, and no availability on our other free day. Since I had planned a weekend in Santa Barbara around paragliding (and bc I had no Plan B up my sleeve as a bday present), I decided to call Fly Above All and see what kind of vibe I got.
Chris was aware of the negative feedback on Unilocal and explained that he took over the company after all those people had such horrible experiences, but unfortunately he is stuck with the reviews. He assured me that Jim and any other unprofessional or unqualified past «instructor» is no longer affiliated with the company, and that all his current staff, including himself, are highly experienced, trained, and qualified to fly. By the end of the call I felt safe enough to make a reservation with him.
The morning of the flight, we met up with Chris, his crew, and a couple of other paragliders, at the bottom of the mountain and all drove up to the top for about 45 min in their beat-​up bronco. I have to admit that I had a momentary tinge of second-​guessing myself when I met our instructors/​tandem partners. They were just so chill and carefree and we were about to jump off a cliff with nothing by nylon!
But honestly, our guys (Chris and Mike) were fantastic! They were totally knowledgeable and confident about the gear and procedure, and when it came time to actually fly, it was one of the most fun, exhilarating things I’ve ever experienced.
I was up in the air for about 20 min and Mike was a perfect pilot — he explained all the variables involved in take-​off, gliding, and landing, and also allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the gorgeous views. We also stuck the landing, which I am told is the trickiest part.
I hope this review helps redeem Fly Above All, because Mike, Chris and the rest of the team really made an effort and succeeded in making our paragliding experience flawless and unforgettable.
* As a side-​note, I wanted to mention that if you’re considering paragliding in Santa Barbara, you’ll be given 2 basic options: one tandem flying session off a high peak, or a 9a-​4p solo flight day where you get the equipment and get a short lesson, after which you’re taken to a bunny hill and allowed to jump as many times as you like. They’re both the same price, but I was given the hard-​sell from Eagle Paragliding for the latter option. I’m not sure why, but I am going to assume it’s because it takes a lot less effort/​resources on their part to just rent out the equipment and let you go out on your own. But the views from the mountain peak are much more spectacular and your one tandem flight lasts longer than any of the individual solo jumps you’d take off the training hill. A much more interesting experience, in my op.

Thank you for the refund…

I had the pleasure of doing both training flights and a tandem flight with Chad a few years ago. They were wonderful! I highly recommend him to anyone interested in paragliding.

I started flying with Chad about 13 years ago, and always appreciated his tireless desire to help me and others experience new flying opportunities, to share his knowledge of flying conditions, hazards to be aware of, thermal areas to take advantage of, and to love the sport. Flying isn’t just Chad’s job, it’s his life, and he loves to share it with others.