THE GORGE — On calmer days in the Gorge, there’s one sport in particular that benefits from the lack of strong wind: paragliding.
Using the area’s natural landscape and thermals, a few running steps off a hillside can lift the wing and send the user high above the ground for a bird’s-eye view of the river and surrounding towns.
“The take-off is a pretty magical part of it,” said Weaver Froelicher, a paraglider based in Lyle. “It’s a really cool way to physically be in the air and feel what the atmosphere is doing, and then harness the power of that.”
Froelicher runs Hood River Paragliding, where he offers piloting lessons as well as tandem flights for all skill levels. He’s flown people from youth to their 80s, or those who are paralyzed and have limited physical mobility.
“Most people can try it, and it really is like the dream of flying,” Froelicher said. His favorite people to tandem with are those who are a little bit nervous. “It’s really cool to watch people overcome that fear, and it can be really transforming for someone.”
Originally from Colorado, Froelicher first came to the Gorge as a teenager to whitewater kayak. “My parents were cool enough to see my passion for kayaki...