Florida Ridge AirSports Park
Florida Ridge AirSports Park
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The Florida Ridge Air Sports Park is located on 50 acres of land in Southern Florida midway between Fort Myers and West Palm Beach, where Atlantic and Gulf coast winds converge to create the most favorable soaring conditions in the country.We offer thrilling Tandem Sky-Rides to the general public. You and an Certified Instructor are towed by an Ultralight airplane into the sky were you soon release and fly free - just like birds. With unrestricted air space and wide-open fields stretching 100 miles in every direction, the Ridge gives pilots of all abilities unlimited opportunity to test their soaring skills, thermal to cloud-base, fly cross-country, enjoy a Tandem Sky-Ride and indulge their love of free flight.
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Florida Ridge AirSports Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
129 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
16
Average
4
Poor
6
Terrible
1
Kendra Starin
Blue Point, NY8 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
All I can really say about the hang gliding experience is WOW. Family owned - really clean, you can actually stay on the property in cute cabins. My husband and I did tandem rides one at a time with a kind guy, I think his name was Luke. He had a dog named Ace that was so cute! He took us up to the 3500 feet and then we went through a cloud, saw rainbows, sailed through the sky, spied on the neighbor...lol it was an experience to remember. If you are considering hang gliding, definitely book with them!
Written 25 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lafem
Palm Coast, FL39 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
What a wonderful experience! Our 14 year old granddaughter wanted to see what it was like to fly like a bird…that she did! This is a very rustic setting…after all, your biggest need is a field!
Epically idyllic location…go sit in a rocker on the field under a tarp-covered lean to and just listen to the bees and birds…sit back and unwind. Wonderful crew of laid back people who obviously enjoy not only the sport but the joy of introducing it to young people. If it’s in your budget, do consider purchasing the video/photo package. Great execution and production…a real keepsake of your flight.
Epically idyllic location…go sit in a rocker on the field under a tarp-covered lean to and just listen to the bees and birds…sit back and unwind. Wonderful crew of laid back people who obviously enjoy not only the sport but the joy of introducing it to young people. If it’s in your budget, do consider purchasing the video/photo package. Great execution and production…a real keepsake of your flight.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff S
chicago area41 contributions
Feb 2020
Wife and I did the 2500 adrenaline rush. It was an exciting, yet peaceful experience. My wife was still excited several hours after the flight ended. We visit Ft. Lauderdale annually and plan on coming back next year for the mile ride. Owner, family, and staff couldn't be friendlier. Well worth the effort to get to Clewiston.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrystal C
8 contributions
Mar 2021
I can no longer skydive due to medical issues. This is a loophole to fly again!! We had a wonderful day! The weather was perfect, even flew with a bald eagle in the sky! Felt completely safe and free at the same time. Please pack a lunch and enjoy the grounds. It is a beautiful place, with a pool. We will be back!!!
Written 30 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin C
Fort Lauderdale, FL2 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
Short Version- I drive 2 1/2 hrs there to wait in an office for 40 mins while the guy (James) takes phone calls and schedules other appointments. Then he forces me to pay 15% gratuity which I argued with him for about 15mins that I don't even know what I am paying gratuity on and that it is not mandatory and I'm not comfortable paying. Gratuity is earned, not demanded. Then my boyfriend chimes into the argument and says he doesn't even want to go anymore. So all of this just struck a nerve and I stormed to my car, then decided I didn't drive 2 1/2 hrs to not try hang gliding. So I went back and said I was going. The guy said he would give me the gratuity money back, but when I got back from hang gliding, he wasn't there and I was really ready to go. I tried to enjoy the experience but I really couldn't because of all the unnecessary BS
so I called groupon today and told them about my experience and they were willing to give me a $25 credit and I plan to call my credit card company and dispute the gratuity charge as I scribbled over my signature on their copy of the receipt. My experience was not deserving of a tip.
so I called groupon today and told them about my experience and they were willing to give me a $25 credit and I plan to call my credit card company and dispute the gratuity charge as I scribbled over my signature on their copy of the receipt. My experience was not deserving of a tip.
Written 10 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YOLO2015
Portland2 contributions
Jan 2015
I will be disputing the charges with Groupon and my Credit Card company as the gratuity and tax charges were forced onto us.
James the Office guy is a fast talker and doesn't give you the chance to understand or ask why there is such an insane amount charged on top of what we paid for the groupon voucher.
Ridiculous!
James the Office guy is a fast talker and doesn't give you the chance to understand or ask why there is such an insane amount charged on top of what we paid for the groupon voucher.
Ridiculous!
Written 3 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asme J
Tampa, FL28 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
The ride was just about okay, We didn't find it had value for money as the time spent in the actual flight was only about 6 min.
Note that they charge tax and gratuity 30% in addition to the advertised rate. For a short flight and average service it was not worth it, for us.
An "enforced" gratuity is just a play of words and a projection of incorrect price to lure customer to the business premises whereby they are more likely to pay up. Its not a good business practice for long term success in my view.
