Dune Hang Gliding Lessons at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Our Dune Hang Gliding lessons take place at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, located at Mile Post 12 in Nags Head, NC. The dunes at Jockey’s Ridge are the perfect location for beginners, offering ideal height for learning and soft landings. Thanks to a special arrangement with the State Park Service, we’ve been providing lessons here for nearly 50 years.
Lesson Overview
Beginner Dune Hang Gliding Lesson
Check-in: Arrive 30 minutes before your lesson begins.
Ground School: Start with an introduction to the basics of hang gliding, including safety instructions, flying techniques, and equipment orientation.
Walking to the Dunes: After Ground School, we’ll take a 10-15 minute walk through the sand to the dunes. Depending on the wind conditions that day, we’ll choose the best dune for your lesson, ensuring a safe and exciting experience. Your instructor will carry the glider up the dune.
Flying: Once at the top, you’ll begin your solo hang gliding flights! Your instructor will assist with getting you into the harness, give final instructions, and help with the launch. You’ll run into the wind and, depending on wind conditions, weight, and skill, you can glide anywhere from 30 to 100+ yards at a height of 5 to 15 feet above the sand.
Each trip down the dune is a “flight,” and you can expect 5 flights during your beginner lesson.
We’ll encourage you to land on your feet for style points, but if needed, a safe landing on the glider’s large wheels is perfectly acceptable.
After everyone has completed their flights, we’ll head back to the school for a brief sign-out process. You’ll receive a log book and a sticker to commemorate your experience. It’s also a great time to check out souvenirs in our gift shop or order your GoPro Film and Photo Package.
Ground School: $39
Required for all Beginner Dune Lessons
Ground School is an essential part of every hang gliding lesson at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. It provides the foundation of knowledge you need to safely enjoy your flight. If it’s been more than one year since your last Ground School, you’ll need to retake this portion of the lesson.
Ground School Includes:
Hang gliding and State Park orientation
Hang gliding history
Glider control inputs
Launching, flying, and landing techniques
Equipment overview
Mobility Restrictions
If anyone in your group has a mobility restriction that might prevent them from walking on the dunes, the State Park may be able to assist. Please contact the Park at least 24 hours in advance at 252-441-7132. Availability is dependent on weather conditions and ranger availability.
