Michael Percy, XL adventurer

Michael Percy, XL adventurerBy Zandra Wolfgram

If you need to get a fresh perspective, Michael Percy is your man. Owner of XL Kites (XLKites.com) in Fort Walton Beach since 1989, Percy has three adventurous ways to appreciate the Emerald Coast.

The amphibious aircraft, also called a “trike,” can take off from land or water. It whisks two guests (10 years old and older) up to 18,000 feet in the sky to drink in spectacular views.

Kiteboarding, the company’s signature sport geared to those at least 18 years old, is a combination thrill of sailing and surfing waves simultaneously. The half-day course with the XL Kite trainers allows water lovers to “dip their toe” into the sport before they invest in pricey equipment.

Haven’t we all dreamed of flying? Glide over the gulf in a paragliding parachute propelled with a motor on your back. “These rides are fun and safe. You don’t have to do extreme sports to have an adventure,” Percy says.

Click on the image below to be taken to the video that EC Magazine photographer Scott Holstein captured on his recent flight with Michael Percy