Note that they charge tax and gratuity 30% in addition to the advertised rate. For a short flight and average service it was not worth it, for us.
An "enforced" gratuity is just a play of words and a projection of incorrect price to lure customer to the business premises whereby they are more likely to pay up. Its not a good business practice for long term success in my view.
Written 29 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RCJr
Ft Lauderdale, Florida1 contribution
Date: June, 2007
This father's day 2007 I did something that I have always wanted to do, experience the dream of flying like a bird. I was able to convince my Father to come along and experience this dream with me. He had just been recently diagnosed with cancer and I wanted to give him and experience that would make him feel closer to heaven.
I was hesistant when I first contacted the Florida Ridge and spoke with James Tindle the owner, since I was not sure if my father or I would have second thoughts once we were there. Mr. Tindle was gracious enough to allay all my fears by advicing me on what would be the best day (weather wise) and also the best time (early morning) for a peaceful yet thrilling first sky ride. The fact that me or my father might have seconds toughts did not bother him and he allowed me to make a reservation without a pre-pay deposit.
The day could not have been more beatiful, as we drove on US 27 north towards the ranch which is about 21 miles west of the town of Clewiston near Lake Okeechobee in South-Central Florida. We found the entrance posted by a big "Learn to Fly" sign and we drove in. We soon enough were confronted with a vast green field that had a couple of hangars off to one side, you could see hang gliders ready to go on the ground and the ultra-light "TUG" airplane that is used to tow them revving up it's engine.
It was around 9am in the morning when we parked and said hello to Dennis, one of the ground crew, who pointed us in the direction of the office. Soon enough we were in the Office talking with James Tindle the owner and watching a video about modern hang gliding. Mr. Tindle's demeanor and sense of humor calmed any fears we still had. And then the question came - Who would go first? Seen as my father was a little hesitant I volunteered. I was shown how to climb into the harness of the big Tandem Glider and was strapped in as James and Dennis explained what the ride would entail
and what I should do (like were to hold on). The Pilot then got into the lower harness and a golf cart pulled the glider with me and the Pilot down the field to a point opposite the wind direction. Then the TUG, who had been flying around warming up, appeared out of the blue and landed in front of were the Glider was setup.
The rope was hooked and the ground crew called out all the checks - then I heard a loud "Clear" and the Tug plane roared like a horse out of the gate. The Glider rolled across the ground for what seem to me like a long time and suddenly it happened, I felt a rush of air suddenly get beneath the wings and pick the whole thing up off the ground. I was flying and I could not believe how comfortable and safe I felt, as tough I was taking off in an Airliner. The Only difference is that I could feel the rush of wind on my face and I had a 360 degree view of the entire landscape.
After about 10 minutes of being pulled by the aircraft, I saw the Pilot reach over and press a lever, all of a sudden the strong wind and pull ceased and we were floating half a mile up in the sky, like an eagle soaring along. The incredible scenery from half a mile up was breathtaking. I felt comfortable being able to talk to James, the pilot, and ask him questions about hang gliders. He pointed out some interesting sights in the scenery,
sprawled all around us, as he flew the glider across this Florida morning sky. I was thrilled when he allowed me to fly the glider for a little bit showing me how easy it is to control one of these flying machines.
Fifteen minutes later and we were headed for the ground - the flight park getting bigger and bigger and James was speeding up the Glider for landing. My heart did skip a little faster when I saw the ground approaching so fast, but just in an instant the pilot leveled the big glider and we were floating just 5 feet of the ground with the big glider slowing down. The glider slowly settled down the last few feet and the big wheels touched the ground ever so slightly, a perfect landing!. Turns out that that is how you land a hang glider so I never had anything to fear.
On the ground now I was unstrapped from the harness and my father was strapped in. I was so excited from the experience that I had just had and knowing that my Father would soon be experiencing the same. I grabbed the newly purchased video camera that I brought along (just for this occassion) and started filming.
Needless to say we left the park with memories and feelings that will never be forgotten. I made a video in tribute to my father's flight and posted it in youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh5PHe8Ehks
I enjoyed the experience so much, that a month later I called James and enrolled in classes to become a "Hang Glider Pilot". I have not looked back since then. I have subsequently cajoled, invited or sold the idea to 4 of my friends to come and experience the thrill of fligth.
That first flight on a hang glider is an experience not to be missed by anyone. And the crew at the Florida Ridge really help to make the whole experience a breeze.
This father's day 2007 I did something that I have always wanted to do, experience the dream of flying like a bird. I was able to convince my Father to come along and experience this dream with me. He had just been recently diagnosed with cancer and I wanted to give him and experience that would make him feel closer to heaven.
I was hesistant when I first contacted the Florida Ridge and spoke with James Tindle the owner, since I was not sure if my father or I would have second thoughts once we were there. Mr. Tindle was gracious enough to allay all my fears by advicing me on what would be the best day (weather wise) and also the best time (early morning) for a peaceful yet thrilling first sky ride. The fact that me or my father might have seconds toughts did not bother him and he allowed me to make a reservation without a pre-pay deposit.
