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Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson

Adventure

Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson

Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson is one of Kitty Hawk Kites' signature lessons in Nags Head, NC. It's a strong fit for guests looking for flight experiences, family-friendly fun, and groups. Learn to Hang Glide at Jockey’s Ridge State Park - The most iconic place to fly in the Outer Banks!

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Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson

Price

$149 per person

Duration

3 hours

Location

Hang Gliding School
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Adventure Overview

The most iconic place to fly in the Outer Banks

Looking for unforgettable things to do in the Outer Banks? D

Discover the thrill of human flight at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC—home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast. For nearly 50 years, Kitty Hawk Kites has proudly offered beginner dune hang gliding lessons here through a special partnership with the State Park Service.
Adventure Promotion Recreation

$5 OFF!

Save $5 person when you book for Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday

Adventure Promotion Recreation

$5 OFF!

Mention the offer when booking by phone or apply the discount online during checkout. It’s the perfect way to fly high and save.

Call 1-877-FLY-THIS (359-8447) for booking assistance.
Discount subject to availability. Valid at participating locations only.

With soft landings, steady ocean breezes, and expert instructors, this is the perfect place to learn how to hang glide—whether you’re a first-time flyer or checking off a bucket list dream.

Lesson Breakdown

1. Check-In

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled class time to check in, meet your instructor, and prepare for your adventure.

2. Ground School (Required for All Beginners)

Learn the essentials of flight in a ~30-minute safety and technique session, including:

  • Hang gliding history and State Park orientation
  • Glider control and equipment overview
  • Launching, flying, and landing techniques
  • Training film and safety review

Note: If it’s been over a year since your last lesson, Ground School must be retaken.

3. Walk to the Dunes

Enjoy a 10–15 minute scenic walk through the park to reach the best dune for flying that day. Your instructor will carry the glider, and the dune selection will depend on wind direction and safety conditions.

4. Take Flight

This is where the magic happens! From the top of the dune:

  • Launch solo into the wind with your instructor’s guidance
  • Fly between 30 to 100+ yards at heights of 5 to 15 feet
  • Complete 5 solo training flights in your beginner lesson
  • Land on your feet (or safely on the glider’s wheels—both are a win!)

Instructors may offer extra support for younger or lighter students as needed.

5. Wrap-Up & Souvenirs

After all flights are complete, return to the flight school to:

  • Receive your official flight logbook and sticker
  • Browse souvenirs and flight gear in our gift shop
  • Order your GoPro Film and Photo Package to relive your adventure

Reservations Policy

Adventure Reservations Policies

We try to be as flexible as we possibly can to make your experience great, but please be mindful that we do have some policies that should be reviewed.

Read Policy

Reservations Policy

Adventure Reservations Policies

Our activities tend to fill up, so we encourage you to make your reservation early, especially if you plan to come in June, July, August, September, or during a holiday. While walk-ins are welcome, there is no guarantee that space will be available without a reservation.

Payment

Full payment is required to book your reservation. Kitty Hawk Kites does not hold spots without payment. Your card will be charged when you click “Accept” on the confirmation page. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. If you want to pay by cash or gift card, you must make your reservation at one of our retail stores or activity sites. If you are unsure of where the nearest reservations facility is, please call or text 252-251-4314.
Prices are subject to change, so confirm the rates at time of reservation.

Weather Related Cancellations and Refunds

Weather changes frequently and unexpectedly in coastal areas, and many weather forecasts are inaccurate. Due to these factors, weather related cancellations will likely not occur until very close to time of the scheduled reservation. Should Kitty Hawk Kites cancel your scheduled activity due to unsafe weather conditions, you will be offered the chance to reschedule your activity or Kitty Hawk Kites can either issue you a **wind check** (for Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Paddleboarding and Surfing) or provide you with a refund for the portion of the activity you were unable to complete.

For instance, in the case of Demo and Beginner Dune Hang Gliding Lessons the first portion (“Ground School”) of your lesson will not be cancelled and is non-refundable within 48 hours. The ground school is pro-rated at $39 per student.
Note: if you were booked on one of our packages, and part of your activities are cancelled due to weather, and you opt for a refund, you will be charged regular price for the activities you completed.

Customer Related Cancellations & Rescheduling

Should the purchasing customer request a refund, Kitty Hawk Kites will provide a full refund for any request that is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled activity. No refunds will be given for customer cancellations made within the 48 hours before the scheduled activity. If the reservation is made within the 48 hours before the activity time, the reservation is non-refundable at the time of the booking.

Fishing Trips scheduled on the Carolina Blue and the Southern Run require a weeks notice to cancel for a full refund.  Any cancellations made within a week of your fishing trip will be charged full cost of the trip.

Reschedules

Customers may request to reschedule or wind check their scheduled activity to a future time or date at any time up until the day preceding their scheduled activity. Same day rescheduling shall not be permitted.

Late Arrivals & No Show Policy

NO REFUNDS or reschedules will be given if you fail to show up for your activity. Please contact Kitty Hawk Kites 24 hours prior to your scheduled activity if you need to reschedule.

Waivers

For activities that require a liability waiver to be completed, each participant of that activity must complete a waiver to participate in that activity. Minor participants (anyone under 18 years old) must have their waiver completed by their parent or legal guardian in order for the minor participant to take part in the scheduled activity. If you have any questions concerning whether the scheduled activity requires a waiver or how to obtain a waiver for a minor not traveling with their parent or legal guardian, please call 1-877-FLY-THIS to speak to a Kitty Hawk Kites reservations associate.

**Wind Checks**

A wind check is a non expiring voucher which allows you to schedule your activity (Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Paddleboarding and Surfing) for a future date if you are unable to complete your scheduled activity and cannot reschedule during your stay on the Outer Banks. Wind checks do not have to be used by the person to whom they were issued – so don’t lose them. Kitty Hawk Kites is not responsible for lost or stolen wind checks. If you have a wind check and would like to schedule your activity, simply call reservations at 1-877-FLY-THIS and them know you are redeeming a wind check to begin the scheduling process.

Accessibility

We are committed to making our activities as accessible as possible. While some activities may have limitations, we’re happy to work with you to explore accommodations. For assistance or questions, please contact us at (252) 441-4124.