Hawaii Paragliding is your best choice for lessons, tandem flights, gear and all things paragliding related.

We are enthusiastic and passionate about the sport and its participants, pushing us to learn and practice more so we can become better pilots ourselves before we share our knowledge and skills with you, thriving to raise the levels of flying satisfaction, fun and safety. That concept was created a while ago by my friend and pilot “Big” Bob Johnson (in memory). We enjoyed kiting with friends and pushing each other’s limits to become better, safer pilots. Other friend pilots joined us and started asking us to demonstrate techniques, so we decided to attend an instructor certification course together just so we could be better at sharing our knowledge with fellow pilot friends in Hawaii. Joining us for this search was Maui pilot “Woody”, so the three of us went to San Diego to learn with the Jebb Family… As demand grew and new people wanted to join the club and become pilots I started teaching and certifying new pilots later on. With Woody back on the island of Oahu, there was no better time for us to join forces again and together help others discover the love for flying. Understanding the wind and wing behavior takes years to master! Let us be your guide to get you started with this fun challenge.

Raimar “Brazilian Ray” van den Bylaardt II

At young age I discovered this little reef behind our surf break in Rio (Brazil) and I had a great time taking my friends there and introducing them to this new environment. Soon after I became a diving instructor. After moving to Hawaii and still working as a diver, I found a new passion: flying a paraglider! Sure enough I wanted to share this new love with all my friends and soon after I became a paragliding instructor. I really enjoy sharing the skies with friends old and new. The bonds created by those who dare to leave the ground and walk on air are very strong and keeps me coming for more!

I started paragliding in 2002 and became an instructor in 2006 (current USHPA member 80677). I love flying tandems even more than I do solo, it is such a good feeling to introduce this new dimension to people and to talk story! I currently work in production (movies, TV shows and commercials). it can keep me busy at times, making me miss being high in the sky or in the water. As soon as I get a chance, I go out and play. If the winds are strong, I go kitesurfing: the perfect combination of getting some airtime, flying a kite, being in the water and hit the surf at the same time 😉  I am married to my soulmate Noell (yes, love at first sight) and together we raise our baby girl Liliana Kailani. Even though I miss family and friends in Brazil, a little over ten years ago I made Hawaii my home because I love it here! It is beautiful, warm and the people makes it even more special. Come fly with me so we can share the sky, the beauty of Hawaii and talk story 🙂