Dune Hang Gliding lessons are conducted at our training facility in Jockey’s Ridge State Park located at Mile Post 12 in Nags Head, NC. The dunes of Jockey’s Ridge provide the perfect platform for learning to hang glide. They have enough height for beginners, and are soft for landing. Through special arrangement with the State Park Service, we are allowed to conduct hang gliding lessons from these dunes. We have been providing lessons at this site for nearly 50 years.
A typical Beginner Dune Hang Gliding Lesson is 3 hours long and starts with check-in (30 minutes prior to class time). The lesson begins with a ~30 minute ground school to learn the basics of hang gliding. After ground school, your class proceeds to the dunes via a scenic walkway. We launch and land directly into the wind, so the specific dune we will be teaching you on will vary day to day. You can expect a 10-15 minute walk through sand to get to our destination. Once you have climbed to the the top of the dune (the instructor carries the glider) you begin your solo hang gliding flights. The instructor is there to help. He/she will help you get into the harness, provide any last minute instructions, and help you launch.
You will run into the wind, and depending on the wind conditions (and your weight and skill), you can travel anywhere from 30 to 100+ yards at 5 to 15 feet above the sand. Each trip down the dune is termed a “flight.” The standard beginner lesson includes 5 flights. We’ll help you land on your feet for style points, but rolling in on the large wheels is a safe landing approach as well. Additionally, hang gliders are weight shift controlled aircraft. You can expect your instructor(s) to be more “hands on” with younger and lighter students.
After everyone in the group has finished their flights, we will head back to the school for a brief sign-out process. You will receive a log book and sticker. This is a great time to purchase souvenirs in our gift shop, or order your GoPro Film and Photo Package.
Does anyone in your group have a mobility restriction that will keep them from walking on the sand dunes? If so, the Park may be able to help if you contact them now at 252-441-7132. They require at least 24 hours advanced notice and it’s dependent upon weather and ranger availability.
