The sands and constant wind of the Outer Banks make the area the perfect destination for gliding on the air. In fact, Orville Wright set the world record for gliding in the Outer Banks several years after his historic flight. You can relive this history at the site of the first flight, the Wright Brothers National Park , down the road in Kitty Hawk. Combine this flying perfection with the largest sand dune in the eastern United States at Jockey's Ridge State Park, and you get the ideal location for Kitty Hawk Kites, the largest hang-gliding school in the world. Whether you climb the ridge barefoot, watch the sunset paint the sky, fly a kite on the wind currents, or learn to hang glide off the dunes, this is a place where land, wind, and imagination converge. The constantly shifting landscape makes every visit a little different, and always worth the climb.
Towering nearly 100 feet, Jockey’s Ridge offers unmatched views of both ocean and sound. It’s the perfect spot for sunset photos, sand play or quiet reflection above the coast.
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Birthplace of Flight
Just a few miles from Jockey’s Ridge, the Wright brothers made history with the world’s first powered flight in 1903. The coastal winds here made for the ideal launch and that same breeze still carries the spirit of innovation today.
Kitty Hawk Kites
The world’s largest hang-gliding school
Over the years, Kitty Hawk Kites has taught more than 300,000 people ranging from ages 4 to 92 and all levels of physical challenges. With several locations, Kitty Hawk Kites offers kiteboarding, parasailing, kayak tours, and flight experiences, including flying a replica of the 1902 Wright Glider.
