A Thrilling Adventure: Hang Gliding with Paradise Air Sports in Florida

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying free like a bird, with nothing but the wind beneath your wings, then hang gliding is something you absolutely have to try. Recently, I had the chance to experience this exhilarating sport with my boyfriend, Ron, at Wilotree Park in Groveland, Florida. It was an adventure that left us both in awe—the kind of thrill that only comes from soaring through the sky and feeling weightless above the world.

What is Hang Gliding?

For those unfamiliar, hang gliding is a form of flight where you’re suspended in a lightweight, non-motorized glider, controlled by shifting your body weight. Unlike traditional aircraft, hang gliders are all about natural, unpowered flight. You launch from a hill or a slope and rely on the wind and thermal updrafts to keep you airborne.

Wilotree Park, located in Groveland, is renowned for its ideal conditions for hang gliding. The expansive open fields, consistent winds, and incredible views make it a perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned pilots alike.

The Journey to Wilotree Park

Our hang gliding adventure began with a scenic drive to Groveland, which was just about an hour from our home. We both joked that we were nervous—but in that excited, adrenaline-fueled way. Ron, of course, was the one who couldn’t stop talking about how pumped he was to get into the air. As we pulled into Wilotree Park, we were greeted by the sight of gliders soaring high above, which only intensified our anticipation.

Getting Ready for the Flight

Once we checked in and signed the necessary forms, we met our instructors—John, who would be working with me, and Mike, who would be helping Ron. They were both super experienced, and we felt immediately at ease. After a quick briefing, we suited up in our gear, and the reality of what we were about to do started to sink in.

Ron was cracking jokes as usual, keeping the mood light while I tried to calm my nerves. We had the choice of either tandem flying (with an instructor) or flying solo after some training. Since it was our first time, we both opted for tandem flights, which meant we’d be flying separately, with our instructors in the front, guiding us through the experience.

The Takeoff

The moment of truth arrived when we made our way to the launch area, a small hill overlooking the park. I was strapped into the harness and attached to the hang glider, and before I knew it, we were getting ready to run and take off.

There’s something surreal about the takeoff. One second, you’re standing on the ground, and the next, you’re running and lifting off the edge. It was an intense rush! As I gained altitude, the initial nerves quickly gave way to pure excitement and awe. From up there, the park looked like a patchwork quilt of green fields and winding paths. The world below felt so distant, so small, and yet so peaceful.

The Flight: A Sense of Freedom

Once airborne, the experience was even more incredible than I’d imagined. The views from up there were absolutely stunning—sprawling fields, open sky, and patches of trees as far as the eye could see. The sensation of being so high up with nothing but the wind and the glider felt surreal. It was quiet, peaceful, and exhilarating all at once.

I was so focused on the beauty around me that I lost track of time, feeling completely immersed in the experience. My instructor guided me through smooth turns and gentle climbs, letting me feel the subtle adjustments in my body weight as I controlled the glider. It felt so intuitive, like the glider and I were moving as one. The silence, interrupted only by the rush of air, made everything feel even more magical.

I saw Ron’s glider far off in the distance, soaring high above the fields. It was surreal to think that we were both up there, experiencing the same adventure, but from our own perspectives.

The Landing

As much as I didn’t want the flight to end, it was time to come back down. The descent was just as smooth as the takeoff, and I could feel my instructor gently guiding me back toward the ground. There was a bit of a thrill to the landing, knowing I was coming in for a soft, controlled touchdown. The wind rushed past me as we descended, and in what felt like the blink of an eye, we touched down gently on the grassy field below.

I couldn’t stop smiling. The adrenaline rush, mixed with the calm of the flight, was an incredible combination. As I unstrapped from the harness, I couldn’t wait to hear about Ron’s flight and compare our experiences.

Why Wilotree Park?

If you’re considering hang gliding, Wilotree Park is the place to do it. From the stunning views to the knowledgeable instructors, everything about this location made it the perfect place for a first-time hang glider experience. The staff is incredibly professional, yet approachable, and they make sure you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, the conditions at Wilotree Park are ideal, and the entire experience is unforgettable. The park itself is beautifully maintained, and the staff is passionate about hang gliding, which really adds to the sense of adventure.

Final Thoughts

Hang gliding at Wilotree Park was one of the most thrilling and liberating experiences of my life. There’s a unique sense of freedom that comes with flying without an engine, and the breathtaking views made it even more special. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone looking for adventure, a little adrenaline, and some unforgettable memories.

If you’re thinking about taking to the skies, don’t hesitate to give hang gliding a try—you won’t regret it. It might just become your new favorite way to fly!