Outer Banks & Northern Coast

Hang Gliding In Kitty Hawk

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the birds in Kitty Hawk are pretty darned flattered as flocks of humans take to the skies in hang gliders along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Orville and Wilbur Wright started the whole flight exploration in the fledgling years of the 20th century, coming to the area to test out gliders and eventually their successful powered craft.

Now, as then, people find the winds just right, the dunes a little higher, and the sand a little softer. This is important if your hang glider loses altitude rapidly. Beginners, intermediates and the advanced flier can find instruction at a number of locations along the coast.

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding Training Center is the world’s largest hang gliding school, teaching more than 10,000 students every year.

They say anyone can do it. Well, almost anyone. First, you have to be brave enough to strap yourself to a wing and be willing to launch yourself into the sky. Then, you have to weigh at least 80 pounds. Otherwise, a gust might take you soaring away never to be seen again. If you weigh more than 225 pounds, you’re not going anywhere.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a good place to start. Here you can find certified instructors to help you imitate the birds. And, you’ll be on the hallowed ground trod by Orville and Wilbur.

There are a number of ways to learn to fly. First, there is the solo dune hang gliding method taught at Jockey’s Ridge. This involves running into the wind off a sand dune. Or, you can learn the tandem method. Strapped to a certified instructor, you are launched from a boat or towed behind an ultra-light aircraft. You’ll reach altitudes of 2,000 feet or more, be released and learn while soaring unfettered over the Outer Banks.

Those who have moved past the beginner status can take advantage of a higher-level course or even learn to be a certified instructor. Hang Two rated fliers can head to North Carolina’s high country and launch from a mountain.

A number of coastal events feature hang gliding – a good way to learn more before you decide to try it. So, if hang gliding sounds good to you, get out to Kitty Hawk and flatter a bird.

added: December 23, 2008

updated: December 26, 2008