South Jersey Paragliding

"Tom is a great instructor and focuses on creating a very supportive, fun, and safe environment. He takes pride in his students and helps them every step of the way in building the progression of skills needed for confident and safe flying. He is the rare instructor that will help you advance after your initial training to intermediate and advanced levels."

"I joined Tom's thermal clinic in Colombia last week and learned so much. After having my first 2 soaring flights on a paraglider at the beginning of the week, I was able to do 2 cross country flights on the same week. South Jersey Paragliding is a no-nonsense school: Tom is direct and wastes no time in getting you up in the air and flying. As long as you show up for class and listen to his instruction and practice diligently, you will achieve the dream of flight. Highly recommend."

"Tom is an amazing instructor. I went with him on a trip to Colombia and was amazed by how competent his students were, even those with very few flights. We had an amazing trip and his students showed up everybody else with their skills. I was really impressed. Highly recommend Tom for paragliding free flight instruction."

"This is an update to my original post which was my original observation of the school after a invitation to visit South Jersey Paragliders in Southern New Jersey by Tom the owner and instructor at Allen Air Field, South Jersey. As I was leaving, I thanked Tom, and told him I needed a few weeks to think about how i would factor in the training with my financing and time. within two days he was on the phone pitching me that i was lucky he could fit me in and get me that weekend. I spent a couple of hundred dollars on books, a helmet, sneakers etc. I traveled a hundred miles round trip. I bought him a check for $2000,00 the cost of the training. This occured on April 24th 2021.Within Ten minutes of training he was yelling at me told me I wasn't paying attention. While Kiting. with none of should have been doing with the winds that had picked up to over 13mph I was dragged and lifted up. by the Parachuted. It is now July 2021 and I still haven't haven't had on decent lesson. Tom is disrespectful, rude and not very interested in teaching as much as raking in the money and upselling, he is in over his head. I drove to see him yesterday to talk to him about my training he yelled something passive aggressive behavior. It was only after I told his that I would Sue him for the $2, 000.00 dollars that I paid him that he normalized. He said let's start fresh. I said OK which is today. I have over five years flying my own Powered Parachute and thirty years in general aviation. Tom is one off. I sense he's self centered and dishonest. I don't trust him with my money or my life. The trust is broken I spoke to an attorney and have decided to file charges in small claims court. Everybody's different, your mileage may vary. Just remember I paid him in April and It's July and I still haven't had on decent lesson with him. I've Kept my appointments. It's what happened after I arrived. The yelling, screaming, he talks about other students behind there backs. He will try the run the clock out on you. you get little to nothing for your money. Pure bullying and dishonestly. Watch the equipment up sale after he promises to train you on his equipment. which is sparse. He will snatch it from you and give it to the freshest money. Just wait and see. Again this is just an update to my experience and observations. Once he get's your money upfront and in full, you are nothing more than a time liability. Remember 3 months and nothing for my two Thousand. The more patient you are, the worst he get's. He really wants you gone. He will insult you and lie. That's my final answer."

"I called South Jersey Paragliding yesterday and was given an open invitation to stop by, so I did today. The airport is spacious, safe, well maintained and has a warm environment. As chance would have It is the same location I learned to fly a Powered Parachute many, many years ago. My observation and impression is that South Jersey Paragliding it is a well run friendly and focused school. Tom the instructor answered my questions and let me observe. When appropriate and possible I was able to get close enough to observe Tom's teaching technique. Nothing goes unnoticed. He is a helpful and encouraging instructor. His prices are fair, reasonable with no high pressure sales whatsoever. I spent a little under two hours at South Jersey Paragliding observing and taking in the beauty and wonder of the sport. It was exciting watching fledging pilots learning and practicing their Kiting Techniques. I would have traveled anywhere in the United States with a hope of attending a Paragliding school of this caliber and one that delivers. Well the search is over for me, the school is right here in South Jersey I feel that it is money well spent. That I will be trained responsibly and properly. The rest is up to me. Thanks Tom for the open invitation to South Jersey Paragliding. I will be starting class very soon. Sincerely, Oscar"