Red Tail Paragliding - Boulder, Colorado

Esa O.

TLDR Review Highlights:

* The entire set of instructors are amazing, highly experienced, and accessible.
* The school is extremely flexible with scheduling, affording folks from all background and living situations on the front range the opportunity to get into the sport.
* All training from Red Tail is built on a foundation of safety. Red Tail instructors openly communicate inherent risks and consistently emphasize the importance of learning how to assess risk and personal risk tolerance.
* Training is extremely in-depth including thorough instruction in reading weather, analyzing incidents, proper flying technique, and even guidance on progression outside of the school
* Joining the school is for life, and includes ongoing access to the instructors as well as to a community of former students to aid in ongoing progression after earning your P2 rating.
* Gear purchases are required somewhat early on in the training process, but the tuition discount from buying a full kit through Misha is a great deal if you are looking to get all-new gear. (Don't let the negative skydiver's comment fool you. Getting your own gear early on in paragliding is a standard requirement across most PG schools, and once you make the switch from the school training wing to your own wing you will see why!)

Full Review:

Misha, who heads the program, has a passion for paragliding matched only by his knowledge and experience as a pilot and instructor, and it shows in every facet of the school. The program also has a number of highly experienced pilots that help Misha with instruction, including Brian, Alyse, Austin, and Rio. Throughout my journey, I was able to work one-on-one with each instructor and gained invaluable guidance about everything from reading the weather to properly launching and landing.

Despite being a larger flight school, the instructors were exceptionally good at being able to pivot in order to guide and train each unique student at whatever point of their journey they were at. Whether you are someone who is only able to make it out to Boulder sparingly and inconsistently, someone who has free mornings seven days a week, or you are a true weekend warrior living in south Denver (like myself), I was constantly impressed with Misha and Red Tail's ability and willingness to work with students and guide their progression.

Contrary to some of the other instructors and pilots I have now been able to witness outside of Red Tail, Misha will be the first one to encourage you not to fly if you personally don't feel that the conditions, your experience, and all other factors line up. The term "It's always better to be on the ground wishing you were flying, than to be flying and wishing you were on the ground" aptly and succinctly encompasses the approach that Red Tail takes towards student safety.

No topic is left uncovered, and education comes from online resources, literature, ground schools, and open discussions. We spend days practicing pre-flight checks and ground handling until we are demonstrating solid control over the glider, and then we move on to flying. When flying with pilots from outside of Red Tail for the first time, it is not uncommon to hear other pilots remark on the quality of Red Tail student's launches, flights, and landings.

Far from feeling like another number on a roster, joining the school means becoming a lifelong member of a community that includes the instructors as well as former Red Tail students. True to the nature of using a P2 rating as a "license to learn", the instructors encourage you to stick around and continue flying with them to help with your progression. The paragliding journey is unique to each individual, but having a network of well-trained pilots from the same school to tap into has proven to make progression seem far less intimidating.

I can't recommend Red Tail, or paragliding, enough. Red Tail is the perfect place to take the first step in the journey of a lifetime.

(*Photos from various locations over 2024)

Joseph C.

Alyse, Austin, Misha, and Rio helped guide on my P2 journey (license to fly solo) and introduced me to an entire community of amazing and welcoming pilots. This school truly creates a lifelong bond for its students. The trips are well organized and tailored for students and fresh / experienced pilots. The patience, professionalism, fun, and attention to detail are all there with this school. Misha spent hours working with me to fit me with the right gear and kept it economical for my budget.

All of the instructors enthusiastically delved into various ground school topics and went over their required time slot because they were committed to knowledge sharing and safety. All of the instructors were very approachable and encouraging when things were challenging for me, at times.

I really can’t say enough good things about this company nor about the passion of its instructors. When I think of anything related to paragliding, I immediately think fondly of my time with Red Tail.

joseph K.

When you sign up for lessons with Redtail you aren’t just getting paraglider lessons. You are getting invited to a community of like minded individuals who have a common learning experience. Misha and team facilitate a progress as your comfort level increases mentality and no point did I feel over my head or unsafe. All of the instructors and students were extremely friendly and supportive. Could not recommend Redtail enough!

Sean J. P.

My P2 training experience with Red Tail has been nothing short of transformative. After experiencing another local school, I can confidently say Red Tail's commitment to safety, organization, and communication stands unmatched. What sets them apart is their patient, student-centered approach, particularly with fundamentals like kiting. Being given time to build confidence before my first flight was invaluable.

At the heart of Red Tail is Misha, whose Zen-like presence creates the perfect learning environment. Starting with zero paragliding knowledge, I've discovered not just a sport, but a passionate, inclusive community that feels built to last. Their comprehensive approach to training—from ground school to meteorology—while maintaining unwavering safety standards makes Red Tail the definitive choice for paragliding instruction in Colorado.

Keith J.

I can’t say enough good things about Red Tail Paragliding, Misha, and the other instructors, Brian, Rio, Austin, and Alyse. My experience progressing from absolute newbie to a confident P2 rated pilot has been remarkable and fulfilling. It’s amazing that with so many students, it felt like I was receiving private instruction. The instructors are amazing at letting each student progress at their own pace. I completely agree with others reviews regarding the focus on safety, enjoyment, and community. Red Tail doesn’t just get you in the air with your P2 rating, but they set you up for a long, safe, and enjoyable life of free flight. The focus on safety and fundamentals combined with the intro to the (unexpectedly large) community and school trips to other flying sites make Red Tail the complete package at an incredible value. I knew I would enjoy paragliding, but I didn’t expect to become addicted to it so quickly.

Matthew S.

Misha is a great paragliding instructor who is involved with the local flying community all year long. His instruction is calm, measured, informative, and is based on the student’s pace of learning instead of expecting everyone to progress at the same speed. From student trips to other sites, to reserve re-packing clinics, and potlucks, learning to fly with Redtail feels like joining a family. Highly recommended if you are front-range based.

Richard R.

Training with Red Tail Paragliding was an amazing experience. I was most impressed with the individualized coaching I received from all of the instructors (Misha, Brian, Austin, Rio and Alyse). I found the training to be first rate, focused on safety, and all the instructors are extremely professional, experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. You can sign up for as many lessons as you want with no additional charge, which promotes a rapid rate of learning. In addition to the on-site training in the LZ and the Boulder ridge, they have also incorporated ground school instruction and destination trips at no additional charge.

They seem to have attracted a friendly set of students as well, and encouraged comradery between them. They are people I genuinely enjoy hanging out with.

Great experience and value!

Max B.

THE place to learn paragliding in Colorado. When you join Red Tail, you not only get your P2 certification, but enter one of the best communities there is. Apart from training on the hill, multiple weekend trips and a lifetime of mentoring are included in the program. Every instructor is fantastic and makes sure you learn at your own pace. If you're looking to learn the best sport to exist, join Red Tail.