Then
A business built around flight
In 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites began with a plan to teach people to fly and sell hang gliders near Jockey’s Ridge.
Kitty Hawk Kites
Over 50 Years
In the spring of 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites began with a simple plan: teach people to fly and sell hang gliders. Over fifty years later, we are grateful for everyone who has been part of the journey.
In the spring of 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites was founded with a business plan centered on two ideas: teaching people to fly and selling hang gliders. The first operation was humble—an old garage with an outhouse across from Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head—but the purpose was clear from the beginning.
That original spirit still guides Kitty Hawk Kites today. This 50-year milestone is a moment to look back with gratitude, celebrate the people who made it possible, and look ahead to the next generation of adventure.
Where it began
A small start across from Jockey’s Ridge
Kitty Hawk Kites started in a place closely tied to wind, sand, and the dream of flight.
From the beginning, the focus was hands-on, approachable, and rooted in sharing the experience of flying with others. What started in a small, practical space grew into a lasting Outer Banks story shaped by customers, instructors, staff, and the community around Jockey’s Ridge.
In 1973, I was captivated by a picture of someone flying a hang glider in Utah. Seeing this hang glider reignited in me a passion for flight initially sparked by the joy of building and flying kites as a child on the farm where I grew up in Missouri. By the time I saw that photograph in the Winston-Salem Journal, I had moved to North Carolina after graduating from Missouri University of Science & Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering and was working for AT&T as an ocean engineer. I had spent all my spare time exploring North Carolina, from the coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by the story of the Wright Brothers, who had traveled to Kitty Hawk for its wind and sand, I just knew Jockey’s Ridge would be the ideal place to learn to fly. I couldn’t imagine a better mountain site than the majestic Grandfather Mountain on the opposite end of the state to fly this portable, inexpensive flying machine, the hang glider, the Rogallo Wing; and all I could think about was how I was truly going to fly! Feeling inspired, I bought a mail order hang glider for about $600 and set off for Jockey’s Ridge to learn to fly with friends. We ran up and down the dunes until we figured it out. Just like the Wright Brothers, we were lifted from the soft and forgiving sand dunes with nice steady winds, and experienced the thrill of personal flight. The experience was even better than I expected so I couldn’t wait to share my passion for flying with everyone. As soon as I flew, I knew I wanted to spend my life Teaching the World to Fly.
What has carried us for 50 years
The milestone is not only about how long Kitty Hawk Kites has been here. It is about the people, places, and experiences that have made the journey meaningful.
- A founding idea built around teaching people to fly
- A first location across from Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head
- Decades of customers who came ready to try something new
- Team members and instructors who helped share the experience
- A continued connection to the Outer Banks and the spirit of adventure
50-year reflections
Then, now, and what comes next
A simple way to frame the story of Kitty Hawk Kites’ first 50 years.
Now
A milestone worth celebrating
Fifty years later, the story continues through the customers, staff, instructors, and community who have supported Kitty Hawk Kites along the way.
Next
More memories still to make
The same love of wind, water, flight, and outdoor adventure remains at the heart of what Kitty Hawk Kites shares with visitors.
Thank you for being part of the story
Whether you took a first lesson, stopped into a shop, brought your family back year after year, or helped create the experience behind the scenes, you are part of this milestone. Thank you for 50 years of support, curiosity, and adventure.
Celebrate with us
Keep the adventure going
Explore more of Kitty Hawk Kites and help carry the spirit of adventure into the next 50 years.