The day could not have been more beatiful, as we drove on US 27 north towards the ranch which is about 21 miles west of the town of Clewiston near Lake Okeechobee in South-Central Florida. We found the entrance posted by a big "Learn to Fly" sign and we drove in. We soon enough were confronted with a vast green field that had a couple of hangars off to one side, you could see hang gliders ready to go on the ground and the ultra-light "TUG" airplane that is used to tow them revving up it's engine.
It was around 9am in the morning when we parked and said hello to Dennis, one of the ground crew, who pointed us in the direction of the office. Soon enough we were in the Office talking with James Tindle the owner and watching a video about modern hang gliding. Mr. Tindle's demeanor and sense of humor calmed any fears we still had. And then the question came - Who would go first? Seen as my father was a little hesitant I volunteered. I was shown how to climb into the harness of the big Tandem Glider and was strapped in as James and Dennis explained what the ride would entail
and what I should do (like were to hold on). The Pilot then got into the lower harness and a golf cart pulled the glider with me and the Pilot down the field to a point opposite the wind direction. Then the TUG, who had been flying around warming up, appeared out of the blue and landed in front of were the Glider was setup.
The rope was hooked and the ground crew called out all the checks - then I heard a loud "Clear" and the Tug plane roared like a horse out of the gate. The Glider rolled across the ground for what seem to me like a long time and suddenly it happened, I felt a rush of air suddenly get beneath the wings and pick the whole thing up off the ground. I was flying and I could not believe how comfortable and safe I felt, as tough I was taking off in an Airliner. The Only difference is that I could feel the rush of wind on my face and I had a 360 degree view of the entire landscape.
After about 10 minutes of being pulled by the aircraft, I saw the Pilot reach over and press a lever, all of a sudden the strong wind and pull ceased and we were floating half a mile up in the sky, like an eagle soaring along. The incredible scenery from half a mile up was breathtaking. I felt comfortable being able to talk to James, the pilot, and ask him questions about hang gliders. He pointed out some interesting sights in the scenery,
sprawled all around us, as he flew the glider across this Florida morning sky. I was thrilled when he allowed me to fly the glider for a little bit showing me how easy it is to control one of these flying machines.
Fifteen minutes later and we were headed for the ground - the flight park getting bigger and bigger and James was speeding up the Glider for landing. My heart did skip a little faster when I saw the ground approaching so fast, but just in an instant the pilot leveled the big glider and we were floating just 5 feet of the ground with the big glider slowing down. The glider slowly settled down the last few feet and the big wheels touched the ground ever so slightly, a perfect landing!. Turns out that that is how you land a hang glider so I never had anything to fear.
On the ground now I was unstrapped from the harness and my father was strapped in. I was so excited from the experience that I had just had and knowing that my Father would soon be experiencing the same. I grabbed the newly purchased video camera that I brought along (just for this occassion) and started filming.
Needless to say we left the park with memories and feelings that will never be forgotten. I made a video in tribute to my father's flight and posted it in youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh5PHe8Ehks
I enjoyed the experience so much, that a month later I called James and enrolled in classes to become a "Hang Glider Pilot". I have not looked back since then. I have subsequently cajoled, invited or sold the idea to 4 of my friends to come and experience the thrill of fligth.
That first flight on a hang glider is an experience not to be missed by anyone. And the crew at the Florida Ridge really help to make the whole experience a breeze.
Written 15 September 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
noid2143
Tampa, FL1 contribution
Overall the hang gliding experience was great and I will invest in being certified in the future! However, what really degraded the experience was all the upselling (higher altitude, video, etc), all of which was overpriced. People try these activities to enjoy an experience, not to be persuaded to spend as much money as they can. Considering that the flight is compromised of circles around the "park" with 6-15 minute airtime, the prices don't match the experience. If you choose not to buy the video you can't use your own gopro, because...? They also automatically charge you gratuity ($27). Last I checked gratuity is a social custom that is voluntary and the amount determined by the person receiving the service. I recommend people experience hang gliding but not necessarily through this place.
Written 10 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dhiraj B
Tampa, FL8 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
Had a blast. Groupon promotion gives only 5 minutes of flight time. You can upgrade. Cost wise on an expensive side,but really enjoyed the experience. Would definitely recommend it.
Written 25 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was thinking about doing the Mile High Club package. I was wondering how long you are in the air? If it's worth it or I should do the package below this one?
Written 21 March 2017
When going there, perhaps they had a slow day but they really took to me and my friend and upgraded our package for free and gave us the pictures for half price. I recommend spending as much time in the air as possible. I mean, your aren't paying a the extra for like 2 seconds more, it's for several minutes more...even doubling your time. But if you do ask for more spins and rollercoastery stuff then it does eat into your time in air. I would recommend waiting till you are there to upgrade, if you do or look at groupon. They had some one there for a while with good deals
Written 21 March 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.